Desires Die Hard (Anya and Evan) by Beryl Occam
Desires Die Hard Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Anya stopped in her tracks. Surprise rippled across her face as she stared at the young woman. “You’re Inviting me to the tip as well?

After that incident with the mango cake, her relationship with Lola had remained distant. They weren’t friends at all. In fact, she would describe her relationship with Lola an that of a professional one between a designer and her client.

It wasn’t the sort of relationship that warranted invitations to pre–wedding vacations that were typically reserved for friends. That explained why Anya had been shocked by the invitation.

It didn’t matter though. She couldn’t accept the invitation. She had kids to look after. Besides, the company wasn’t going to let her take a few days off just like that.

The young woman quickly collected herself after her moment of surprise.

“That’s right!” Lola smiled. Her lovely painted nails looked like miniature paintings splayed across fine porcelain as she lifted her cup and took a sip of tea. “I love the bridal gown that you’ve designed. It’s exactly what I imagined my gown should look like. In fact, it’s the gown of my dreams! As a show of my thanks, I would like to invite you to join me on my pre- wedding vacation.”

“Ms. Mars, that’s very kind of you. I’m happy that you’re pleased with my design,” Anya said softly to the other young woman. “Unfortunately, I’m swamped with work. I won’t be able to take time out of work to join you on your pre–wedding party. Thank you so much for the invitation though.”

“There’s always work that needs to be done. Reschedule them. You’ll only be gone for three days,” Lola said insistently. She had to help Evan get a chance to spend more time with Anya. “It means a lot to me. Please don’t turn me down.”

Anya shook her head firmly. “I would love to go but…I really can’t.”

The young woman wasn’t lying. Now that the design for the bridal gown had been decided, she had to make arrangements with the factory to have the dress made. She would still have to work on perfecting the gown after that.

She didn’t exactly have the luxury of time.

Besides, she had promised to design a coat for Mdm. Welton too. She had not started on the first draft of the design yet.

She was honestly overwhelmed with work. She didn’t have time for a vacation.

“Are you honestly that swamped with work?” Lola eyed the look of reluctance on Anya’s face. The woman didn’t look like she was lying. Lola smiled. “Why don’t you think about it and let me know tomorrow? Honestly, it would mean so much to me if you join us.”

“Alright. I’ll think about it.” Anya nodded. “I have to make a move now, Ms. Mars.”

“Sure. See you around.” Lola smiled at Anya before lifting her hand and gesturing at her agent. The agent knew Lola wanted her to walk Anya out.

The agent nodded immediately and escorted Anya out of the room.

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Chapter 169

It was eleven when Anya left Lola’s dressing room and stepped out of the studio. It was nearly time for lunch.

Anya stared at her watch. If she were to head back to the office, she would only have time to grab lunch from the staff canteen. That meant long queues and crowded tables.

She considered the idea and then decided against it.

She hardly had the opportunity to step out of the office. Besides, it had turned out to be a fruitful day. Lola had been extremely pleased with her design.

Anya decided to replace a diner in the vicinity and treat herself to something decent.

She knew she couldn’t afford to spend too much on lunch though. Nothing that cost more than twenty bucks anyway.

With that thought in mind, Anya decided to head towards the bus stop that was located a few steps away from the studio.

She was about to stride towards the bus stop when a black Bentley sped past her, then screeched to a stop ahead of her.

It was a familiar, forbidding black. The car had clearly stopped because the driver had seen her.

Anya e

open.

eyed the Bentley curiously. Before she could catch a good look at the license plate, the door to the Bentley swung

A familiar looking young man swung his long legs out of the car.

Evan?

A deep crease wrinkled Anya’s brow instantly. What was he doing here?

Had he known about her meeting with Lola?

Before Anya could give that thought further consideration, Evan had walked up to her. He reached forward and grabbed her wrist in a firm vice–like grip. “Come on. Have lunch with me.”