Chapter 12: Reaction
Anastasia noticed how the bustling party guests beside Old Wallace quieted down. Their eyes, filled with curiosity, followed her every move. Even Old Wallace observed her with keen interest.
"Anastasia?" Old Wallace called as a smile pulled on her lips. "Where have you been? Your father told us that you left. Where did you go?" Old Wallace asked, covering Anastasia’s hands with hers.
Anastasia blinked at her, pretending not to understand her question.
"I’m sorry, I’m not Anastasia. I’m Selene Jones," said Anastasia, but it was obvious from old Wallace’s smile that she didn’t believe her.
"You’d better stop with this prank," said Old Wallace. Anastasia blinked at her again.
She parted her lips to deny Old Wallace’s claims but Michelle suddenly spoke, "Anastasia, you are back! Why didn’t you tell us where you went? You just disappeared for several months and didn’t even bother to contact us."
Michelle was an A-list celebrity in Radiantia, so pulling off expressions of sadness mixed with happiness was second nature to her. As she spoke, she made sure to force a few tears to glisten in her eyes. Her words flowed convincingly, although, in truth, no one in the room doubted her sincerity.
But unfortunately for her, Anastasia saw through Michelle’s lies. She remained composed, knowing that any outburst would lead to guests questioning why she was calling her sister a ghost.
Instead, she masked her shock perfectly, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor.
Anastasia smiled. "I’m sorry, but you must have mistaken me to be someone else. I’m not Anastasia, I’m Selene. Have we met before?" She asked, the smile still evident on her lips.
Michelle’s smile froze as confusion etched on her face. The makeup Anastasia wore was not too heavy, neither were they too light but some of her features did change which confused Michelle even more. She decided to smile and let the matter go for now. She would bring it back once her family arrived.