Altered Plans

Under the relentless midday sun, Anastacia's car stirred up a dust storm as she navigated the all-too-familiar roads leading home. Her hands gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles bleached white against the soft glow of the dashboard lights, and the road ahead seemed to stretch into infinity, reflecting the despair seeping into her heart. The vibrant hues of the day appeared dull and lifeless, mirroring her desolation as she grappled with her unfulfilled purpose.

"Another wasted day, and I'm done for," Anastacia muttered under her breath, her gaze flickering over the road, bitter and resentful, as her home loomed into view.

A wave of hopelessness washed over her, the grim reality of her predicament sinking in with each passing mile. She hadn't even failed yet, but she could already envision her mother's triumphant smile.

The mere thought made her want to scream, her fists itching to pound the steering wheel as the car rolled to a stop in front of their sprawling mansion. She was a ticking time bomb of pent-up frustration, yearning for release, but she had to keep her composure because only she knew...

Anastacia lingered in the car longer than necessary, her forehead resting against the steering wheel, her chest heaving with each labored breath. She fought back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes, suppressing her sobs until not a sound escaped her lips.

She allowed herself a few minutes to regain control over her emotions before straightening up and running her fingers through her tangled hair, pulling it into a high ponytail that accentuated her slender neck. She applied a coat of red lipstick, then checked her reflection in the mirror, her appearance belying her inner turmoil.

As she entered the mansion, a maid paused to greet her. "Welcome back, ma'am. Your father wishes to see you in his library."

"Did he mention why?" Anastacia asked, but the maid merely shook her head and resumed her chores.

Left in bewilderment, Anastacia couldn't help but wonder what this was about. It was rare for her father to summon her to his library, and it wasn't long before she found herself standing before the imposing door of her father's library, taken aback when she heard her father's voice inside, speaking to someone on the phone.

"Thank you for the wonderful news, Mrs. Frost. I assure you that Nathalia and Lucas' engagement will be perfect. We should meet soon to plan this auspicious union."

Anastacia felt as if the ground had been ripped from beneath her feet. Nathalia was getting married to the Frost's eldest son? Whatever her mother's plans for her own engagement, this development would surely spell disaster for Anastacia.

A chill ran down her spine, her knees threatening to buckle as she mustered the courage to turn the doorknob. "Father, you wanted to see me?" Anastacia managed to ask, forcing a smile onto her face. She watched as he gestured for her to sit, then settled into his swivel chair, his hands clasped on the table.

"I won't ask how things are going for you," Mr. Dawn began, seemingly oblivious to her anxiety. "But there will be some changes regarding your marriage."

"Did something come up?" Anastacia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Dawn nodded, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Mrs. Frost brought some good news. In exchange for our partnership in NexusCorp, Nathalia will marry their eldest son. This will solidify our ties with them."

"So, what are you suggesting, Father?"

"Three weeks from now, Nathalia will be engaged..." Mr. Dawn stated, "We can't refuse a request from the Frost family, Anastacia. Therefore, your wedding will have to wait until after Nathalia's engagement."

"Well, that's not an issue for me, Father. But don't you think Nathalia might object?" Anastacia responded, striving to maintain her composure amidst the sudden changes. "We all know she prefers Damien over his elder brother."

Another deep sigh escaped her father's lips. Mr. Dawn appeared lost in thought, and Anastacia seized this fleeting moment to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Your mother and I will discuss the matter with her later," he finally said.