Chapter 2_ Family Ties
1202 Words
Elena
I ran up the stairs, my heart pounding. The sound of Sophie's scream tore through me. For a moment I just couldn't breathe.
I threw open the door and there she was, tangled in her sheets, whispering through tears. “it's the monsters mummy.”
I pulled her into my arms, and rocked her gently. “Shh. It's okay baby. Mummy's here.”
Her little arms held onto me tightly until her breathing steadied, the nightmare faded into the shadows.
After some minutes she was fast asleep. I kissed her hair even as my own pulse refused to calm because deep down I knew some monsters existed in real life.
The smell of chamomile drifted through the room as I brought in my mother's herbal tea. She looked so small in the queen sized bed, lost in the blankets.
"Sit with me," she murmured, patting the bed.
I must have woken her.
“Did you settle in well?”
“Yes mum, I did.”
“And how's Sophie settling in?”
“Very well I think,” I didn't want to worry her about the nightmare.
“That's good. Mrs Keller told me about the ball.”
“Oh did she”
“Yeah, and I want you to grant their invitation.”
“But mum…”
She held my hand. “I know you don't want to, but you need to.”
I shot her a glance. “What do you mean i need to?”
She threw a fitful cough, so I quickly passed her some water.
“Thank you. Your brother would tell you all you need to know.”
Breakfast looked delicious and it seemed like Mrs Keller hadn't lost her touch. She made the best bacon and eggs.
“It's so delicious mummy.” She said with a mouthful of toast.
“Yes it is. Mrs Keller is an incredible cook.”
She has always been so picky with her food but for some reason already on her second plate.
The rest of the morning went in a blur as I was still unsettled about the discussion with my mum earlier.
What was she so anxious to tell me about?.
It was noon, and the sunlight was pouring in from the windows. I had spent all morning in my room as the weather was not so pleasant to be out.
Liam had arrived shortly before noon as I had heard him come in. I had gone down to welcome him and he looked pleased to see me, at least that was what I choose to think.
“Miss Elena?” Came Mrs Keller’s voice muffled by the door.
“Come in.” I called out.
“Mr Liam wants to see you in his study.”
“I'll be down shortly.”
Guess this is the part where he tells me what my mum was so anxious about.
Liam's study smelled of whiskey and smoke, papers littered around the desk like a storm had passed through.
“Elena. Pls sit,” he gestured towards the seat opposite his.
“Would you like a drink?” He offered.
“No thanks”
He started to pile up the papers scattered across the desk. Guess he saw my look of disapproval when I came in.
“You wanted to speak with me?”
He looked up, jaw tight. “Yeah I was getting to that.”
I crossedy arms and braced my self for whatever bombshell he was about to drop.
“I didn't want to tell you all these while we've been in contact. But not that you're here it's best you know.”
“Know what?”
He leaned back, eyes cold. “The company's drowning Elena.”
My heart dropped. “What do you mean drowning.”
“Stocks has gone down and the company has gone bankrupt. We've had to let go a few staff.”
“Why did you never tell me.”
“I didn't want to bother you as I thought I had it under control, and moreover there was nothing you could have done.”
I shot him a look.
“Until now.” He said thickly.
“What do you mean?”
“Julian Marks has agreed to keep us afloat. But on one condition.”
I know I wasn't going to like this. “What condition?”
Liam's silence was louder than words.
And then flatly like it was a business and not my life, he replied flatly. “He wants you.”
The floor shifted beneath me. “You must be joking.”
“I'm trying to protect this family,” he snapped. “And if this is how you'll contribute so be it.”
My voice shook. “You're selling me off like property.”
His expression didn't falter. “I'm trying to save this family Elena. Don't make this harder than it already is.”
I didn't want us to get into a heavy argument and say things we'll both regret after. So I went outside to the gardens, dark clouds had appeared in the sky and the air already smelled like it was about to rain. My life and the weather can pass for twins.
How did I get here? Why had Liam never mentioned anything about the company going down? How would he take care of mum and keep things running?
So many questions were running through my mind and I didn't realized it had already started to rain. But still, I sat there. If only the rain could wash all my problems away.
“Mummy?”
I heard Sophie calling out from the back entrance, I quickly swipe my tears which was irrelevant as i was already soaking wet.
“I'm coming baby.”
She was standing by the entrance door when I stepped in, she looked worried seeing me all wet.
“Why were you in the rain mummy?”
“Mummy was just having some alone time.”
“But you'll catch a cold.”
“I won't baby, who wants a hot bath?” I teased.
She jumps excitedly “I do!!!”
“I know you do” I said with a grin. The stress of the day disappearing into the rain as she runs excitedly to the room.
I ran my fingers through the dress hanging in my dresser, the silk and lace spilling over my hands. It was smooth, flawless, perfect, everything I wasn't.
Liam thought he was clever, sending it here before I could object. He wants to package me up like a gift and deliver me to Julian Marks with a ribbon on top.
My stomach twisted.
For years I'd fought to build a life away from all these, away from all the bargains and debt that had nothing to do with me. And now Liam had dragged me right back into the cage I had tried do hard to escape.
I clutched the dress tighter, my knuckles white.
The last time I'd worn a dress like this it had cost me so much, my heart, my innocence, my future.
And this time?
I wasn't sure I'd survive what it would cost me.
- Writer
