Chapter 25
I hardly paid attention to the people gathered at the mall. My focus was solely on my fans and the event.
However, Gordon had assured me that hist security team was ready and prepared, with explicit instructions to keep Anthony away from me.
The guards were already familiar with his face and would ensure he could not get close.
That promise was my only solace amidst the growing anxiety. I trusted Gordon’s judgment, and knowing he had taken steps. to protect me gave me a rare sense of calm.
Yet, deep down, I knew Anthony would never simply stay away after learning of my presence in London. He would recognize me as Daisy, no matter how well I tried to hide behind the persona of Valerie.
As I turned slightly while signing an
40% 12:42
1/4
Chapter 25
autograph, my heart froze. There he was. Anthony, standing on the other side of the barrier, arguing with one of the guards.
“Excuse me, sir, but you’ll have to step. back,” the guard said firmly, holding out an arm to block Anthony’s path.
Anthony‘ s jaw tightened as frustration and desperation danced in his eyes. “I need to speak to her,” he demanded, his voice. barely restrained.
The guard shook his head. “She’s not taking personal requests right now. If you’re a fan, you’ll have to wait.”
“I’m not a fan,” Anthony snapped, his voice rising. “I’m her husband.”
The guard‘ s expression remained impassive, unyielding. “Sir, I think
Ven
married.”
a mistake. Miss Keith isn’t
Anthony‘ s temper flared as he tried to push past, but the guard held his ground, his large frame making it clear that
40% 12:42
2/4
Chapter 25
Anthony was not going anywhere.
I quickly shifted my gaze back to the fans, pretending not to notice him. But I felt his presence, his piercing eyes boring into me, willing me to turn and acknowledge him.
For a split second, our eyes met.
The flicker of recognition in Anthony‘ s gaze was undeniable. My heart clenched, but I forced myself to remain composed, immediately looking away as though he
was a stranger.
I smiled at the fans around me, engaging with them as if nothing had happened. I signed autographs, posed for selfies, and answered their questions, all while pointedly ignoring Anthony.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him standing there, frozen, stunned by my cold indifference.
He was not ready to give up, though. I knew that about Anthony. He never gave up, not when it came to something–or
40% 12:42
3/4
Chapter 25
someone he wanted.
After finishing the promotional event, I returned to the hotel with my team, my exhaustion masked by the practiced smiles I had worn all day.
I longed for the sanctuary of my room and the temporary reprieve it offered. Yet, a part of me could not shake the unease of knowing Anthony was near.
Later that evening, as I had dinner with Gordon as always, I suddenly could her Anthony’s voice behind me, it was smooth but edged with bitterness. “Miss Keith, or should I say, Mrs. Harris?”