Chapter 9 Analise's POV Why? Why in the hell would they try to force me to marry Holden ? He's not the only man in high society . He can't be the only person willing to marry me . I honestly can't believe my parents were willing to do this to me . I felt a tear run down my face at their sudden change of heart . " Ana , please , just listen to me . Holden cares for you , and you care for him , too , even if you're angry with him . Isn't it time to set down your anger to see the bigger picture here ? Any scandal can affect not just our businesses , but yours as well . We have to hold a wedding . The only difference is we won't let Roger make a sham of it or humiliate you . We need someone of our social standing , for it to be believable . Otherwise , everyone will think it's a hoax . We need it to appear as though you had a change of heart . I know that Roger and his family hurt you . I ran into Krista two weeks ago , and she told me what happened to you . I remember you wearing a brace after that incident . We all knew Roger wasn't good enough for you . Holden is the best choice , Ana ," Seth gently stated . "I refuse to do this . Our businesses are strong enough to withstand this . Why try to force me into doing this ? You tell me you care , Seth , and then try to push me to do this ? I won't marry him . Even to save face ," I replied . My parents and Holden stood up with us . " Ana , please listen to Seth . He is trying to prevent you from being humiliated by that little jerk . I don't want you to have to suffer the humiliation of being left at the altar . It would reflect poorly on all of us . We want what's best for you , darling , can't you see that ? " my mother advised me " Analise , I know you have some kind of issue with Holden , but you have to trust us that this is the best option for you . His family loves you . Holden loves you , too . He's already agreed to it . Most of our friends were aware of the arranged marriage . All we have to do is spin the narrative . That you were upset with Holden , and wanted to get him back by becoming engaged to another man . It made Holden realize that his love had never gone away . Seth's just looking out for your best interests , baby girl . I don't want you to suffer for choosing Roger . I kept my mouth shut because you liked him , but I never considered him quality husband material , We found a way to work around his plans . I won't allow him to think he could ever turn my daughter into a mistress , " my father stated . " So , according to your plan , everyone benefits from it , except me ," I scoffed . " Thanks so much for your support . I promise that this won't affect any of you ; it will only affect me . I'm not willing to marry Holden . Correction , I refuse to marry Holden . Thanks for lunch . " I immediately headed for the door while they were too shocked to react . I knew they would snap out of it quickly , so once I shut the front door , I ran to my car and slammed my keys into the ignition . I roared up the driveway and was thankful to see the gate opening for me . I guess they hadn't had time to call security yet . I slowed down to drive through the opening , as the gate was still sliding open . I saw the guard answer the phone as I passed him . I waved my hand at him as I passed . He ran out of the small shack to try to stop me , but that wasn't going to happen . 16 1/4 Ace to Hide I already knew that they would probably head to my home . I didn't have a lot of time , so I swung by my house and grabbed some shoes and all my unmentionables . I didn't need much . I also grabbed my plan of attack and left . I couldn't avoid the confrontation with them ; I knew it was inevitable . However , I could dodge my family long enough to get past the wedding date . After that , it would be too late for them to try to pressure me into marrying Holden . How they even thought I would be willing to do so was beyond me . I knew they wouldn't cause a scene at my workplace . They didn't want any bad publicity . It was the main reason Seth was able to win them over . The disappointment that they changed sides still hurts . It was like what I wanted didn't matter at all , and that was a hard pill to swallow . Especially now that Roger has finally shown his true colors . I know that my family loves me . But they still think that my issue with Holden is just me being petty , childish . It's not , and it's a hill I'm willing to die on . It's heartbreaking to know that despite their love for me , there were conditions that came with it . The bottom line was that our precious family name shouldn't be tamished . I've As much as I love them , I'm not just going to blindly accept Holden . I can now slow down and focus . I'm not just mourning the death of the relationship I thought we had . I'm losing my family's support as well . If needed , Пl just leave town the week of the wedding . Take a well - needed vacation because I refuse to be used like this . Like I'm a means to an end . Where everyone else ends up getting what they want , except for me . changed a great deal in the last ten years , even if they refuse to acknowledge that this is not a tantrum . Once I was clear of my condo , I was able to relax a little . I still watched my rearview mirror to ensure I wasn't followed . I called a realtor friend of mine to get help . I had bought my villa from Christine Arnold , as well as my current Condo . I know for a fact that my family wasn't going to drop this . Seth was right . This was about to be a problem . Everyone who is anyone was going to be coming to my wedding , especially if they smell blood in the water . Nothing stays a secret , especially in high society . I was about to call in a favor . I was thankful that Christine answered quickly , considering it was Sunday . She usually worked every day and was probably at an open house . I could hear people in the background the moment she answered . " Hey Ana , what's up ? " she answered . " Hey , Christine , I need one of your rentals for the next few weeks , " I replied . Christine bought homes as new listings came across her desk on a daily basis . She flipped them and assembled a team , streamlining the entire operation . Her cousin was the lead contractor . She always had something ready to rent or sell . I knew she could help me disappear for a few weeks . " What ? Wait , why do you need a place to stay ? You already have two homes , Ana , that's one more than most people have ," Christine replied . " Christine , the wedding is off . Roger has already married someone else . He just used me to help him grow his company . He only proposed because he couldn't figure out a way to get out of it . Now Seth is insisting that I marry Holden Vaughn , and that's not going to happen , " I replied . " Honey , you could do a lot worse than marrying Holden . He's a hottie . I remember your parents arranging the marriage , and you being all in on marrying him . What changed ? I'm telling you now , most women could only dream of being his wife . I myself would love to run my fingers through his hair and stare into those smoky gray eyes of his all day , " Christine replied . 24 A Place to Hide " Be my guest , you can have him . I won't accept a marriage with a man who can't be loyal , " I snapped out . I hadn't meant to say that , but I've been through too much , and it hasn't even been twenty - four hours . I was done playing nice . I need to get some sleep and as much peace as I can in the next nineteen hours before I have to go to work tomorrow morning . Who am I kidding ? I don't have to show up on time . What are they going to do , fire me ? This week , the new and improved Analise is making her debut . I've gone rogue . " I'm sorry , Ana . I didn't realize . You're entitled to marry who you want to and not be forced into anything . Unfortunately , I don't have anything ready at the moment . I've sold two properties , and my other two properties are at the early stages . The walls are bare and uninsulated , and the HVAC systems are being changed out . There's sawdust everywhere ; they're not livable at the moment . But you can stay with me ," she replied . I could tell that she was sorry for even saying what she had , but it wasn't her fault . " No , it's fine . I'll figure something out . Can you meet me at the villa tomorrow ? I want to sell it as - is , including the furniture and art . I want to list it at three million , " I replied . You paid $ 2.5 million for it just three months ago . You've put a lot of time and effort into decorating it . Can't you just stay at the villa ? " Christine asked . I could hear the shock in her voice . " He's been living there with her for two months , doing unspeakable things . I never enter it again , and I don't want to remember what happened by seeing the paintings anymore . I'm going to have a cleaning service come in and clean everything , especially the living room couch . I know the villa and art are worth more than three million , but I need it sold fast . I will have a team come in and box up their clothes , I want it sold before he comes back from his honeymoon in Paris ," I replied . " I will get it listed in the morning . Can you let me in to take pictures of the villa ? " Christine replied , all business now . " I can meet you there at ten . Their flight leaves at noon , so they should be gone , but park up the street from the villa . I want to ensure everything is clear before I let you in . Don't worry about me , Christine , I will be fine . I'm taking back my life , on my own terms . Believe me , Roger is going to be the one who's sorry , not me . As a matter of fact . I will also give you my key to my condo tomorrow , I want a fresh start . A property that is just mine, so start looking for me another property . Somewhere in a gated community , near Fashion Forward , Three bedrooms , three and a half baths . With a closing date within the month , if possible , " I replied . " Got it , I'll look tonight for possible locations , and have something for you in the morning . I'm sorry , Ana . No one deserves to go through this ," Christine replied . I could hear the sincerity in her voice . " Thank you , " I answered quietly . There was nothing else to say . It hurt , but I plan on emerging from this even stronger . I'm no longer going to be guilted or forced to do anything that I don't want to do . I already have a place in mind where I can stay . I just needed Gwen to go there with me to get the ball rolling . I don't want to be found anytime soon . KatVonBeck