Chapter 2 The Talks

~^~ “Beats me,” Stella muttered, “I know you guys were a thing back in the days, but you’re over him now, right?” “Of course. Listen, I’ll talk to you later, I’ve got to go visit my dad.” She ended the call without a reply from Stella, breathing out a lengthy breath. She sat in that spot for minutes, trying to figure out why Tony was back in town and, more so, at her father’s place. She wondered if he was the reason for her father’s request. Was he reuniting with Tony? It would explain why he was at the mansion, but it wouldn’t explain why she might be involved. Anna wanted absolutely nothing to do with him, seeing that he left the country years ago and left her with a broken heart. She had made her dislike for the man obvious, thereafter, letting everyone in the house be aware of the hate she felt for him. To this date, her parents weren’t convinced but as time passed, she got over him… Completely. Glancing at her phone, Anna realized it was half past eight, so she went to the bathroom and had a quick shower before she got dressed. She pondered on a short flared floral dress or shorts. Tony had always liked seeing you in a pretty little dress, her subconscious spoke, irritating Anna at the reminder. But unable to control her line of thoughts, her memories brought her back to the times when he had said so himself, after which kissing her passionately, hiking her dress before entering her roughly… and that was how she liked it. Anna shook her head, trying to snap herself out of the trance his memories presented. With an angry huff, she grabbed the white shorts and a top from her closet and put them on. ~^~ She was at her parent's house in the next twenty minutes, removing her shades and looking up at the beautiful structure that stood ahead. Cream-colored walls, trees half as tall standing presidentially at both ends where the huge double doors rested in the center. The lawn was incredibly green, the colorful gardens adding a certain beautiful touch, the natural perfumes like sweet perfumes to the lungs. As a child, she’d always play in the garden with James and her friends, cutting roses for pretend boyfriends. She had brown now and later, boys were cutting roses for her, but instead of marvel king in the rich family home, she had sought a place for herself. Their butler, Edwin, opened the door as soon as Anna was about to ring the doorbell. He welcomed her with a hearty smile, nodding in her presence. “Madam Anna, your parents are expecting you,” He informed politely. Anna rolled her eyes at the trickled old man. “I know, Edwin. That’s why I’m here.” Stomping past him, she paused at the entrance of the living room where she heard talking further among where the pool was. Her breath hitched in her throat when she recognized Tony’s voice - the same, velvety tone with a bit of firmness present; the type that tempted women to experience just where else was firm. Anna inhaled deeply, bracing herself before she entered. This was it. Anna swallowed nervously, not quite understanding why her heart was pounding so rapidly, but she didn’t need to expand on that thought because she knew exactly what the case was. It was Tony. She was able to make out the back of his head as soon as her eyes caught a glimpse of the two men seated at the poolside. Her dad was facing her, but he didn’t spot her yet so it allowed Anna some more time to compose herself. “Dad, good morning,” She said as she walked through the opened glass door, a smile plastered on her face. John stood to give Anna a warm peck on her cheek, smiling faintly at her. “I was just about to call you,” He said. Anna watched as her father sat, his salt and pepper-colored hair cut neatly. His face wrinkled in certain areas, but the firmness of his hazel gaze was enough to tell how strict of a man he was. She turned to regard the man seated opposite her father, now standing, Anna held her breath shortly as her gaze met with his gray ones. His form was looming, his shoulders broad, strapped in a neatly tailored suit. Anna’s gaze lingered on Tony’s face fat longer than she expected, noting the unnoticeable changes that he had undergone over the years. He was still the same, Anna realized in what seemed like a tad of amazement. “Tony, fancy seeing you here,” She said, turning once again to face her father. “Dad, you wanted to talk to me?” John gestures towards a chair, “Have a seat, sweetheart.” Anna was hesitant, but she eventually sat. “Where’s mom?” “She’s gone to church.” Anna cleared her throat, not wanting to even glance at Tony’s direction. She didn’t want to meet his brooding gaze or see his damn smug, handsome face. “Tony here just got back from Canada,” Her father continued, taking a sip of his coffee. After five years, Anna thought. She forced a smile. “I don’t see what that has to do with me - or you for that matter.” Tony chuckled. “It’s nice seeing you again, Anna. You look lovely as always.” Anna wanted to roll her eyes but refrained from doing so, instead, reaching for a grape which she popped in her mouth. “Anna, the man just paid you a compliment,” John pointed out in reprove. “And I refuse to acknowledge it. Now, can you please tell me why I’m here and why he is?” John sent her a warning glare. “You must learn to curb that tongue of yours, and you must also learn patience.” Anna sighed. “Dad, I have plans for the evening, so please get this over with.” Her words were convincing, but each word was as fake as the orgasm she had earlier mustered. There was a tad bit of silence. “Tony and I have come to an agreement concerning your future,” John explained, watching as his daughter’s eyes widened. “An agreement? My future?” Anna reiterated a bit confused. She was quite enthused to see where this conversation would lead. “Yes,” He nodded. “You know that Stark Enterprises is flat-lining. We are covered in debt and-” “I know that, Dad,” she quickly interrupted, not too taken with the fact that her father was discussing private matters with a mere stranger. “Then you must also know that we are desperate for a solid hand to hold us up.” Anna swallowed. “You have other business's dad, Stark Enterpri-” “Was handed down to my father from his father and his father’s father. It has been in our family for generations - I cannot break tradition, neither will I allow it to crumble,” John exclaimed deeply, each word meaningful to him. “What are you saying, and where is James in all of this?” “James will be informed of whatever I’ll say to you, later. You must know first.” Anna found that challenging to believe, considering, she wasn’t even a part of the company. Her younger brother, James, on the other hand, was always by their father’s side through it all… “So…?” “Tony has decided to join hands with us. He’s going to buy Stark Enterprises,” Her father broke the news, smiling at them both. Anna paled. “Are you insane?” “Not at all, my girl. This might be one of the most level-headed decisions.” “Do you even realize you contradicted everything you said earlier? You said you cannot break tradition, but here you are ready to sell to the highest bidder!” Anna railed, unable to believe it all. “Yes. That’s where you come in, sweetheart.” Anna’s brows knitted. “What are you talking about?” “The business will be in our name and it will regain its strength. Fifty percent of the profit earned will be given to us… but only on one condition.” “What?” Anna sounded breathless. “You have to marry Tony. He’s willing to do all these if you marry him,” Her father informed shamelessly.