Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 355: Always think three steps ahead

[Evening]

"It seems my wife is far too eager to meet my aunt," Daniel murmured as he walked toward the dressing table.

Anna froze for half a second before her reflection caught his. She was dressed elegantly, the fabric of her dress hugging her curves as if it had been designed with only her in mind. The soft glow of the lights reflected off her skin, and for a moment, Daniel simply stood there, watching.

He had never once concerned himself with her weight, her choices, or the way society expected a woman to look. To him, Anna had always been beautiful in ways that had nothing to do with mirrors. And yet, tonight, seeing her like this made something tighten in his chest.

Anna met his gaze through the mirror, one brow lifting slightly. "You’re staring," she said lightly, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her awareness of its effect on him.

Daniel stepped closer until he stood directly behind her. His presence alone made her spine straighten. Slowly, deliberately, he placed his hand against her bare back, his fingers brushing her skin before tracing a gentle line down her spine.

Anna inhaled sharply, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief second before she opened them again, steadying herself. "Daniel," she warned, though there was no real reprimand in her tone.

"Hmm?" His voice dropped as he leaned in, his face settling near the crook of her neck. He breathed her in, familiar and intoxicating. "Should we change our plans," he asked softly, "and just stay back?"

She laughed under her breath, the sound warm and unguarded. "And what excuse would you give your aunt?"

Daniel’s lips curved into a slow smile against her skin. "That my wife decided she was more important."

Anna turned slightly, enough to catch his eyes in the mirror again. "You say that like you wouldn’t enjoy the scandal."

"I would survive it," he replied smoothly. "Barely."

She shook her head, amused, though her heart was beating faster now. "You’re impossible."

"And yet," he said, sliding his hands to rest at her waist, firm but careful, "you married me."

"That was before I realized how distracting you could be before family visits."

Daniel chuckled, pressing a light kiss just below her ear. "Your beauty is only for me to admire, wifey. And right now, you’re making it very difficult to behave."

Anna turned fully this time, facing him. She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum beneath her palm. "Behave?" she repeated. "You’re the one who walked in and started all this."

"I merely stated an observation."

"Oh?" she tilted her head, eyes glinting. "And what observation was that?"

"That my wife," he said, lowering his forehead to rest against hers, "has no idea how dangerous she looks when she dresses like this."

Her lips parted in a smile that was equal parts shy and daring. "Dangerous to whom?"

"To my self-control," he replied without hesitation.

Anna laughed softly, then leaned closer, her voice dropping just enough to tease. "You’ll survive one dinner, Daniel."

He sighed theatrically. "You have far too much faith in me."

She adjusted his tie, fingers brushing his collar with deliberate slowness. "I trust you," she said, her tone gentler now. "And besides, if we don’t leave soon, your aunt might start wondering."

Daniel caught her hand before she could pull away, lifting it to his lips and pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles. "Let her wonder," he said quietly. "I only care that you know this."

She searched his face, finding nothing but sincerity beneath the teasing. Her expression softened.

"I know," she said. "Now come on. Your aunt is waiting."

Reluctantly, Daniel stepped back, though his eyes never left her. "Fine," he said with a smirk. "But don’t blame me if I spend the entire evening reminding myself why I rushed through it."

Anna smiled as she turned toward the door. "Behave, Mr. Clafford."

He followed her, amusement dancing in his eyes. "No promises, Mrs. Clafford."

***

The couple reached Norma’s place soon after, but what truly surprised Anna was the location itself. Glowford Street.

Daniel owned a house here too.

The realization settled quietly in her chest as the car slowed to a stop. She stared out of the window, taking in the elegant structure before them, its lights glowing softly against the evening sky. There were so many things about her husband she didn’t know. Properties, connections, histories he never spoke about. The thought stung, but Anna swallowed it down. This was not the moment to let disappointment surface.

She straightened in her seat, schooling her expression into calm just as the car came to a halt.

Yet her mind drifted elsewhere. Back to the café. Back to Kathrine.

[Back in the café]

"She wants to meet me," Anna said quietly, sliding her phone across the table. "Daniel scheduled it for the evening."

Kathrine read the message once, then again, before lifting her eyes. "And you don’t want to go?"

"It’s not like that," Anna replied quickly, then slowed. "I just... I think she doesn’t like me."

The words felt childish the moment they left her mouth, but the insecurity behind them was real. Anna wrapped her fingers around her cup, the warmth doing little to settle her nerves.

"I accidentally came across her when she was with Daniel," Anna admitted, lowering her voice as if the memory itself demanded discretion. "She recognized me immediately. The way she looked at me... it wasn’t neutral, Kathrine. The vibes she gave me were something I couldn’t ignore."

There was no exaggeration in her tone, no dramatics. Just quiet honesty. That alone made Kathrine straighten slightly in her chair, interest sharpening her gaze.

"That tells me a lot," Kathrine said after a brief pause. "People who have nothing to hide don’t study you like you’re a puzzle they need to solve."

Anna nodded. "Exactly. It felt like she was measuring me. Deciding something."

A slow, knowing smile curved Kathrine’s lips. "Then I suppose I have a plan to confirm whether she’s a friend... or a foe."

Anna’s brows lifted. "A plan?"

"Subtle," Kathrine replied calmly. "Nothing obvious. I don’t believe in confronting people like her head-on. You give them space, let them get comfortable, and they show you exactly who they are."

Anna leaned back, considering that. "I already had a few ideas of my own," she said. "Ways to handle Norma without turning this into a battlefield."

Kathrine smirked. "Of course you do. You always think three steps ahead."

"And you think ten," Anna countered lightly.

Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them.