Page 35 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Was it really?” Emotion flickered in Wilhelm’s eyes, but he quickly replaced it with a smile. “Congratulations, Anna. What did you do to celebrate?”

Anna twisted her fingers together. “Nothing really. Master Jack took me to the Manor. I had a quiet evening to myself. It was nice.”

Wilhelm frowned. “Your guardian didn’t do anything special for your birthday?”

Anna glanced at Kurt. She’d already explained it all to him, but she supposed he hadn’t told his father. She gave a small shrug and forced a smile. “I haven’t celebrated my birthday in a few years.” Since before I turned sixteen. Why did people care so much about her birthday? She hadn’t cared. She turned to look out the window and bit the inside of her cheek to stop the tears. Stop crying so much, Anna. Men only like tears when they cause them.

Anna felt Wilhelm’s heavy gaze on her, and when she felt in control of her emotions, she glanced over at him. He tilted his head, a troubled expression on his face, studying her closely for a few minutes. It felt like he was trying to read her mind through her eyes. Something told her she shouldn’t look away.

“It is truly heartbreaking to hear that, Anna.” He shook his head, but then his expression brightened. “I propose we consider tonight your birthday celebration. How does that sound?”

She shook her head. “Thank you, Wilhelm, but that’s unnecessary. It’s really not a big deal.”

“I would consider the day of your birth to be worth celebrating.” Wilhelm nodded toward his son. “I am sure Kurt agrees with me.”

“Ja. Definitely.”

Anna looked at the two men, her heart lightening. They really did care about her. For some reason. She didn’t understand, but it was nice. Really nice. A new life... “Thank you, Wilhelm. That’s very kind of you.” She smiled. I feel like a person again. A real person, not just an object to be used.

Anna leaned her head back on Kurt’s shoulder and looked out the window once more at the passing buildings. Kurt intertwined his fingers with hers and kissed them.

After a while, she caught glimpses of water, and shortly after that, the town car stopped in front of a wide, dark gray building.

Kurt held her hand as they walked inside. She paused as they stepped into the restaurant, taking in the soft glow of the candlelight and the gentle hum of conversations. Looking around, she became captivated by the elegant figures seated at tables adorned with white tablecloths, while delectable smells wafted towards her nose.

Alex stood talking to a bored-looking young man behind a podium. Wilhelm approached and greeted his son, and they exchanged a few words as Kurt and Anna followed a few steps behind. Alex greeted his brother and then turned to her.

Their eyes met and her breath was stolen away once more. He wore a tuxedo like his father and brother, his tall, broad frame wrapped in black woolen perfection.

Somehow, in the last few hours, she’d forgotten how handsome he was. His blue eyes, which had darkened while he spoke with his brother, lit up as he looked at her. She could sense... something from him, but the feelings emanating from him were muddled, as if listening to someone talk while under water. Adoration? Affection? But why? He didn’t know her. Why would she be sensing such strong emotions from a stranger?

Alex leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. His lips were hot against her skin, and it wouldn’t have surprised her if he left a burn mark where he touched her. “You look stunning, Anna.” His breath tickled her ear.

A female voice called his name, and he jerked away so abruptly she felt the cold air rush back in between them. Alex cleared his throat and turned.

A tall, slender, red-haired woman wearing a clingy, blue satin gown stood behind him, eyes narrowed as she looked between him and Anna. She arched her brow at Anna, then looked back at Alex, her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “I couldn’t see you when I came out of the restroom. I thought you’d left.” She was an American by her accent.

Alex walked over to her and kissed her on the lips. “I wouldn’t do that to you.” She smiled up at him and took his hand, then looked back at Anna with an arrogant smile.

Anna dropped her gaze to the floor, scolding herself for the disappointment lacing around her heart. She and Alex were strangers. Just because she dreamed about him didn’t mean he knew or cared about her. He didn’t know she’d dreamed about him when she felt especially afraid. Or that the memory of his eyes comforted her when?—

She shook her head. Enough, Anna. You are here to please Kurt, not lament over the fact that his brother doesn’t know you.

“Anna, this is my girlfriend, Kirsty Hawthorne.” He was smiling, but it seemed off. He seemed uncomfortable. Why would he be uncomfortable with his girlfriend? “Kirsty, this is Anna, Kurt’s date.”

Anna forced a polite smile onto her face. “It’s nice to meet you, Kirsty.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Anna.” Kirsty wrapped her arm around Alex’s waist and leaned her head on his chest, smirking at Anna, and then turned to give Kurt a seductive smile. “Nice to see you again, Kurt.”

“Hello, Kirsty.” Kurt’s voice was flat, and he squeezed Anna closer to him. He leaned down to nuzzle her cheek. “Are you alright, Engel?”

Anna nodded. I am here for Kurt’s pleasure... That was not a bad thing.

The hostess called Alex’s name and Kurt straightened. Alex frowned at Kurt, his jaw clenching as he looked between his brother and Anna.

They followed the hostess to a round table in the far corner of the restaurant. Anna sat between Kurt and Wilhelm, and Kirsty sat between Kurt and Alex.

The hostess handed her a heavy leather menu, and Anna opened it. She read down the list of options embossed on heavy paper, and her heart squeezed. She hadn’t eaten in a restaurant since before her parents died and had never heard of most of the food items listed. Not to mention the numbers besides the menu items—the prices, Anna assumed—were very large.

---