Chapter 11
Anastasia and Tamia stepped into Bottega Veneta, the iconic Italian luxury boutique that screamed old money without saying a word.
The brand was legendary for their silk scarves–effortless sophistication with flawless
craftsmanship, often featuring subtle botanical prints that whispered elegance rather than shouting
wealth.
Anastasia’s gaze immediately locked onto a scarf in the window display. It was absolutely perfect for meeting the Rhodes family–classy and refined without looking like she was trying too hard.
“Excuse me,” Anastasia said to the impeccably dressed sales associate, “could you wrap up that scarf in the window?”
The more she studied it, the more certain she became that it was exactly right.
Suddenly, a voice like nails on a chalkboard pierced the boutique’s serene atmosphere. “Actually, I
saw that scarf first.”
Anastasia’s stomach dropped. That voice…
She turned around to find Jasper’s mother and sister blocking the entrance like designer–clad
goyles.
women were practically buried under shopping bags from every luxury store in Manhattan,
pointing at the window display with the entitlement of people who’d never heard the word “no.”
Anastasia bit back a laugh. This day kept getting better and better. She must have run over a black
cat, broken a mirror, and walked under a ladder all at once.
But since she and Jasper were officially done, she had absolutely zero fucks left to give.
Megan Miller and her daughter Joanne Hale were Manhattan’s most notorious social climbers–women who measured worth in dollar signs and pedigrees.
For three years, Anastasia had kissed their asses, showering them with expensive gifts–La Mer skincare sets, Hermès bags, rare supplements from Switzerland. Anything to earn a crumb of
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approval.
Especially after J&A hit it big, Anastasia had gone all out with her peace offerings.
She’d been equally generous with spoiled princess Joanne.
Too bad no amount of money could buy their respect.
Anastasia took a deep breath, summoning her last reserves of politeness.
She turned around wearing her most diplomatic smile. “I think the concept of ‘first come, first served‘ still applies, even in Bottega.”
When Megan and Joanne realized who they were facing, their expressions curdled like spoiled milk.
Megan raised her chin like she was addressing the help, her voice dripping condescension. “Anastasia? What are you doing here? More shopping? Doesn’t Jasper work hard enough without you bleeding him dry?”
Joanne rolled her eyes dramatically. “Seriously, Ana, are you sure you’re in the right store? These
scarves cost more than most people’s rent. Unless… wait, are you buying this for Mom?”
Since the scarf was clearly designed for mature women, Anastasia had to be gift shopping.
She’d bought Megan plenty of expensive presents before.
Megan suddenly wondered if this was another attempt to win her over with luxury goods.
Anastasia found their assumptions absolutely fucking hilarious.
The sheer audacity was almost impressive.
She maintained her serene smile while contempt burned in her chest. “Actually, this is for my new mother–in–law. Jasper and I are completely finished. We’re not even friends on social media
anymore.”
Megan’s shock was immediate and theatrical. “Oh my God, really? This is the best news I’ve heard all year! You two were never compatible anyway. Someone from your… background… could never
fit into our world.”
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Chapter 11
“Thank Christ!” Joanne practically squealed. “This calls for champagne! You can buy all the designer accessories you want, but you can’t buy class.”
Tamia had been biting her tongue, but finally lost it. “Did you gargle with sewage this morning? Your
breath is toxic.”
Joanne looked Tamia up and down like she was inspecting roadkill. “How crude. I should have
expected–trash attracts trash. Maybe check if this store has a dress code before embarrassing
yourself.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Anastasia said with ice–cold politeness. “Wrap up the scarf, please.”
She gestured to the sales associate, who looked deeply uncomfortable with the drama unfolding.
Megan’s face went crimson. This was Anastasia’s true personality?
Where was the apologetic doormat who used to grovel for their approval? This confident woman
was a complete stranger.
Just to twist the knife, Anastasia also selected two thousand–dollar dresses without checking price
tags.
Today was turning into quite the statement.
Megan and Joanne watched with mounting rage as Anastasia completed her purchases with obvious
satisfaction.
They stood paralyzed as she glided past them like she owned the.place.
Megan stared after her retreating figure, fury radiating from every pore. “That little nobody is getting completely above herself.”
Joanne’s voice was pure venom. “Mom, forget her. She’s still the same basic bitch trying to play
princess. Call Jasper and confirm they’re actually done.”
Megan’s hands shook with indignation as she speed–dialed her son.
“Jasper, please tell me you finally dumped that gold–digger,” she demanded before he could say hello.
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Dumped Today Married TONIGHT!! My Overnight Waðinu ki 2 DroAK
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Chapter 11
Jasper sounded irritated. “Who the hell told you that? We had a fight. She’ll come running back with her tail between her legs like always.”
“Darling, we just saw her at Bottega Veneta, throwing money around like she won the lottery. If she’s finally willing to walk away, it’s a miracle! Someone of her breeding could never be worthy of our family name. You were just having fun–now Mommy can introduce you to some real Manhattan
princesses.”
Unexpected irritation flashed through Jasper. “Mom, mind your own damn business.”
Even though Valeria was exciting and new, he wasn’t ready to completely write off Anastasia. Three years of conditioning didn’t disappear overnight.
Megan was livid at her son’s resistance. “Cut her off completely! And make sure she doesn’t walk
way with any company equity either.”
That little climber should leave with nothing but her cheap clothes.
After ending the call, Jasper frowned deeply. What game was Anastasia playing now?
Was this some desperate bid for his attention?
Another manipulation tactic?
Jasper remained completely confident that Anastasia would come crawling back within days.
Their relationship had always followed the same pattern–dramatic breakup, followed by her
inevitable return.
This time would be exactly the same.
Anastasia was way too obsessed with him to ever actually leave.
Outside the shopping center, Anastasia felt lighter than she had in months.
Tamia was practically bouncing with excitement. “Ana, that was absolutely fucking legendary! I’ve been waiting three years to see you put those pretentious bitches in their place.”
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Chapter 11
Every previous encounter had been the same script–Megan and Joanne acting like Manhattan royalty while Anastasia just absorbed their abuse.
Anastasia laughed, feeling genuinely free for the first time in forever. “It felt incredible not to swallow their bullshit anymore. I used to think if I just kept my mouth shut and smiled, eventually they’d accept me. What a waste of energy.”
Tamia nodded emphatically. “Hell yes! You should’ve gone nuclear on them years ago. The Hale family acts like they’re American aristocracy when they’re just money–grubbing social climbers.”
Anastasia’s smile was radiant. “Forget them. Let’s get coffee–and maybe something stronger. Today
calls for celebration.”
For the first time in years, Anastasia felt completely liberated. She was actually excited about her
future as Mrs. Rhodes.
What would married life with Cassian be like? The unknown suddenly felt full of promise rather
than fear.
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Dunned Today Married Tomorrow MY DWEEnicht Wedding to a Tveron-
