Tattered Pride and Facades

Anna's POV:

Back at the Seaside Manor, as soon as I stepped inside, Blake grabbed my wrist. "We need to leave in thirty minutes. Get dressed." His fingers pressed into the same spot he'd gripped at the hospital, making me wince.

"I can pick my own clothes," I said, trying to pull away.

"Not today." His voice left no room for argument as he pulled me toward our walk-in closet. "This dinner is important."

I could have fought harder, but four years of marriage had taught me when to compromise.

In the closet, I hesitated before the rows of designer clothes. "This one?" I suggested, reaching for a conservative pantsuit.

Blake barely glanced at it before shaking his head. His eyes scanned the racks efficiently until he pulled out a forest green dress I'd forgotten I owned. "This one."

The dress was fitted, elegant without being revealing. I was surprised he'd even noticed it among my wardrobe.

"Don't make this a habit," he said coldly. "Other men's wives don't get this treatment."

I bit back a retort. Other men's wives don't have to compete with their husbands' step-sisters.

Then I slipped into the dress, surprised at how perfectly it fit. I studied my reflection, turning slowly to see how the fabric hugged my curves.

Blake had chosen well. The color complemented my amber eyes and made my golden-brown hair appear richer.

My hands smoothed the fabric over my hips, fuller than they'd been at eighteen. Claire, with her ballet dancer's body, would never have these curves. I wonder if he notices the difference between us. Claire will always be the little girl who needs protecting.

Blake was waiting in the living room, impeccable in his tailored suit, scrolling through emails on his phone. When I descended the stairs, his eyes flicked up, widening fractionally before his expression returned to its usual mask of indifference.

"No necklace?" he commented, his gaze dropping to my bare neck. "My dad will think Wright Group is going bankrupt."

I touched my throat, realizing I'd forgotten jewelry in my haste. "I'll get—"

"No time," Blake cut me off, standing. "We're already late."

In the garage, Blake held open the car door, but stopped me when I moved toward the passenger seat.

"You'll sit in the back."

I froze. "What do you mean?"

"We need to pick up Claire from the hospital. She'll be more comfortable in front."

The humiliation burned through me like acid. Without another word, I slid into the back, my pride in tatters.

At the hospital, Blake left me waiting in the car. Through the windshield, I watched him come out a few minutes later.

Claire was right next to him, looking pitiful as she tugged at his sleeve, her eyes wide as she said something to him. Blake reached out and gently stroked her hair to comfort her. I let out a bitter smile as I watched them walk toward me, step by step.

When she spotted me in the back seat, Claire's expression flickered with satisfaction before morphing into a sweet smile.

"Anna! You came too!" Her voice was musical with that slight lilt.

Blake helped her into the front seat, leaning across to fasten her seatbelt. The silence in the car grew oppressive until Claire turned, her blonde curls bouncing.

"God, hospitals are so boring when you're alone! Tell me what you two have been up to."

Her eyes fixed on my dress. "Anna, that color is gorgeous on you. Did Blakey pick it out? He always had such good taste."

Before I could answer, Claire continued, "I hope you'll both take me with you everywhere once I'm better. We should be together like this every day—one happy family!"

Blake's expression softened. "Of course. As soon as the doctor clears you, we'll go wherever you want."

Claire's eyes found mine in the rearview mirror. "Don't you agree, Anna?"

The expectation in her voice left no room for refusal. "Sure," I managed.

I used to think she was just an exhausting princess. Now I see she's a master manipulator.

Caroline and William were waiting at the entrance when we arrived at the Wright Estate. Caroline embraced me first. "Anna, darling! You look stunning."

She moved to Claire next, pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

Claire immediately looped her arm through her mother's. "Still a little weak," she murmured, her voice suddenly fragile.

William beckoned to me. "Anna, come see the new painting in the study. Just arrived from Christie's."

As we walked, William's voice dropped. "You know, you've always had excellent taste. Caroline would have adored you."

The compliment warmed me unexpectedly. Whatever was happening in my marriage, William had always treated me with genuine affection.

After dinner, Caroline found me alone and drew me into the kitchen. Her eyes fell to my wrist, where Blake's fingerprints had left faint bruises.

"What happened here?" she asked gently.

"Just an accident," I replied, pulling down my sleeve.

Caroline handed me a cup of tea. "Alright, darling, you need to take better care of yourself. By the way, have you and Blake discussed children? William would love a grandchild before..."

Her eyes drifted meaningfully to my abdomen. I sipped the tea to avoid answering immediately. Would a child be the anchor that saves a marriage or the chain that binds you to a sinking ship?

"Alright, darling, I won't push you anymore. After all, this is between you two. Would you take this to Blake?" Caroline asked, preparing another cup. "It's his favorite."

I nodded, suddenly grateful for her kindness.

Blake and Claire were huddled by the fireplace in the living room, speaking in low voices. As I approached with the tea, Claire's smile faltered.

"Darling, Caroline's fruit tea. They're quite eager for grandchildren, you know. Perhaps we should give it serious thought," I said.

Blake's surprise was momentary, but he recovered quickly, accepting the cup with a nod. "I see."

Claire's fingers began twisting nervously in her hair, her expression hardening as she watched our exchange.

Blake took a sip of tea and commented, "It's good."

I leaned down and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "That makes it sweeter."

Blake, watching William's approving smile, surprised me by taking my hand and pressing his lips to my knuckles.

Claire's face froze, her knuckles white where she gripped the armrest.

"I just remembered something!" she exclaimed abruptly, rushing toward a storage cabinet in the corner. "Anna, you've got to see this!"