And The Revenge Starts...

Rowan looked at her and then at his father with unease.

"Of course, i will have the third dance with you." he nodded but she smacked her lips into a straight line.

"I was asking about the second dance though."

"......." Diana pressed her daughter's hands with some force but the expression on Ana's face did not change.

"Darling! Are you refusing to dance with me?" George laughed, "did you forget that i would share your first dance? Or are you only going to dance with Garrison and Rowan now?" he gave her a chance. She looked back at Garrison. Waiting for him to announce that he was not going to dance with her.

But he stared back at her intensely. As if he also wanted to know what she was thinking. That made her frown! Was he trying to make her unreliable by putting the blame on her?

"Haha! It is alright. I will have your last dance then." George waved his hands and then singalled the musician.

Music filled the room soon. Everyone looked in her direction but she was still staring at Garrison who stood up slowly.

He unbuttoned the first button of his jacket and then extended his hands towards her.

She grimaced when she felt the push again. Why did she never realize her mother was so pushy?

She held her hands reluctantly and stood up. He took her towards the dancing area and they both bowed their heads to each other.

His hands were on her waist and they swayed to the music.

"Why are you dancing with me?" He raised a brow at her question and swirled her.

"Why should I not dance with you?" he asked back with a chuckle but his eyes turned grim.

For some reason, she was shutting her more and more but when he let her leave, she stayed. Her actions were so bewildering. He never had trouble reading someone as much as hers.

"Because you never wanted to do it in the past. She did not want to believe that he could be different in this life. No! He had someone else in his heart. She looked away.

"Anastasia! You are my wife now. Your every action would determine the image of my family. I have chosen you because you are the perfect candidate. Do not disappoint me." His stern voice made her flinch but a glowing smile arced on her face as she nodded.

He twirled her again and this time she held his shoulders with more confidence as if she had got all the answers she wanted.

The song soon ended and they bowed their heads again. He held her by her waist this time. She was not stiff like before but looked more at ease.

Diana finally relaxed looking at them.

Rowan stood up and adjusted his bow. He was already waiting to hold her hands.

Soon, Rowan took her back to the dance floor.

"I apologize, I was too excited at that time." she said in a soft voice as she bowed her head and he repeated.

He held her hands and they started dancing when she paused suddenly, surprising him.

He followed her gaze and noticed that his father was dancing with his aunt. There was a sweet smile on the face of Meredith as if he had whispered something sweet in her ears.

"My father did not like my aunt much." he cleared, wondering if that was the reason for her coldness towards his father.

Ana tore her gaze away from the cheating couple. Just a minute ago he was lecturing her on how to behave in public and for a second, she still believed in him. Ha! What a fool she was!

"Yes, I know. Do not worry about them." she was not going to let them ruin her mood, "but i am more interested in you. Did you have a good rest?"

His brows knitted as he looked at her in confusion when the third song already ended. She was having trouble swirling since his arms were still not long enough. So, he ended the dance there and bowed his head.

Even when they walked back to their seats, Garrison did not join them. Everyone was laughing and chatting happily when a maid came and stood behind her.

"Congratulations on your marriage, your highness." She smiled warmly when Ana nodded her head. "If you do not mind, the other members of the family also want to congratulate you." She stood there awkwardly when Ana smiled and stood up.

In marriages, guests come to wish the new couple. The new couple walks towards the table of each guest and exchange pleasantries with them after the dance. But the garrison did not come back.

"I will be back later." she told her mother but Rowan stood up too.

"I shall join you!" he offered but she shook her head. She wanted to know why they really wanted to see her. But if Rowan was with her, they would be mindful of their words.

She assured him that she would be fine alone and followed the maid who was finally relieved.

They walked towards a long table with baron Neverie and viscount Feloniata sitting with their families.

They stood up when she approached them.

"Congratulations on your marriage, my lady. We apologize for requesting you to come here instead of coming to you but we did not want to disturb your time with your family." They looked back at the table but their eyes mostly paused at Rowan.

"We are glad that you have a cordial relationship with the child. We were afraid that he would not be treated well, but I guess our worries were for nough." The viscount smiled with a hidden meaning.

"Yes, when my wife told me about your swift actions and taking the position of duchess before marriage, we were afraid that the child would be neglected. But we are glad that you have realized your responsibilities well. As you have heard, your highness has a busy schedule."