HUGS to:
LoveInTheBattleField
Moonprincess998
Vchanny
xSapphirexRosesxFanx
Guest#1
Mika
inufan155687
Lina2121
SeleneAnadyomene
Guest#2
-i-gh.B
Chapter 12
Serena entered the library, followed by the red-haired man who had claimed to be the officer. She eyed him cautiously, desperately trying understand why on Earth he was making her... uneasy.
Mina had spent over an hour telling her about the encounter with the good detective. It was peculiar how easily Mina and Zoi had let him help and - even more - how readily mr. Kou jumped into the investigation.
'Come on, Serena! If you saw the hunk, you would not have been asking such stupid questions !'
The woman glanced at him again. Hardly was he a hunk. Actually, Serena would start questioning Mina's sanity if she indeed had been sexually attracted to that man. Even the mask could not hide the cold rough features he possessed, he was sending cold horror chills down her spine and yet Serena found it impossible to turn around and leave, feeling almost hypnotized by his dangerous stance. He smiled at her and suggested sitting down to wait for Mina's arrival.
Serena's scalp prickled, adrenaline rushed through her body and the world started spinning when she spotted a gun tucked into the waistband of his trousers. The woman was overflown by terror. She tried to calm herself, after all Mr. Kou was a police officer. But the more Serena studied the man, the more obvious it became: the man was not the praised knight in shining armor.
The woman's mind whirred at the most terrifying possibilities leaving the taste of metallic horror in her mouth. Serena was almost sure she was going to be sick, she inhaled deeply, trying to steady the panic and hide her true emotions from her captor. She needed a plan.
Serena slowly looked around, searching for... anything helpful. The walls were covered with bookshelves, hundreds, probably even a thousand books that were now useless. She should have taken the kickboxing classes. At least that way she would have known how to defend herself.
'Gosh, how come in films a victim always finds scissors, vase or at least, a knight in shining armor. All I have is a sister, who is coming here equally defenseless!'
The door opened and Serena was ready to start motioning Mina to run. However a completely unexpected person entered the library.
Mr. DeVeene strode in the room, coldly nodding to the red-haired man, who still was sporting his mask, not giving an opportunity to see his face.
Meanwhile Mr. DeVeene took his place behind the desk, his eyes never leaving Serena. It seemed that he was lost in numerous thoughts, memories, purposes. He was silent, cold, determined. Serena couldn't guess whether or not he knew about the replacement, if he was looking at her and seeing his daughter. However, whatever the answer was, he didn't look like a loving parent Serena had met.
"Good evening, Serena. It seems like we were not introduced properly. It's nice to meet my pseudo-daughter's sister. You are the mirror reflection of that bastard-child I've brought up as my own."
Was he mad Serena had hidden the fact that she was not Mina? What did he want? Why he was looking at her so cruelly?! He knew about his wife's cheating?
"We'll wait for Mina, if you don't mind, and then I'll answer all the question that live in that pretty head of yours. Meanwhile, would you like some wine? Or something else? I have quite a bar here."
And he started looking through the bottles, telling her the story of each one of them. One was presented by his son, another by a president... He was so relaxed, satisfied, happy even, but strangely enough, Serena was growing more and more tense. She sensed something coming.
Handing her a flute filled with rose wine, Mr. DeVeene, smiled at her warmly. He looked genuinely interested asking how Serena had found Mina's life. The ex-politic didn't make a big deal of it, as if people exchanged lives every day. Serena inhaled deeply all over again trying to steady her nerves. Deciding that she could use some extra time, the woman chose the answer the question.
"It is not what it seems."
"A very diplomatic answer, my dear. I think, my unfaithful wife made a mistake choosing Mina over you. But then again, seldom was it the only one. Anyway, I really think we could have got on very well, you could really pass for my real daughter. I was not lucky with children. Neither Jade nor Mina make me proud. They are like a big fat joke. Mina is quite a vindictive conniving young lady, but she has a soft spot for… outcasts. And while Mina is not my biological daughter - not that it's an exuse, Jade is actually my son... Despite my hopes. And the lack of some particular features make them laughable and vulnerable. You and I, on the other hand, could make a perfect team. Winning team. May be I would not have become driven by revenge. But Justice must be done. Unfortunately, both you and Mina will be dead by the end of that magnificent evening. But you should know, it's nothing personal, Serena. I am sorry you've got into the crossfire. I liked you the moment I saw you in that cafe. Pity you are not the one I've brought up. Hush now. And enjoy your wine. It's the best and It's gonna be your last."
"Alan, what a pleasure to meet you here. Don remember inviting you though. What a pleasant surprise!»
«You didn't. I am someone's +1,» the black-haired man smiled the way he used to when they were together. He tentatively touched Mina's arm and looked right into her eyes.
All the noise around silenced. The wave of memories washed over the woman. Suddenly there was no betrayal, she no longer felt hurt and broken. All Mina could remember was love, the first blossoming feeling inside her that made her change. It didn't matter, if he loved her, she felt love and it made her feel special. The woman was no longer sure if she was still in love, but the special feeling inside her - love of a kind - still existed. And it seemed like it would exist no matter what happened.
«I see. I am sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding. I was… occupied,» it was strange - apologizing for not having come to his wedding. But she wanted to say this anyway.
«My wedding? Mina, I am not married. I could not even think about having someone that special in my life after the break-up,» Alan looked genuinely confused.
«I… But I received an invitation. And heard about that woman you we accompanied by. I assumed…»
«Do you really think I could jump into the new relationship after what we had together? Get married? Even more than that, that I would have had the nerve to invite you? I love you, Mina!»
«But…»
«I was a scared fool, I am sorry. I came to beg for your forgiveness, but your father said you are getting married to Shields. And I… I thought it was for the best. I didn't deserve you. It was my biggest mistake! I should have fought for you!»
«And now, that I am divorced, you are here to what? Claim me back?»
«I…I see that you are different from the girl I used to know, who I fell in love with. Mature. Experienced. And I understand that I left too much mess to come back again, but I want a chance. Unless… you love someone else?»
Mina was looking at Alan, trying to understand, to absorb every single word he pronounced. It was too much. She was not ready to hear those words. She was not ready to believe it, to believe him.
«Alan. I need to be elsewhere, I am sorry, we'll talk about it later, ok? I don't want to rush this conversation. When the guests are gone, stay. I'll find you.»
He nodded, a spark of hope lit his eyes. Not wishing to think too much into this, Mina headed to the only place she wanted to be right now - with her sister. Behind the closed door were the answers, her destiny. and yet, she hesitated. Mina heard Serena's jittery voice and that instant she burst inside.
Inside was her father. Caring, loving father, who brought her up. She loved him so much, despite the disagreements, scandals and more. he still was the best man in her life. And the moment Mina saw him, she instantly relaxed. However, Serena's scared face made her retake the situation.
Her loving and caring father pointed a gun at someone. At Mina.
"Come in, child. And close the door."
A/N Soooo, some of you were right, the Bad guy here is Mr. DeVeene after all. Ready to know his story? Do Mina and Serena want to hear it? Bet, they just want to live. Will the knights make it to rescue both of them? Seems like too many blonds to me. What do you say?
I know this was short. But it seems like a good place to stop. And a good place to start the next chapter. And I know, it takes me too long, but my mid-term exams are taking it all, I have it all written in my head, but just can't type the story. I'll try to present you with the new chapter soon.
Happy holidays!
Wishing all best,
Renie.
