Page 379 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Ilsa nodded. “Yes. She needs you.”

“Will you be alright if I go?”

Ilsa smiled. “Of course. I have Kurt and Liesl and Greta. Anna doesn’t have anyone.”

Such a wonderful, understanding wife he had. “She has friends now.”

“But she needs you, Wilhelm. I’m sure of it. You’re the closest thing to Alex she’ll have until he returns home. You can be strong for her, especially if Alex is delayed. I’m sure she’s clinging to the hope that Alex will be home tomorrow...” Ilsa sighed and shook her head.

They hadn’t heard from Alex, and Wilhelm knew his son wouldn’t be home when he’d hoped he would be. It wasn’t unusual and didn’t warrant concern. Jobs often took longer than expected. But Anna wouldn’t take it well. Especially not now.

“You go pack. I’ll go put Otto down and be in shortly.”

Wilhelm kissed his wife and hurried to his bedroom, calling the pilot on the way. He wanted to leave as soon as the jet could be prepared.

Chapter 177

Aaron watched Anna sleep all afternoon. She finally woke in the early evening. Her eyes were red and puffy and filled with such sadness, he wished he could replace her heart with his own to escape her pain.

He sat next to her on the bed and winced at the faint bruises on her cheeks and arms, which made him sick. “Hey, Anna.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “The baby . . .”

“I know, hon. I talked to Travis.”

Her lower lip trembled and she covered her face with her hands. “I’m such a fool.”

“No, you’re not.” He leaned down and hugged her. “Devin’s an evil bastard. But Alex will take care of him.”

Anna wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded. “Alex...”

“He’s supposed to be home tomorrow, right?” If anything would cheer her, the thought of Alex coming home would do it.

“He’ll make everything right.”

“Yes. He will.” He leaned back and brushed her hair out of her face. “Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll tell Frau Gersten that you’ll have some dinner?” He hoped she would agree. He had a feeling she hadn’t eaten much.

She nodded and sat up. She wasn’t nearly as pale as she’d been when she’d arrived home. Thank God for Alex. Without him... He shook his head. He hated to think about what Anna would do without him.

An hour later, Aaron and Anna sat in the kitchen eating dinner.

“Wilhelm will be here sometime tonight,” Aaron said.

“Wilhelm? Why is he coming?”

“I called him and told him what happened.”

Anna nodded and chewed her lip. A small smile appeared on her face.

Aaron knew she and Wilhelm were close and was thankful he was coming. She needed someone who could stand up for her. If Devin had acted in such a horrible way during the weekend, what was to stop him from trying something at home? Aaron couldn’t protect her from the bastard. But Wilhelm could.

He studied her as she ate. She looked as if she’d never been pregnant. Her adorable belly was gone. “Will you come to class tomorrow?”

Anna nodded. “It’ll help me feel better.” She gave him a sad smile. “I guess I don’t have to worry about not being able to dance in Jewels, huh?”

Aaron nodded. “I was really looking forward to dancing with you.”

She smiled. “I love dancing with you.”

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