Chapter 16: Paradise Beach

"Nothing" Li Shen and Ji Qiang both answered at a time. Anna could only sigh.

"The rain has stopped let's go" Li Shen pulled Anna.

"Thanks for the offer Mr Ji we'll get going." Anna said plainly and left with Li Shen.

"What's your problem with him?" Anna asked buckling her seat belt.

"He's annoying." Irritation was written all over his face.

"Say's the one who's even more annoying" Anna mumbled to herself.

"What did you say?" Li Shen asked sharply.

"Nothing. You're right he's annoying, now let's go." Satisfied with the answer Li Shen pulled the car to driveway. Anna shook her head at his childish nature.

Next day Anna got busy with all the meetings. Tomorrow she had to go back to S city Anna didn't like the thought at all.

In evening Anna freshened up and changed to white knee length dress. She decided to go for sight seeing and unfortunately Li Shen couldn't accompany her as he is busy. Googling some of sight seeing places Anna decided to go for Paradise beach which was an hour away from the hotel. Night time in beach is something Anna fantasized about so taking her things she left for the long drive.

Soft music was playing in the car and Anna's mind was occupied with thoughts. Most of them are of her family, her real family.

Anna's life was not easy as well. Her father was cheated by his best friend in business when she was seven years old. That betrayal cost a lot for her family. Anna's grandpa always thought her to be tough, never to yield against your enemy more importantly never to trust anyone. All thanks to her past which made her even more tough and bold.

After a long drive Anna reached Paradise beach which truly holds up to it's name. The glowing blue waters at the shoreline is a spectacular view at night. The beach is decorated with golden series light. Opposite to the sea is Paradise resort, which is the most attractive place in that city. Paradise resort has 7 star classification, with 80 Rooms, 6 restaurants, Lounge Bar, Discotheque, Banquet, 7 conference halls, swimming pools, Spa, Water Sports, all Indoor & Outdoor Games. It also has private Villa and cottages for VIP and VVIPs. The lodge amazes with its ultra-modern design mixed with traditional touch. Whole in all the place is amazing.

Removing her high heels Anna walked on surface of shoreline playing with water. Not far from her place she saw a beach side destination wedding. Music was on blast making it as a mini DJ night. Anna saw the newly wedded couple smiling from ear to ear. Next to it an aisle was decorated for night wedding.

Anna smiled but it was bitter smile. The scenario bought a bitter past of her.

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"You look absolutely stunning V." Anna grinned looking at the mirror. Vivian shyly hit her younger sister and turned to her mother.

Anna's mom, Clara couldn't help but shed happy tears for her daughter, Vivian looked beautiful in the white gown. The special day which every girl dreams of was even more special when she marries her true love. Vivian and Luke dated for three long years before recently Luke proposed Vivian. It was absolutely magical for her and wouldn't stop bragging it to Anna. Even though Anna hated sloppy love story but she listened carefully to Vivian.

Anna was never much fan of love and marriage. Her idea on love was complete opposite to Vivian who was a love sick puppy.

"Oh My God!" Clara exclaimed suddenly.

"Mom what happened?" Vivian asked worriedly.

"I forgot to bring our family necklace which you are supposed to wear." Clara held her head as she started panicking.

"Mom don't worry we still have an hour I'll go get it."

"Yes, it's in my locker come back soon."

Anna left taking a taxi to her house which is thirty minutes away from the church luckily she reached earlier than usual. After getting the necklace Anna waited for the taxi. A woman not older than Vivian approached her.

"Anna?" The lady asked.

The lady's condition was pitiful, she had bags under her eyes, her lips was bleeding, her hand had bruise marks and skin looked extremely pale.

"Mia! what happened to you?" Anna was shocked seeing her disheveled look.

"Anna please believe me, I'm not trying to snatch Luke from Vivian. Luke is a monster, he's cheating all of you. When I confronted him, he locked me in the basement somehow I managed to escape." Mia's voice was hoarse.

"Mia what are you saying?" Anna clenched her fist and asked in ice laced voice.

"Anna I have proof, I recorded it when confronting him. He has cheated so many girls like me. I don't want Vivian to suffer like me please stop the wedding." Mia showed her recorded video.

Anna fumed in anger as she watched the video. She never believed Mia thinking she's just trying ruin her sister happiness. But she did try to dig dirt on him but that bastard was clever in hiding his sin and told White lies.

Without wasting time Anna called Vivian, her mom and dad but no one was answering her call. Quickly hiring a taxi Anna and Mia rushed to the church.