The ornate heady scent of the flowers surrounded Anna. She leaned down to cup the blooming petals of her marigold, inhaling the fragrance. It was just something about flowers in your garden that tempted you to hum. 

Anna Bell till last month had lived with her best friend, Rachel Whitaker, who was about to be married to the love of her life Christopher Evans. Anna had been over the moon hearing the announcement, she knew what Chris meant to Rachel; the uncertainty their relationship went through; the hurdles they faced. She knew relationships weren’t perfect but it depended upon the people involved to make it as perfect as they wanted it to be. And that is what characterized Rachel and Chris’s love. A love built on a strong foundation which would sustain its way through honesty, fidelity, unconditional affection and respect.

Anna sighed; being back in her parent’s London house did give her freedom to think, to plan, to simply live the way she wanted to without any fuss, any added botherations.

But Anna felt restless, she was Cromwell’s daughter, one of the most famous investment bankers with his own I-bank, she wanted to do something that would leave her legacy behind. To be known for something that you yourself had created, shaped, twisted, found; something with your own label, your own name on it; was unfathomably satisfying.

An idea was germinating in Anna’s mind though she had pursued her Masters in Management from Paris, she had a dream to drown into the one thing Paris was acclaimed world over for- fashion.

She wanted to establish her own fashion boutique. Not any typical boutique but one where in she would gather designs, ornaments from all cultural spheres and showcase in her shop. To give an opportunity to the craftsmen to display their work, their ingenuity to all and sundry. To enable them to live their dream and that was her dream.

She could just visualize herself as she made her customers meet their match in style and panache but she would require funding. Funding that she was unwilling to take from her father not after what had happened to drive them apart. They might be a family but the reality was known to few and Anna would love to keep it that way. It suited her just fine.

Anna idly began twisting her long hair into a braid, she knew it was easy to dream but it took courage to take the first step and achieve what she truly wanted. To face the world, head held high, having the nerve to bare yourself to the world, to allow yourself to be judged. Was she even ready for that?

She had an offer from her father to join his team. The prospect of earning a living had never been considered, by her, or her father. Cromwell women didn't need to work; they had the option of chairing well established committees. But, her heart had been set, with Rachel as an inspiration who had shown the guts to start at the very lower level; she wanted to do the same.

Just then she heard her mother’s voice call her,” Anna dear, is everything alright?”

Anna smiled, “Yes, mamma, I was just looking at the flowers.”

Her mother Jane was everything Anna could want in a woman, pretty with a no nonsense attitude, she kept their house and life disciplined and grounded. Wish she could say the same about the way she handled her father’s indiscretions. It might be a taboo topic for them at home but Anna was no child, she had heard rumors, the ones she was quite sure her mother had too, nameless affairs, infidelity; something in her always coerced her to believe them to be untrue; maybe it was the way her mother had always handled the situation with such elegance, never shrinking from her duty and love.

What burdens she must be carrying deep within her heart. Buried and locked.

Anna remembered the day as a young twelve year old, she had gone barging in her mother’s room full of anger and inexplicable hurt. When she had tried to ask her mother in near incoherent words specifying the gore rumors, her mother calmly had hugged her close and explained to her in a soft tone;

“My sweet little Anna, rumors are just that rumors and they are vile and what you can do as my child is simply ignore them because letting them affect you means you’re letting them win.”

“But mumma, they make me so angry.”

“Yes they would and they would even hurt,” her mother had replied running her hand over her long black tresses.

And when she had further inquired how she could not let them affect her, after all they were saying things about her father, her hero; her mother had simply patted her head.

That day Anna realized, some things were best left unsaid. Because deep down they didn’t hurt, they were nonexistent; bringing them to surface would unnecessarily cause pain and agony. Anna had learnt a very big lesson, very early in her life.

"You look tired,” Anna murmured clasping her mother’s hands in hers.

 "Hmm? No, just daydreaming. Sometimes it’s just so beautiful to sit back and do nothing.”

"Then that's what we'll do today," Anna chirped as she forced her mother to sit down next to her, occupying the nearby garden chair herself.

 "It’s a date." Anna noticed when her mother smiled, some of the weariness lifted from her eyes,” oh but that reminds me.”

“Of ?” Anna piped enjoying the day more than she was willing to admit.

“A young man is about to pay a visit. Why don’t you get ready?” Jane smiled at her teasingly.

Anna furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, “A young man?”

Jane played with the grass, letting them just slide through her fingers as she continued smiling.

“Mumma?” Anna glared at her mother,” Is it who I am thinking it is?”

Jane nodded amused at her daughter’s theatrics; she loved her daughter, her most precious gift,” Oh yes, the love of your life.”

“Mumma,” exclaimed an indignant Anna.

Of course, who else could it be if not him?

Robert Han, her arch nemesis. And saying that she wasn’t even exaggerating. Of course, he was gorgeous, a male specimen who made women simper. Anna really wanted to test the said women’s brains. For goodness sake, agreed; he had those green eyes which just reminded her of emeralds. And who could forget that smile that just made your heart melt. Anna shook her head and snorted but not hers, so not hers, for all she cared the smile was a devil’s smile and she was not affected, not even one bit. Beat that!

Jane smirked. "How come I never figured why you never liked him?"

Anna smirked right back, "because I could never find any redeeming qualities in him." She turned to face Jane and asked,” Why is he coming here?”

Robert Han had played a trick on her as a child for which she had never forgiven him. Nor was she planning to anytime soon.

Jane shielded her face with her one hand from the sun’s pleasant rays to look at her daughter, she shrugged,” as far as I know he has some work with your father. Now, where are you off to?” Jane saw her daughter getting up from her chair.

Anna flicked her hair and winked at her mother,” running away.”

Jane’s  voice trailed off as she looked towards the back door. "Oh, my," she murmured. “Now there will be sparks.”

"Hmm?"

 "He is here."

Anna turned and there he was!

Robert Han walked with a gait that reflected his confidence and that was one thing that made Anna feel a little gooey.  His body looked hard as granite, and his eyes, sharp green, seemed to just look right into you. In a casual shirt and jeans, he didn't look rich and successful. But he sure looked dangerous.

“Madam,” Robert stopped near Jane and kissed her hand,” It’s wonderful to see you this evening.”

Anna looked at the smile that splashed itself on her mother’s face and rolled her eyes.

“It’s equally wonderful to meet you, handsome man,” Jane bubbled.

"Robert." Anna offered a hand. "Surprising to see you here."

 "Anna, I'm sure it is." He took her hand, held it, as his eyes held hers.

She blessed him with a fake smile.  

 "I heard you had work here?" She knew she would risk her dignity if she tugged her hand from his. She glared at him.

From the gleam in his eye, she was sure he understood it and accepted her challenge. "Not at the moment." He turned her hand in his, ignoring her glare and let his lips lay a whisper soft kiss. Anna jolted the moment his lips touched her hand, she could feel the touch sending warm signals her way influencing the way her body reacted to him, making her all the more aware of his existence.  She was even scared to interpret them let alone acknowledge them.

“Some things never change and,” Jane looked at Robert as she uttered,” I cannot decide if I even want them to alter.”

Anna simply looked at her mother and back at Robert.

 Jane cast her mind back. "You need to forgive him now, Anna. It’s been too long."

 "Truly?" Robert immediately came to attention. "I am even willing to grovel?"

 "I'm sure you've attempted the maneuver once or twice, Robert," Anna said dryly.

 "For forgiveness" His eyes took on a warrior's glint. “I am willing to do anything."

“Huh,” Anna waved her hand in dismissal.

“I don’t know how to take in such hostility, Robert,” Jane stood and spoke.

“Practice, Jane, practice makes this man perfect,” Robert winked at Anna.

Her mother laughed, "I'm glad you came." Jane gave Robert’s waist a little squeeze.

 "So am I." Robert politely answered back understanding the underlying emotions but wiling himself not to reveal much, not in front of Anna. He had long decided he would protect her in any form he could especially now that she was back in London.

"You must stay for dinner." Jane spoke warmly as a way of farewell.

“I will.”

Robert turned to face Anna exactly at the moment Anna turned. Their eyes met and something in Robert pushed its way hitting him directly in his heart. Her beauty had always moved him and he was sure would continue to move him for as long as his gaze would fall at her. That lovely face when brightened with a smile simply tugged his heart strings. Those brown eyes that one could fantasize about and those long black tresses, silky, glossy; simply enticed him to touch.

“So, Anna, my love,” Robert chimed taking a seat and crossing his long legs at ease.

Anna narrowed her eyes at him,” I don’t remember letting you call me love.”

“That must be because I did not seek permission,” he twinkled. Loving the way anger bloomed its way onto her cheeks. God, she was a marvel. “Won’t you sit?” he raised his eyebrow.

Anna made a face at him, she knew she was acting childish but hell, she did not want to be near this man, he made her feel things she wasn’t yet ready for. Would never be ready for…at least not with him. She knew men like Robert Han, they liked to toy with unsuspecting females and that was the answer to all their problems. Once hooked, the females would be dumped without a care for their feelings. And Anna would rot in hell rather than become one of his many conquests.

She ignored him and turned to kick him in his leg. Robert anticipating the move, entangled his leg with hers making her land smoothly in his lap.

He smiled as he looked at her huffing, her hair covering his shoulders so close that he just had to tilt his head a fraction to touch the silken strands. He tucked her hair behind her ear forcing her to look at him, “Anna, well, if my lap was where you wanted to sit, you just had to ask.”

……..

Hey, my wonderful people.

I am finally starting the much awaited ‘Wild Temptation’.  I sincerely hope ….nope, command you to love it. I am sooo very excited. *screams in joy*

I have decided to regale a story…really fascinating one at that. I went with a friend to this restaurant. And guess what..The reviews weren’t even promising..The food was so bland I literally spooned off the entire salt and pepper shaker ingredients in whatever I was having.. One thing I learnt.. You would definitely do well to remember *points*…words to live by..for reference…words uttered by a beautiful girl *points at self*…ding…ding…ding…”Never..I mean it; never go to a restaurant whose name you cannot pronounce”.

Darn it! Didn’t turn out to be as funny as I expected but well, you should applaud the effort. *applauds self* It certainly is a good attempt in comparison to what I usually talk about. Haha

Oh yes, I love you… all!! Muah! Please do comment...I will be eagerly waiting. 

Warmest Regards,

HIndia150