Chapter 4 Boundaries and Secrets

The flash of cameras and the noise of reporters from various media companies filled the air in front of Chanwell Real Estate, all waiting for Mr. Joan to arrive with his soon-to-be wife.

Mr. Joan's car pulled up with his escorts. A sleek black Tesla came to a halt, and immediately, the media swarmed around them, taking pictures and recording videos. Mr. Joan's driver stepped out to open the door for him and Anna.

They both stood in front of the company as Mr. Joan offered Anna his arm. Anna hesitated for a moment before holding on - to her, it still felt unreal.

"Mr. Joan, can you tell us your soon-to-be wife's name? Where did you meet her? What's her occupation? Whose daughter is she? What do you like about her? Is she up to your standards?"

Questions came flying from the reporters.

The security team quickly cleared a path for them to climb the stairs. They made their way to the front of Chanwell Real Estate and turned to face the media.

"The reason I called you all here today," Joan began, faking a smile, "is to announce that I'll be getting married soon, and to introduce my soon-to-be wife." He gestured toward Anna. "She used to be a programmer, but she quit because of our wedding preparations."

Anna stared at him in shock.

"As for the other questions you asked - those are private matters. That's all I can say for now. The wedding date will be announced soon. Thank you."

With that, Mr. Joan held Anna's hand and led her into the building, leaving everyone - both company employees and the media - utterly stunned. No one had heard a thing about Anna before, and now, all anyone could wonder was why the almighty Joan Chanwell was suddenly getting married, and to a woman no one knew.

Once inside Mr. Joan's office, the atmosphere turned a little awkward. Joan released Anna's hand, adjusted his tie, and spoke seriously.

"Ms. Anna, this is how it's going to be from now on. You need to prepare yourself - the media will be on your tail anytime, anywhere. They'll try to dig into your past and find out who you really are."

"Alright, sir, but what if-"

"No, there's no 'what if.' You'll follow my orders. You don't owe anyone any answers. It's my job to protect you these two months," Joan said firmly, placing both hands on her shoulders.

"M-m-m-m," Anna cleared her throat. "Sir, no unnecessary touching."

Joan immediately dropped his hands. "I was just giving you advice."

"Okay, sir. I've heard you. I'll be careful and won't answer any unnecessary questions from the media."

"Our wedding is happening this Friday. I've called the wedding gown shop - you'll go for a fitting and pick whatever you like. I'm covering everything. I've also booked your makeup, hair, and all the rest."

Anna thought to herself, Hmm, what a caring man, but why must he act so arrogantly?

"Ms. Anna, hello - are you even listening to me?"

"Of course, sir," she replied, forcing a smile.

Later, Anna's driver dropped her at the hospital.

"Good afternoon, Doctor."

"Good afternoon, Ms. Anna! I saw you on TV with Mr. Joan. You two looked good together. I never imagined someone like you would get close to the almighty Joan Chanwell. Anyway, congratulations, my dear."

Anna smiled awkwardly. "I know, right? Thank you. Um, Doctor, I'm here to complete my dad's payment."

"It's been taken care of," the doctor said.

"Excuse me - by who?"

"Your husband, didn't he tell you?"

"Huh? My husband?" Anna asked, confused.

"Yes. Mr. Joan's secretary came by this morning and settled the bill. See? It pays to marry a rich man." The doctor patted Anna's shoulder, grinning, then walked away.

Anna left and headed to her former company to see her director.

Knock knock.

"Yeah, come in. The door's open," the director called out.

Anna stepped inside.

"Oh, my dear!" the director stood from his chair and rushed over. "How are you doing? I saw the news - congratulations!"

"Director, no need to be soft with me. I just came to repay my debt. But thanks for the congratulations."

"No, no - allow me. You're a big shot now. As for the debt, your husband already paid it."

"Oh, he has?"

"Yes. And if you want to come back to work, the door's always open. We're even considering you for a promotion."

"All of a sudden? You fired me, and now you're offering a promotion?"

"Fired? That's old news, my dear. You're welcome anytime, Ms. Chanwell."

"Alright, sir. I'll take my leave."

Furious, Anna called Joan.

"Hello, sir. Why didn't you tell me you paid off my dad's bill and my ten million naira debt to the company? You said this was strictly business, and no one would cross the other's boundary. Please, sir, I don't want people saying it's because I'm marrying Mr. Joan Chanwell that you're paying my debts. You could have just sent me the money since I agreed to the marriage. With all due respect, sir - next time, let me handle my own problems. Thank you."

And she hung up.

Joan was stunned. He couldn't believe the quiet Anna would speak to him like that.

"I was just trying to help... I didn't want the media digging into her affairs. That's why I paid it myself," he told Felix, disappointment written on his face.

"Bro, calm down. You know she's being careful. You two are from different worlds, and she's doing everything to avoid looking like a parasite. You have to understand her."

"If not for this contract I need to secure, I wouldn't have even crossed paths with her. She's not up to my standards. But it's just for two months."

"Joan, Joan," Felix shook his head. "I've never seen anyone as stubborn as you."

"That's how we roll," Joan said. "We don't let our guard down. I'm one of the richest billionaires in this city."

Felix chuckled and they both left.

Meanwhile, Anna was filled with anxiety about explaining things to her dad, knowing he must have seen the news.

"Good evening, Dad. I bought us a nice dinner."

"Dad? Dad? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Anna... what's this I saw on the news? That you're getting married to Mr. Joan Chanwell?"

"Dad, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I waited for you to fully recover first."

"So tell me now. How did you two meet?"

Silence filled the room. Anna didn't want to tell him the truth, knowing everything would end in two months.

After a long pause, she said, "Alright, Dad. I'll tell you. Mr. Joan was one of my company's investors. You remember that huge contract I was in charge of?"

"Yes, my daughter."

"He invested in it. After the meeting, he approached me, said he liked how I presented the project, and invited me to dinner. We exchanged contacts. I went for the dinner... then we met a few more times. That's when he confessed he'd fallen for me."

"So fast?"

"Yeah, Dad. I was shocked too. I never expected Joan, of all people, to take an interest in me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier."

"It's okay, my daughter. I know you won't disgrace or disappoint me. I raised you well." He took her hand. "Do you love him?"

"Uh... um... ye-sss," she stammered.

"This one you're stammering. Are you sure?"

"No, Dad, I'm sure. It's just... you've never asked me that before," Anna said with a small smile.

"Oh, my dear, you've grown. I'm proud of you. So when am I meeting my in-laws?"

"Daaad! Huhhh... maybe later."

"Anna, it's becoming suspicious. Are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into?"

"Dad, what are you saying? I'm sure. Your questions are just catching me off guard."

"Well... if you love him and he loves you, I have no choice but to give you my blessing."

"Thank you so much, Dad. You're the best. I love you." She hugged him. "Oh - the wedding is this Friday. Just a simple one with family and friends."

"Alright, my daughter. I'll get ready."

"I'll go shower and come back down for dinner." She went to her room, locked the door, and leaned against it.

Why did I have to lie to my own dad? What if he finds out this ends in two months? Will he forgive me? she thought, a sad expression on her face.

**

It was a beautiful Wednesday morning. Everyone had left for work. The cock crowed, and the house was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Jobless and restless, Anna lay on the couch, holding the TV remote in one hand, a bowl of popcorn beside her, watching a soap opera.

Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Joan.

What does he want now? Anna murmured as she opened it.

> When you're less busy today, come by the mansion so we can discuss our wedding plans.

Anna was tempted to reply Can't we just talk on the phone? but deleted it and sent Okay instead.

She dressed up in one of her best outfits, and her driver took her to Joan's mansion - her first time there. The heavy security presence shocked her.

Oh my God... this is surreal. I can't believe I'm entering Mr. Joan's mansion. It's beautiful, she thought, smiling to herself.

"Ma'am, you can go inside," one of the guards said.

"Okay."

Anna's jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she stepped inside. Mr. Joan really built this? No wonder he's one of the richest billionaires in the city.

The housemaids gathered to greet her. "You're welcome, ma'am. Feel free to walk around. Anything you need, we're here."

"Thank you... thank you. I'll just wait for... Mr. Joan... oh, Joan," she corrected herself quickly, checking their faces to be sure no one noticed.

"I almost slipped," she thought.

"Ma'am, his room is upstairs, the second door on the right."

"No problem, I'll wait for him here."

"Would you like something to eat or drink? Mr. Joan asked us to prepare something nice for you."

He did? "I'm good for now. I'll call if I need anything."

Anna waited for thirty minutes, but Joan didn't appear. She got up and quietly climbed the stairs, nervous and unfamiliar with the house.

She noticed a door slightly ajar and cautiously stepped closer. As she reached for it, a hand suddenly dragged her inside, slamming the door shut.