Anastasia (Desire & Chance)

02: Anastasia

I stood with my hands on my hips, my freshly curled blonde hair cascading over my shoulders. I forced myself not to slam the desk in front of me, knowing it would ruin my blue and pink coquette nails.

But my father's words were infuriating enough to make me want to lash out.

"What?" I asked, feigning innocence as if I hadn't heard him. I had heard every word, but I wanted him to repeat it—if he dared.

My father, with his own head of blonde hair now streaked with silver, looked ready to burst with frustration. I seemed to have a special talent for raising his blood pressure.

But I wasn't exactly keeping mine in check either.

"Ana, sit down first-"

"No, tell me what you were going to say. Who am I supposed to marry?"

He winced and sighed. "The eldest son of the Romanovs-"

"My ex-fiancé who called off our engagement," I interrupted, my voice sharp.

Just thinking about Alexei and the way he humiliated me by breaking off our engagement still burned with anger. It was a matter of pride, damn it.

My father's face tightened as he struggled to regain his composure. "Yes, Alexei Romanov. I know it's been six years, but-"

"Six years, and it's like nothing has changed!" I snapped. "How dare he have the audacity to come back into my life after what he did?"

He rubbed his temples, clearly exasperated. "Ana, this isn't about the past. This is about what's best for our family. The Romanovs are influential, and this marriage could benefit us significantly."

I crossed my arms, my anger flaring. "So I'm just a pawn in your game? My feelings don't matter?"

My father's gaze softened, but his frustration remained. "It's not about that. It's about securing our future. Alexei's family-"

"Alexei's family doesn't get to dictate my future!" I cut him off, my voice trembling with a mix of rage and hurt. "I won't be forced into a marriage with someone who made me feel worthless."

He took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his patience. "This isn't just about you, Ana. It's about everyone. Please, just give it a chance."

"No!"

"Anastasia Sokolov!" My father slammed the desk, causing me to flinch, but I stood my ground.

"Father!"

"Listen to me this once, Ana. He's the best option we have. At least meet with him and see if he's still the man you remember."

"Oh, I have no doubt he's still the same jerk I remember."

My father, Ivan, bristled and glared at me. "Shut your mouth! Listen to me without interrupting!"

I stood my ground, my heart racing. "I'm not meeting him, Father. I refuse to be dragged back into that nightmare."

My father's eyes narrowed, his frustration evident. "Ana, this is a serious matter. You need to consider the consequences."

"I've considered them!" I shot back, my voice steady.

With a final, resolute glance, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving my father by the desk. His frustration was palpable, but his ability to sway me had clearly diminished.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Funny how my rejection ended up being in vain. My father, Ivan, resorted to threatening my career to get his way.