Chapter 49: Two Questions
"It’s not a big deal," Anna blurted out, the first thought that came to her mind. But the deepening frown on William’s face only made her feel more uneasy.
"If it’s not a big deal, then why did you feel the need to wash it down with an entire bottle of wine?"
His question was perfectly valid, and Anna found herself at a loss for words. No quick, white lies came to mind to brush it off. But what worried her most wasn’t the fact that she couldn’t come up with an excuse—it was the unsettling thought that William might now see her as someone with a drinking problem.
Just like the rumors painted me...
"Anna," William began again, his voice softening as he noticed the shift in her expression, the sadness creeping in. "It’s not the alcohol I’m concerned about. It’s the fact that you still turn to it instead of reaching out to someone. You’re not alone anymore."
Anna’s eyes stung with the threat of tears, but she fought them back. She didn’t want to break down—not in front of him. William had already done so much for her, and the least she could do was stay strong, to show him that his efforts weren’t in vain.
But inside, she felt torn. Her heart longed to be vulnerable, to lean on those she trusted, while her mind stubbornly resisted, unwilling to lower its guard.
She wasn’t alone anymore. But for how long?
"Get some rest," William finally spoke again, his voice gentle yet firm as he saw she couldn’t answer. "We’ll start packing tomorrow. I have some urgent business to take care of, and I want us to return together."