1 The Setup

“How could you?” Anna stared at the woman standing before her, her lips curled in disgust. “Oh please, we both know that Daniel loves me,” the woman known as Renee smirked. “But I’m the one he married!” Anna snapped, “Daniel is my husband so stay away from him!!” “He’s your husband only in name, every other night he spends it in my arms,” Renee chuckled. Anna felt her heart break at Renee’s words. It's been two years that she's been married to Daniel Munroe and all he's brought her is heartache. All through the two years of their marriage she has never slept in the same house with her husband. They've only been married in name while he had spent those years frolicking with his mistress in secret. “At least I’m the one his family recognized,” Anna said, hiding her hurtful expression. Renee laughed as she played with her golden curls, her arched brow raising slightly. “That recognition won't be for long, Anna,” Renee smirked. “What is that supposed to mean?” Anna asked. Renee shrugged, “You know how Daniel has always loved me and not you, well, I just need to provoke him enough to divorce you.” Anna frowned. She had always known Daniel had been in love with Renee. Two years ago they were supposed to get married but Renee had abandoned him at the altar and broken his heart. To avoid a scandal, Daniel’s mom had coaxed Anna to marry him because she knew Anna had always been in love with him. Anna had married Daniel and helped him heal his broken heart or so she had thought because a few months after their marriage, Renee had come back into Daniel’s life and they've secretly been having an affair since then. “Daniel isn't going to divorce me,” Anna said. Renee shook her head, “It’s not going to be only Daniel who would like to get rid of you by the time I’m done with you.” Anna looked around the pool and clutched the glass she was holding. Today was the birthday of her father-in-law and they were throwing a huge party in the main house for him. Renee had brought her out here to show her something and it turned out to be pictures of her and Daniel. She had done it just to gloat at Anna and make her feel bad for not having Daniel’s love and affection. Anna stared at the pictures on Renee’s phone and shook her head. “These are just mere photos, if you release them you will be causing a scandal for Daniel.” “If you cause that scandal I’m not sure if he will divorce me, he’ll probably end things with you.” Renee laughed again as she stared at Anna’s smug face. “Who said anything about exposing the pictures?” Renee took her phone from Anna and locked it, a smug expression on her face. “What are you going to do?” Anna asked. She had always known Renee to be devious but she shuddered to think of the lengths Renee would go to achieve her aims. “I’m certain if you stick around long enough you'll find out,” Renee smirked. “What is that supposed to mean?” “Shh,” Renee lifted a finger to her lips and pointed towards the main house. Anna whirled around just as the music stopped and the house became quiet. She knew it was time for Daniel to give a speech for his father’s birthday. She just didn't know how it affected whatever Renee had planned for this evening. “Everyone knows you've always hated me so they won't be surprised by this,” Renee said. Anna furrowed her brows in confusion, “I don't understand what this is about, Renee.” Just as everywhere was so quiet, Renee’s scream pierced the air rendering Anna speechless as she took a step back. “Renee, what are you doing?” Anna asked in a quiet voice. “Stop it, please! Help, she's gonna kill me!! Anna, please let me go!!!” Anna’s lips parted in shock as Renee stood before her, a smirk playing on her lips. “What did you do that for?” Anna asked. “Everyone heard my voice now watch as I label you the villain,” Renee smiled. “But I didn't do anything.” “That’s not what Daniel is gonna believe because I’m gonna jump in that pool and we both know I can't swim,” Renee giggled. Anna reached out and grabbed Renee’s gown just as she saw the smirk on Renee’s face then she fell into the water. “No!” Anna exclaimed, shock all over her face. Immediately she saw Daniel who jumped into the pool as Renee struggled in the water. Daniel pulled her out and kissed her, trying to resuscitate her. Finally, Renee gasped and opened her eyes as the other family members crowded the pool area while Anna still stood frozen in shock. “Thank you for saving me,” Renee said in a fake pathetic voice. “This is all your fault, Anna,” Daniel glared at her. Anna blinked as she stared at Daniel’s blue eyes that were staring at her with so much hatred. “No,” Anna cried, “I didn't do anything wrong.” “You pushed her!” Daniel yelled at her. “And we heard Renee screaming and begging you to leave her alone,” Erica, Renee’s friend, piqued. “But… I… She faked it. Renee deliberately fell into the pool,” Anna stuttered. “You’re trying to tell me that Renee, who is aware she can't swim, deliberately fell into a pool to drown?” Daniel asked with a scoff. Anna nodded, “Yes, exactly.” “You must think I’m stupid, I saw you push her into the pool,” Daniel snapped. Anna gasped, unable to say anything as she finally understood Renee’s words. “Don’t yell at her, Daniel. It’s not her fault, I’m so clumsy, Anna didn't do anything,” Renee said in a tiny voice as she began to cry. If Anna didn't know her she would believe the fake tears she was spilling but unfortunately the rest of the guests and family members believed her. “I can't believe Anna tried to kill her,” one of the guests said. “And she's pleading on her behalf,” another added. “She’s such a good girl,” they praised Renee who remained in Daniel’s arms, pretending to be weak and sympathetic towards Anna. “It’s alright, Anna, I forgive you,” Renee said adding more praises to her name. “Silence!” Mr. William Monroe snapped. Everyone kept quiet as the man stepped out of the crowd, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as his beady brown eyes assessed Anna. “You have always hated Anna, we've all tried to ignore it but the bad blood has been there,” he said. Anna shook her head trying to speak but he silenced her with a raised hand. “I don't want to hear anything, Anna, the evidence is so clear. Daniel saw you push her into the water, you tried to kill Renee on my birthday and bring a scandal to my home and for that, you are no longer welcome in our home. We don't want people like you who would ruin our reputation.” Anna was confused as she stared at William, “So what does this mean?” “It means we are done with you and you can get out,” Daniel snapped, “Pack your bags and leave my house, I’ll send you the divorce papers.” “No, Daniel, I was framed, I didn't do anything,” Anna cried as she went towards Daniel who pushed her away. Anna turned to Mary, Daniel’s mom. She was the one who got her married to Daniel. “Mom, please, you know I’m innocent,” Anna cried. Mary sighed, “I want to believe, Anna, but the evidence is clear. Please leave us alone, you're free now.” Anna knelt crying by the poolside as the guests all headed back inside with the family members. Daniel carried Renee bridal style and glared at Anna, “By the time I get back from the hospital I want you gone from my house!” Just as Renee was leaving with Daniel, Anna saw the smug look on Renee’s face as she mouthed, I told you so.