Oh Jesus… Sorry MW and to all the people who re-read my work… I forgot about that detail. I just didn't want people to get confused about the new redone chapters with the older versions. Since I have decided to re due chapters and add more chapters to the story I thought it would be better to get rid of the older ones that I posted to avoid confusion… I realize that I was kind of brash and should have informed you guys of it first… Well to make up for my mistake I have decided to post this earlier than I originally intended this is brand new chapter two. That has been edited. not much has change the real changes will occur in chapter three. Chapter three is a completely redone chapter. I have decided to not rush the plot so much and take it slow… not too slow mind you. Just enough to bring the story more realism and life. MUCH LOVE FROM THE ISLE PR… again sorry MW
Chapter 2
Mina had informed Serena of Darien's current circumstances. She found herself wincing at the sound of his name and the fact he'd seemingly went on with his life without her. She knew this was purely an emotional reaction, and of course, didn't really expect Darien to put his life into suspended animation for her sake, but it just felt like a wound had been re-opened as Mina broached the subject. Nevertheless, the news had been somewhat of a surprise to her. He lived well outside New York City amongst the rambling hills of a rural enclave in a scenic and secluded location, quite different to that of their former place of residence.
Apparently, Darien had sold their marital abode and the new premises were a long way from his mother, much further. 'So he managed to stay within the same state. At least he had the good sense to stay well clear of the bitch.' She thought to herself, this being somewhat of a compensation and relief.
She thought it one thing concealing her identity from Darien, but his mother was a different matter entirely. Serena in all honesty doubted if she could resist the temptation to pull the old bags hair out by the roots once she'd set eyes on her.
After their meeting in the café that day, Mina and Serena began the long and exciting process of transformation. She felt a little skeptical at first, and didn't think she could hide herself behind such an ambitious facade, but she was prepared to give it a go and nodded her agreement. Mina's eyes immediately flashed with enthusiasm and Serena found her friend's energy infectious and threw herself into the project with gusto.
Serena was pleasantly surprised by Mina's expertise at having arranged the necessary aesthetic alterations. It was obvious to any untrained eye that they had worked their magic beautifully. She stood before the mirror and was left in no doubt she'd radically changed, albeit the metamorphosis had not required anything as dramatic as cosmetic surgery. She would have definitely drawn the line at something like that, but she felt good, sexy, feminine, mature and worldly. In fact, all the changes they'd made were simple ones, but effective.
Mina's hairdresser gave Serena a natural youthful look, by changing her hair color to a soft brown shade with several blonde and raven-black streaks altering the way her hair framed her face, changing her appearance highlighting a contrast in skin tone accentuating the new look.
Serena's wardrobe up until that point had consisted mainly of business attire. She smiled to herself remembering Mina's reaction when she'd pulled open her closet door. Mina stood beside Serena with a forlorn expression upon her face and slowly shook her head as she gave her friend an apologetic look. She'd explained her outfits were chosen for work. Serena shrugged and went on to add she had no need for anything more fashionable or flamboyant due to the fact she never went out all that much anyway, and when she did, it was to business engagements.
She looked beautiful before in her heavy power clothing, but had to concede she looked fantastic under Mina's careful tutelage. Serena's Wardrobe was now amongst the most exciting and coolest in Chicago. In fact she looked drop-dead gorgeous. The new clothes Mina helped Serena select were beautifully styled and color-coordinated to match her new hairstyle, complexion, and eye-color and complemented her figure beautifully. The transformation was amazing.
The staff at the stylish fashion boutique knew exactly what Serena needed to set the world ablaze and Mina trusted their judgment implicitly. Serena was certainly happy with the results as she paraded before Mina and the boutique's employees along the small catwalk, who were impressed with her poise and charisma. She pirouetted before them in a knee-length multi -layered black dress with a sweetheart neckline, ruffled shoulder straps and a silver beaded bodice with red rose motifs lining the neckline and broad hem of her skirts. She was beaming and in her element.
Mina had arranged a fake ID for Serena: consisting of passport, birth certificate and driver's license and even a high-school profile and resume. Henceforth Serena would be known as 'Lillian Thomson,' her age unchanged at 25 years-of age on all documents.
Completing the dramatic transformation, Serena's new gold-rimmed glasses were the icing on the cake. These lenses were a fashion accessory only, not a prescription pair. After testing her newfound look on her colleagues at work, she was both satisfied and pleased with the results. As expected, they didn't recognize her.
The day had arrived; Serena bade her friends and the staff at the hospital a fond farewell and gave notice immediately. She would be flying to New York in two days. If it weren't for Mina's constant support, she most likely wouldn't have made it this far.
On her last day in Chicago, Mina had arranged a good-bye party with all her friends at the hospital in attendance. Mina insisted Serena closed her eyes as she drove her friend to a beautiful setting in a park and led her to a herbarium. Once inside, Mina asked her to open her eyes. The chorus of, 'surprise' melted her heart and she hugged Mina and then embraced Ami, one of her closest friends at the hospital. She marveled at the decorations, trestle tables arranged beautifully and thanked everyone for the wonderful send-off, and tears flowed freely as Mina handed her a glass of champagne as Serena wiped her tears away. They had a great time that night; the music pulsed through her as she danced with all her friends and gave her a feeling if both joy and sadness at the thought of leaving them all behind. They wished her good luck and said their goodbyes.
Mina spent the night at Serena's place rekindling old memories of when they'd spent so much time together growing up, staying at each other's houses and school excursions and vacations. The occasion had strengthened what was already an enduring friendship. They discussed her plans regarding what needed to be done once she'd arrived. Serena closed her eyes that night, and thought the day was all in all truly wonderful.
The next day, she climbed into the cab with Mina beside her to see her off at the airport and held her friend's hand feeling a little sad, yet exhilarated. Mina stood by her as she had her luggage checked and after she hugged her friend who looked at her with a stray tear in her eye nodding, embraced Serena before she waved goodbye, and moved through the departure gate.
"Good luck, Sere, call me when you've arrived?" Mina shouted jumping up and down on the spot as Serena did the same and waved both arms.
"I will, thanks for everything, bye!" She shouted as her figure disappeared into the narrow entrance and Mina sighed inwardly wishing her friend all the luck in the world, and knew deep down Serena would do okay.
Serena strapped herself into the comfortable seat aboard the aircraft beside a young boy and his older sister who both smiled at Serena warmly. She took a long breath and relaxed allowing the motion of the plane to lift her spirits as the altitude increased. She closed her eyes and the first thing that came to mind was whether or not her disguise would be enough to fool Darien. 'What if he were there at the house when I arrived?' She thought gripping the armrest and breathed deeply to regain control of her respiration that sent her heart racing.
Serena was petrified, and as her plane touched down upon the runway, her anxiety began to peek. She became increasingly anxious when an airport attendant slipped a note into her hand instructing her to wait in car park E where a car would be picking her up. 'He always had class' she thought to herself as she eyed the limousine and the young man driving it.
Serena's chauffeur couldn't help but gawk at her with eyes that unashamedly drank in her appearance like a thirsty man after surviving the ministrations of a hot desert sun. 'He has no idea … well; I couldn't imagine I'd get a reaction like this. I must look pretty damn good.' Serena thought feeling flattered and at the same time, a little uneasy as the guy's eyes swept appreciatively over her body taking in the shapely figure and sculptured legs. He pulled down his cap and quickly moved away not wishing to be caught leering at the stunning young woman before him, but he had been and chided himself inwardly for his carelessness.
She barely looked 20 years of age despite the glasses that didn't really make her appear all that much older. Serena knew at least they gave her an heir of sophistication she hoped would fluster and discourage her unwanted admirer. Serena shrugged slightly, and walked confidently towards him extending her hand in a sharp business like fashion. He stared at the proffered hand for a second or two, seemingly flabbergasted. To Serena's utter consternation, he took her hand and brought it to his lips placing a light kiss upon the back of her hand. Serena flushed, and abruptly withdrew her hand as if it were scolded by boiling water and huffed in indignations as she proceeded to enter the car without his help. Serena knew he'd curse himself later for his brazen audacity.
The drive she found a touch amusing, she pressed a small button on the back of the front seat-separating passenger from driver's compartment and watched almost spellbound as the glass panel silently lifted like an invisible curtain allowing her to speak to him. He glanced at her from time to time via the rear-vision mirror while attempting to maintain his focus upon the road.
Serena was surprised to learn he was only 17 years of age, single, and lived not far from the house she was to stay at. Apparently, he was hired after both he and his parents pleaded with Darien to give him the position. When not at school, he'd help around the property and its grounds. His parents owned a ranch, raising and selling pedigree horses for quite a tidy sum, but it wasn't enough to pay all their expenses. Therefore, he implored Darien to employ him.
Serena's young companion had introduced himself as Diamond, exalting the estate's most striking features. She thought his unsolicited account would come in handy since the estate would be her place of employment and home, thus giving her some idea of what to expect.
The impressive white marble edifice with its roman styled columns and portico ascended from its verdant surroundings like a mighty stone lion to greet them as the vehicle slowly wound its way along a gravel concourse. A gargantuan three-storey structure styled after the classic Southern fashion boasted two wings running east-west, a huge attic where one could almost lose one's self if not careful according to Diamond.
She was told Darien and his daughter resided within the west wing of the house while most of his employees occupied the eastern wing of the house. She would probably be placed there too.
The mansion boasted twenty rooms, ten either side of the central structure that consisted of five large chambers including the dining hall, ballroom, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool and conference room that doubled as cinema and recreation room when not used for business purposes.
"Sounds like a hotel," Serena scoffed loutishly, tossing her hair back over her shoulders nonchalantly. Both Serena and Diamond chuckled together in agreement.
The grounds seemed to unfurl endlessly in all directions: the botanic gardens separated by a set of concentric lawns broken up by lavish flowerbeds of roses and other exotic fragrant blooms. At its center, there lay a huge crystalline lake located not far from the house. A small forest lay on the outer perimeter that lay beyond the west wing of the house cradling the estate that was filled with the melodic throng of songbirds.
Diamond described the house as warm and loving, earning a frown from Serena who scoffed at this suggestion, remembering their previous home being anything BUT warm and loving, yet Diamond claimed this dwelling possessed these qualities.
She briefly considered claiming responsibility for Darien's inability to establish a suitable family environment. A home was far more than simply bricks and mortar, it was a living thing, not just some cold location one could describe to friends as merely a, 'roof over our head.' It may be pretty and posh on the outside but it's the feelings that it brings, the unity that it causes, that make home warm and loving.
He looked at her curiously as pain and grief moved across her face and shrugged. Serena became all too aware of the long moment of silence in that suspended moment between them and shook her head in an attempt to banish those foolish thoughts. 'Of course it wasn't me, I did everything in my power to make that man happy … with all of my love, and what does he do with it, sends his MOTHER, of all people to unleash those vicious words upon me at a time when I was most vulnerable. No, it's definitely not my doing; I won't let him get away with it.' Serena thought to herself angrily.
At that moment, it occurred to her to ask about the child's origins.
"Diamond," she beckoned, her voice sweet and sultry, having decided this tone would elicit the information she sought after. He felt flustered by Serena's amorous charm and gulped hard nodding, not trusting himself to speak, as he felt slightly nervous and trembled slightly. She withheld a giggle finding his reaction all too amusing and continued. "His daughter… do you know of her mother. If she comes by exercising her visitation rights and such, I need to know this … so the mother and nanny don't clash. You know, I don't want the girl to take me for a motherly type when she has one."
"Oh … well, I don't really know much about her. All I can tell you is Rini is the child to his previous marriage. Her mother's a bitch who walked out on her husband a day after the birth of their child, and two months later filed for a divorce. She didn't bother to write or phone to ask after the baby, or even bother to ask her name, what a cold bitch, huh… From what I hear, Darien was heartbroken and to this day hasn't recovered. It's too bad, because Darien is too nice a guy to be pining away over some gold digging whore, if you know what I mean?"
"No, as a matter of fact I don't," She stated sardonically, well aware she was the subject of his insults. She had half the mind to tell him too, but reminded herself why she'd come here in the first place, to win over her daughter. "You shouldn't make a judgment without understanding the circumstances for both parties, for truths are often distorted by these factors and differing points of view neither you nor I are privy to. Tell me, has anyone in that household actually met this infamous ex-wife of his?"
"Well, now that you mention it, no, Mrs. Thomson … I guess one of the maids must have overheard something," he said scratching his head thoughtfully.
"See my point; it's a completely unreliable source of information. How do you know it wasn't Darien who chased her away?" She paused allowing him to think over what she'd said before giving his answer. He didn't. "Nope, I won't judge a woman I've never met, nor would I pass judgment upon Darien for the same reasons," Serena declared knowing only part of her statement was true, because in a sense she felt she didn't know him at all. 'If he could be so cruel towards me and sulk after the fact and elicit pity from those around him … nope, I don't think I really knew Darien Moss at all.' She thought to herself as the limousine pulled up in front of the spacious veranda of the house.
She briefly closed her eyes and sighed, opened them once more and craned her head through the open door of the car looking straight up at the impressive vista of the magnificent structure before her. Diamond held out a hand to assist her as she climbed from the back seat. He had offered to carry her luggage, but she insisted on doing it herself and politely declined his offer. He shrugged it off and with a carefree smile led the way up the wide slate steps that led onto an expansive veranda where comfortable cane furniture reclined in shadow and dappled light provided courtesy of the bay trees strategically arranged between the roman columns that moved in a staccato procession along its length. A black cat lifted its sleepy head from its large white cushion and regarded her with passive curiosity followed by its snow-white Persian companion who yawned before both felines returned to their previous activity.
Serena thought Diamond could give his hormones a rest and park the car allowing her a break from his leering eye. Serena's high-heels clicked upon the cool stone surface before the large doors bidding her welcome, but just as she was about to knock, the door had suddenly opened and she was greeted by a gathering of Darien's employees. She was about to pick up her two light-weight suitcases when a young man stepped forward and insisted he take them for her. She thanked him, lifted her head, and smiled at their open and honest faces finding their welcome was warmhearted and quite genuine. She knew without a shadow of doubt she'd be unconditionally accepted into the household. Serena began to appreciate Diamond's accurate description of the house as warm and loving. Not that she thought it was due to anything Darien had done to make it so. It was solely them that made the home lovely and loving at the same time.
Serena felt uneasy about encountering Darien, but managed to keep those thoughts to herself as polite and heartfelt introductions were exchanged. The surprisingly effortless induction into the ranks of the household relaxed her immediately, it was then her new colleagues introduced her to the head maid, Mrs. Dane. She was a kind middle-aged woman with a gentle smile and likable disposition. Serena took an instant liking to her, for she was an astute and big-hearted woman with a quick wit and had a good grasp of human nature.
After a brief interview in her small well-kept office, Jessica Dane smiled at the pretty brunette, took her empty cup, placed it upon a silver tray, set it upon a small sink, turned to her new charge, and invited Serena to follow her to her new living quarters. Serena held back an anxious breath as she acquiesced.
They moved along elegant hallways with fascinating paintings and oak paneling and the antique furnishings sparsely arranged throughout the hall featuring vases filled with sweet smelling pink roses assailed her senses bringing a smile to her lips, and the fragrance emerged from the many alcoves that ran off the central causeway. The layout creating an old world feel making her think she would run into a great Southern lady and her esteemed retired confederate army officer husband at any moment. Serena's thoughts continued to wander as they moved towards the west wing of the house, where Darien and Rini resided.
"Excuse me," Serena said meekly, gaining Mrs. Dane's attention. "Aren't I supposed to be sleeping in the eastern wing of the house with the rest of the staff?" She asked hoping her question wouldn't seem impertinent or gauche. The old woman chuckled lightly before she replied.
"Normally yes, But the Master insisted you reside on the west wing. He wanted you and Miss Rini to be close to one another since the terms of your employment are contingent upon how she responds to you, but I get the feeling that this won't be an issue for you, Serena dear. Oh yes, the Master of the house is present most of the time, but when he's not, he wants Miss Rini to feel safe and secure and that's where you come in, dear … as you young people say, do you get it already?" Serena and Jessica giggled and Serena nodded. "Then follow me, Miss … your room is right next to the little lady's."
"I'd prefer to be addressed as Lilly… I hope you don't mind. May I address you on a first name basis, also?"
"It would be my pleasure, Lilly. You may call me Jessica, or Jessie for short," she laughed pleased to discard the formal veneer that she loathed and immediately both women felt at ease.
"Jessie it is then," Serena replied cheerfully, masking the guilt, she felt having to deceive this kind old woman, but it was far too late to back out now. Before Jessie left her to unpack, she took the opportunity to ask her some questions. "Jessie… when will I get to meet Rini?"
"Well, Lilly, see that door in front of you … it connects both yours and Miss Rini's room in case she needs you at short notice say, during the night if she has a bad dream or needs you for any reason for that matter and she can come to you too. You can pay her an impromptu visit after you've finished unpacking if you like; she'll be ever so pleased to meet you,"
Jessie said smiling towards the closed door that seemed like a magical portal where upon Serena could cross into another world at will and possibly the world of her beloved little girl.
"Oh, and Mr. Moss … will I be meeting him any time soon?"
"Yes, he will arrive at his usual time of four o'clock," Jessie replied fluffing up Serena's pillows before stepping across to the balcony entrance and drawing back the curtains to reveal a splendid view of the grounds below.
"Oh thank you, Jessie,"
"My pleasure, Lilly," and then Jessie left the bedroom leaving Serena alone. She decided to forget unpacking for the moment, and when the coast was clear, she raced into Rini's room.
Jessie was true to her word, Rini was there all right, the similarities between them were uncanny. Rini had her sky blue eyes, with a hint of darkness drawn from Darien's indigo orbs. She possessed her mother's delicate features such as her full lips and body-type. She looked like an exact replica of Serena at that age with some differences attributed to her father's genes. Serena felt as if she were about to cry, but held her emotions in check, fore her child was looking directly at her with a most curious expression.
"Are you my new nanny?" Serena heard the little girl implored, complete innocence resonating through her tiny high-pitched voice.
"Yes, I am sweetheart. I am here to take care of you," she said feeling her heart burst with love for the darling little angel sitting upon the bed before her. "Mind telling me you name angel?" she asked forcing her voice not to quaver.
"Riana Marie Moss, but every one calls me Rini. You can call me that too if you'd like." Her child added in timidly as she played with the hems of her dress.
"I'll call you whatever you wish me to call you angel. You can call me Lilly and I am here to take care of you." Serena could barely hold in the emotion that was bottled up inside of her heart at this moment. She leisurely made her way closer to the girl in fear that she would disappear if she distanced herself but didn't want overwhelm the child, so she moved slowly for her daughters benefit.
"Will you play with me too?"
"Of course I will play with you … That's of course if you let me," Serena said feeling a sense of contentment sweep over her.
The little girls smile brightened, her little girl. Rini darted towards
Serena and pulled her mother by the hand across the room to play 'dress-up.' Serena was so caught up with her daughter; she hadn't realized the time had rushed by until the butler softly knocked upon the playroom door and coughed before stepping into the room.
"Rini … your father is home and it's time for dinner. Hurry up now, and come downstairs," He stated nonchalantly taking in the sight of the disheveled clothing and other items strewn upon the floor where the two girls had spent some quality time enjoying themselves.
"Can my new nanny join us?" She asked cheerfully.
Serena wanted so much to accept the offer, not wanting a single moment of separation knowing she'd already lost four years, but remembered Darien was home and if she went he would see her. She decided to politely decline, as she wasn't ready to encounter him just yet.
"Actually sweetheart, I was in such a rush to see you I completely forgot to unpack my belongings, so why don't you go on ahead and have dinner with your father. I'll get something to eat later, is that okay with you?" Serena asked gently as she took the little girls hand in her own, basking in its warmth.
"Oh … Okay," Rini responded solemnly as she followed the butler out of her room. Serena walked into her bedroom unable to hold in her pain anymore and cried. She sobbed for all those years Darien selfishly took away from her, for she would never get them back. Additionally, deep down, though she refused to acknowledge it, part of her still loved him in spite of all that had happened. Serena also knew she always would, but she was dead set on never forgiving him. He may have stolen her heart but her pride and obstinacy was something not even he could take away or change. After a while, her tears subsided, and she continued to unpack her belongings.
Serena was actually quite hungry having not eaten a thing all day, but refused to exit her room just in case she bumped into him. An hour later, she decided to take a shower and change into her pajamas and climbed into bed hoping sleep would consume her. Much to her disappointment, it eluded her. Serena turned her head and realized her door had just opened and someone was standing in the doorway with a tray of food. The room was dark, and she assumed it one of Darien's employees, who took it upon themselves to make a gesture of kindness as she'd missed dinner and brought some up. Therefore, she got out of bed and walked towards the door only to find it wasn't one of Darien's staff, but Darien himself.
They just stood their staring at each other. Serena thanked god it was dark and her glasses provided her with some hope of concealment, but the way he was looking at her told her otherwise. He looked just as shocked as she did; Serena blushed with fear and backed away from him turning her gaze at the floor. This was the decisive moment, where she would find out if this crazy plan would work against her ex-husband.
special note
To: Serene Amethyst, MoonlightUsa and Ishq- Thank you for pointing out those mistakes. I took care of the ones that I noticed and fixed it. If there is anymore that you happen to notice it would be a huge favor if you pointed out which sentences they were in to help me locate them better. I fixed the ones I noticed. I hope I took care of them all. I don't think it will happen again in the future. Thanks for reading the bother of you and the support you are going me. To answer Ishq question yes there will be more twist and drama between our favorite main characters. I know how we all love the drama. Any ways the next chapter is the major change that everyone who read the first version will notice. Thanks and hope you continue to be please
To: Redroses- thank you for the support I love that you love my story. I hope that you can continue to be pleased with it.
(I better hurry up with the next chapter before mysterious kills me wink)
