NOT GIVING UP ON FOREVER

Chapter 42

Anna entered the room and flopped onto the bed. She thought of only one thing.

Where was Randall? How was he?

Determined to call him and tell him she was in Italy, she opened her bag and was horrified to find that she left the phone at home!

"Brilliant!" she threw the bag aside.

She wanted to hear his voice, to know his reaction. She kept replaying their last dialogue in her head, his calm confession that he slept with someone, and it was hurting her over and over.

There was a knock on the door.

"Yeah?" Anna asked mechanically, staying in bed.

Teo peeped in.

"How are you? Are you okay? It's quite late."

Anna turned and looked at him. For a moment, she was studying his features and then replied:

"All good."

Teo hesitated.

"Mmm... Okay, good night then."

"Stay."

"Huh?"

"Stay with me."

"I don't think that's a good ide..."

"Please." Anna stood up and approached him. "I'm your future wife, am I not?"

He smiled and flashed his eyes.

"You need to rest, Anna. Say nothing you'll regret."

"Stay."

She kissed him on the cheek. He kissed her on the cheek as well, without the slightest confusion, even not expecting her action. He hugged her tightly and laid near on the bed.

Teo was strong. Self-confidence was felt in his every movement, embrace, talk. And although his appearance did not fight on the spot, all the other advantages compensated for the slightest doubt. Anne felt nothing towards him except sympathy, a sincere admiration for talent and respect. His charisma was captivating. But it didn't shoot in the heart hard enough to make room for anyone else but Randall.

Teo halted, glanced slyly at the girl, and said, "Goodnight, Anna." And, straightening his blanket more comfortably, he turned to the wall.

"The rest is only after the wedding," he added with a grin and chuckled.

Anna threw a pillow at him and laughed. Next to him, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.