Contents
Forty-One | Anastasia
Overview
Anastasia meets Ian Hawkins over a tense lunch where Ian polices Sasha’s food and belittles staff, revealing his control. Anastasia defends Sasha, prompting conflict but winning Nate’s silent support. A past fling-waitress unsettles Anastasia, yet later Nate reassures her. They skip the party, reaffirming their commitment through intimacy.
Summary
Anastasia meets Ian Hawkins at the resort restaurant and struggles to steady herself under his scrutiny. A familiar waitress, Ashley, reveals past intimacy with Nathan, sparking Anastasia’s jealousy. Ian pointedly defends decorum with staff, then pivots to interrogating Anastasia about her background.
When Sasha orders a burger, Ian overrules her with a salad, exposing his control. Anastasia challenges him and, backed by Nathan, orders burgers for the table. Ian rebukes their “insolence” and asserts authority, but the meal continues under strained civility.
Back in Nathan’s room, Anastasia admits her jealousy and worries she disrupted Nathan’s calm at home. Nathan reassures her that being with her is what makes him feel at ease and that he is nothing like his father. They decide to skip the pretentious New Year’s Eve party and watch fireworks from the room.
The chapter closes with a tender, affirming encounter that reinforces their mutual love and commitment, grounding Anastasia after the confrontation with Ian and solidifying their unity against his family’s pressures.
Who Appears
- Anastasia AllenProtagonist; endures Ian’s interrogation, defends Sasha’s right to choose food, feels jealous of Ashley, and reaffirms love with Nathan.
- Nathan (Nate) HawkinsSupports Anastasia during lunch, subtly defies Ian, distances himself from past fling, reassures Anastasia, and strengthens their bond.
- Ian HawkinsNate’s father; authoritative and critical, polices Sasha’s meal, chastises staff, demands respect under his roof.
- Sasha HawkinsNate’s sister; subdued under Ian’s control, wants a burger, becomes focus of Anastasia’s defense.
- AshleyResort waitress and Nate’s former hookup; her presence triggers Anastasia’s jealousy and draws Ian’s reprimand.
- MarkServer who takes orders; looks to Ian for approval during the tense burger order.