Page 9 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Wilhelm’s brows drew together sharply. “What are you talking about, Anna? He never once pretended to be anything other than who he was.”

Anna sat on the couch and stared at the cereal bowl as she told him about the video Devin had shown her. He didn’t say anything once she finished, and she looked up at him again.

Wilhelm’s face had turned ashen, and he vehemently shook his head. “Anna, I know my son, and we both know the type of man Devin is. There must be a reasonable explanation for what you saw. Alex would never do such a thing.”

“How do you know? No one outside The Brotherhood thinks Jack or Devin are the evil bastards they are. People lead double lives all the time.”

“True natures are revealed in time. And there are always signs. I do not believe that Alex would hurt little girls like that. It is not possible.” He paused. “Do you really believe that Devin would not hesitate to ruin your memories of Alex if it suited him?”

Anna let out a weary sigh. Arguing took too much energy. Screens didn’t lie. If Wilhelm chose not to believe it, that was his choice. She knew the truth.

She shrugged and picked at her fingernails, wondering how long Wilhelm was going to stay. Maybe he would realize how fruitless his visit was and leave sooner than later.

“Kurt came with me. He would like to see you.”

“Oh?” She stared at the soggy little brown Os floating in the milk of her bowl, resolutely ignoring the leap of her heart in her chest at the sound of Kurt’s name.

“He is at the hotel. I thought it might go better if only I came to let you know we were in town.” He glanced at her half-eaten bowl of cereal. “Would you like to go to lunch?”

She looked at her watch. It was time to eat again. She never felt hungry, so she’d just decided on times to eat and made sure she attempted to get food into her stomach. To keep Devin happy.

“Sure,” she said without enthusiasm. “Let me get dressed.”

She pulled on a pair of worn jeans and a sweater she’d found at a nearby thrift store, then went back out to the living room.

He smiled at her. “Ready?”

She shrugged and went to the closet to get their coats.

Chapter 6

As they rode in the back of the town car, Wilhelm told her what had happened in the family over the last two years. Liesl had gotten married as planned, though the celebration had been much subdued. Greta was engaged and the wedding was in two months.

“We would love for you to come, Anna. We missed you at Liesl’s wedding.”

Anna stared out the window. She vaguely remembered the visit when he asked if she’d go back to Germany with him to attend Liesl’s wedding. She’d laughed in his face and said no. Rather rudely, if she remembered correctly. There was no way in hell she’d go to Greta’s wedding either. It was hard enough avoiding thoughts of Alex in San Francisco. It would be impossible at his family home.

He reached over and took her hand. “Liebling, you are still part of our family. We love you and we miss you.”

She sighed. “Why won’t you just leave me alone? Let me go.”

“Because you are family and there is nothing to let go of. The moment you married Alex, you became a Kunzberg. Nothing will ever change that.”

“What if I married someone else?”

He paused. “Are you . . . dating someone?”

Anna snorted. “No. I won’t ever date again.” She stopped and thought for a moment. “I don’t think Devin would like it if I did. I was just curious.”

“Even if you married someone else, Anna, you would still be part of our family. You can try to disown us.” He chuckled. “But we will never disown you.”

They arrived at the Ritz-Carlton a few minutes later. She winced as she walked into the expansive marble lobby, her chest burning in pain as it reminded her of her home with Alex. Her home where she’d been so happy. So protected. So loved. She glanced back at the doors that beckoned her, tempting her to flee. Yet something deep inside was reluctant to leave Wilhelm. His warm presence nibbled away at the walls she’d built around her heart to protect herself.

Wilhelm took her hand and led her to the elevators. “I spoke to Aaron yesterday, and he suggested we take you out for a birthday dinner on Sunday.” Wilhelm pushed the call button and glanced at her. “How does that sound?”

Anna looked at her muddled reflection in the brass doors and shrugged. “It’s not necessary, Wilhelm. I don’t see much point in celebrating anything. Especially my birthday.”

The doors slid silently open and they stepped inside.

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