Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Unknown Number Ill see you again , my wife . I frowned upon reading that . I chose not to reply and instead glanced at Elena , who was engrossed in her phone . It was our lunch break , and she was accompanying me since Ares couldnt make it due to an important commitment . Do you know how much an annulment costs ? Holy shit ! Both Elena and I were taken aback by her exclamation . I saw her defeated expression on her phone screen , which made me laugh . What ? What annulment ? she asked in shock . Tsk ! she added , sounding disappointed , leaving me perplexed . I bit my lower lip and recalled what the mysterious man had said yesterday . I thought he was going to take me somewhere , but he simply took me out to eat because he wasnt accustomed to dining alone . Ares didnt return to the boutique that day , so I headed home alone . What annulment ? Why ? The cost depends on whether you have a child or not Or if your husband disagrees wait ! Youre going to get an annulment ? She was still in shock as she asked , her loud voice catching the attention of those nearby . I lightly tapped her arm . Dont be so loud . Ares wants to rush our wedding for next week . Im still married , Elena , I explained , feeling unsure about what to do . That man was right . I was barely getting by . My mother and brother had accumulated significant debts , and I was the one responsible for covering Agathas tuition fees . How could I afford an annulment that cost almost a million ? I noticed Elena grimacing at me and signaling as she looked behind me . When turned , I saw Ares entering the coffee shop where we were , his gaze fixed on me . I felt a rush of nerves at the intensity of his stare . He didnt smile this was serious . Was this the feeling of having a secret kept from you ? I couldnt bear this for much longer … As Ares approached , he briefly looked at Elena before turning his attention to me . His face was stern , making my chest tighten even more . Whats wrong ? I thought- Dad wants to see you tonight . At our house , he said coldly , furrowing my brow . Why … He scratched the side of his forehead , his expression a mix of a frown and a forced smile . Lets talk . That was the last thing he said before he led me back to his office . I could feel the tightness of his grip on my wrist , and fear began to creep in as I looked behind him . I couldnt find my voice . Did he already know ? If so , what would I tell him , Ana ? How would I explain everything to him ? As we reached the office , he released my wrist . I stood there , rooted in place , as he sat in his swivel chair and ran his fingers through his hair . Um … That was all I managed to say before he looked at me directly again . Why didnt you tell me ? Why did I have to hear it from other people ? I thought we dont keep secrets in this relationship , Anastacia ? His voice was stern and angry . My entire being trembled . I felt like I could faint at any moment due to the overwhelming nervousness and fear . My knees and hands were trembling , and my chest was tightening with extreme anxiety . He knows … A Ares … Im so sorry … Damn it . Just answer me . Why didnt you tell me ? Your mom told me you needed money . Why ? Isnt your salary here enough ? Do you want me to triple your pay so that you can give them everything and have nothing left for yourself ? He asked , frustration lacing his words . I was stunned by what I heard . My shoulders sagged . I couldnt tell if it was a sense of relief or the realization that he didnt discover the real secret . I 20:58 The Double Life of My DINK Husband : Wha His Business Trips Were Really Hiding 18.9 Chapter 21 didnt know if I would ever feel gratitude again . W what ? I stammered , my lips trembling . He suddenly stood up and swiftly closed the distance between us . I met your mom earlier . She came to me, asking for a loan . Its for you . Why ? Is there something I dont know ? Are you sick ? Because after finding out the amount of money she was asking for , Im concerned you might be … he told me , genuine worry etched on his face . My mouth hung open in disbelief . I felt like I was melting with embarrassment What was I hearing ? Why ? What was going on ? H how much … I almost whispered to him because I couldnt bear it . Money isnt a big deal to me , Love , and you know that . I can give it to you- How much were you asked for ? I interrupted him , heeding to know . He scratched his neck and looked straight at me . One hundred thousand . My jaw dropped , and my eyes widened even further upon hearing that . I felt like my soul had escaped my body . I was filled with anger and shame . It was almost too much to bear . My mother and brother had done this several times , but this was the first time they had asked Ares for so much . For what ? Why ? Later , Ares gently touched me , and I looked at him . His expression was gentle and his eyes were filled with concern . Are you sick ? Whats this for ? Why didnt you tell me ? he asked , and I quickly shook my head . N no … No , Im not , Ares . I didnt ask for that . Did you give it to them ? When I saw him nod , it felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over me . I didnt wait for him to answer . I immediately ran out of his office , grabbed my bag , and heard Ares chasing after me , but I ignored him . A few minutes later , I was home . I slammed the door , and my mother immediately appeared , a wide smile on her face . I glanced down at the money on the table ; she seemed to be counting it . I wasnt playing games anymore . I quickly approached her , intent on returning the money to Ares , but she snatched it from my hands . What are you doing ? Why are you here ? Its still early- Ares told me . Why , Mom ? Whats going on ? For what ? I already gave you money , didnt I ? I asked her calmly , but she ignored me and quickly stashed the money back into her bag . Because you didnt give enough . I have to pay Martina . Dont be so selfish , Ana ! She yelled at me . I laughed , feeling a painful twist in my heart . A Am I still selfish ? Do you hear what youre saying , Mom ? My voice trembled . She glared at me and concealed the bag completely . I could still hear her muttering . Why ? Its true ! Youre not giving enough money . Do you know how much it costs to run this household ? What youre giving isnt sufficient . I have to pay Martina , or else well lose this house ! She shouted at me . I felt even weaker hearing that . My hands were shaking badly . I watched as she avoided looking at me , scratching her head . Later , she lit a cigarette and glanced at me again . I mortgaged this house because your older brother needed the money . You didnt give much , so I approached Ares . Youre really lucky because youll marry a rich man , she said , laughing , and I almost lost it hearing her words . This house … weve only had it for five years . It was the first house I bought before I left my previous job at Aragons . And now theyve mortgaged it ? I collapsed into a chair because my knees were trembling so badly . I closed my eyes tightly , attempting to calm myself , but I couldnt . I felt like I was going to explode , especially when I saw my older brother Matthew suddenly arrive and approach our mother . Did you ask húm ? Give me 50 thousand … I sighed heavily and stood up again . I quickly approached my mom and grabbed the bag with the money , surprising both of them . 20:58 The Double Life of My DINK Husband : WhatHis Business Trips Were Really Hiding 19.29 % 20:58 Chapter 21 Ana ! What the hell ! Thats mine . Ares gave it to me ! My shouted angrily but I ignored her and walked straight to the door . And you used my name ! Arent you embarrassed . Mom ? Even Ares is sympathizing with the fact that youre the only one benefiting- Before I could continue what I was about to say , I felt my world suddenly shake , and I fell to the floor . I held my cheek , feeling blood coming out of my nose due to the force of Matthews blow . I couldnt hold back my tears , especially when I heard them hurling insults . You fool! Youre ungrateful ! Just because youre the one bringing money into this household doesnt mean you can disrespect everyone here . Were still your family ! Whats wrong with asking Ares for money ? Arent you getting married ? You selfish bitch ! He shouted angrily at me . During those moments , I didnt know what to say . I felt like I was deafened by the force of his blow . I couldnt stand up and couldnt bear to look at them . I dropped the bag and just turned my back on them . Thats right ! Get out of here ! Ungrateful , selfish bitch . Pwe ! I even heard my older brother yell , making me feel even heavier . I clutched my chest and gently tapped it . I swallowed and swallowed , just trying to suppress my anger and emotion . I wiped away my tears firmly , along with the blood from my nose that was still coming out , then walked away from that place. While I was walking , feeling like everything was falling apart , the rain suddenly started pouring , making my mood even worse . Memories of that fateful day rushed back . I gazed up at the sky and met the raindrops . Dad … I miss you so much … I murmured to myself , and I just sat down on the ground , letting go of all the anger I held toward my family . I didnt understand why it still wasnt enough . I didnt comprehend why they treated me like this . We were a happy family when dad was alive . Its been six years since he passed away . Its also been six years since they wished had died instead of him . Am I the one they blame for his death ? Hey ! I stopped sobbing when I heard that shout . I looked up at the road and saw a car parked in front of me . The window on the What on earth are you doing ? passenger side was open . I squinted , trying to see the man speaking from inside the car , but I couldnt make him out . I attempted to stand , but my trembling legs wouldnt support me . I felt like I could faint at any moment because of the shock . A while later , I saw the man swiftly get out of his car and approach me . When looked up at him , my forehead creased heard his strong curses before he knelt in front of me . What the … what happened ? Who did this to you ? He exclaimed , touching my cheek . ძი recognized him . I even Youre fucking bleeding , Anastacia ! He yelled , and I only just realized he was lifting me as I could feel the blood still coming from my nose . Its you again … I whispered before losing consciousness completely . 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