Chapter 19: That Dress is Karma

The view of the Eiffel Tower painted out the view, the sky kept blue and cloudless. I gazed down from the glass wall, spreading the curtains open. Today was especially crowded with tourists. The air was amazing here, the sun shining brightly into our room. I couldn't have imagined a better day.

Well, it wasn't quite getting that much better. I had a meeting to go to. There was no time for fun.

I took a deep breath of the warm air, fingers coming up to tighten my tie. And through that amazing view… I shifted my attention to my reflection.

Pale cheeks, tired eyes...

This was going to be my third trip of the month-business trip, that is. I was awfully surprised. How did I manage to last this long? How would I, for the… rest of my life, with all this pressure on my shoulders?

Blank blue eyes gazed down to the streets. I shouldn't be making such a big deal-I'd made it this far. After all… people had always said I was a beauty and a genius.

"Elsa?! Can we go down please? Pleaseeee?"

I shut my eyes. Not just from her, though. I forced a smile, huffing in submission. I felt arms wrapped around my waist from the back, lips pressed on my neck. She hummed delightfully. "Will you fulfill my single wish, baby?"

I turned my head. Belle's brown eyes sparkled with excitement. I've never seen that before.

"I would've thought you'd want to rest up before going down."

She rolled her eyes. I always found it cute when she did that. But… we knew it all too well that we were nothing but 'cute'. "Come on, do you really not want to come down, ma cherie?"

French again. I raised my eyebrows. "You've been speaking French quite a bit recently. Care to tell me why?"

"Well we are in Paris, and I am French. It's not like you don't speak it either." She chuckled, disbelieved. Her hands slowly crawl against my stomach, and she latched her fingers together around my body. What should I say?

Even in Paris… I seemed to still be chained to her touch. To her words. It was… addicting. But it was something I'd rather not get used to.

"Qu'est-ce que je vais faire avec vous?" I questioned. She shrugged, eyes widening in quite a surprise. I'd rarely speak French to her.

"I don't know, amoureux. I don't think you can do anything." A pause. "Not with us... " Her fingers searched through my abdomen… as if wanting to unbutton my shirt and take me then and there. "Not like this." I could feel her smiling against my back, her lips kissing my neck with love. I sighed with content, and nothing could make me feel more alive than to have her arms hold me… her breath sweeping me away.

She cleared her throat and backed away. "Now come on, we don't have all week! Let's go explore, we're on a trip remember?"

My racing heart calmed, and although, I wasn't quite that expressive… I allowed my lustful eyes linger at the way her hips sway as she went through her luggage.

I crossed my arms, back leaned against the window. The sight of her back turned to me was wonderous. I wondered if she was lifting her rear up by purpose. She never needed to try and seduce me. I was… hers, after all. "We're on a business trip."

She laughed, getting up with a white dress placed on her front. Belle led heself to a mirror, and twirled. "We? You mean, you are. I'm only here for the fun."

I took a deep breath, turning to my wrist for the time. "Where is Olaf?"

"In his room. Why, do you want me to bring him with us?" She crossed her eyebrows.

"Jack texted me to call when we get here."

"You should probably do that then. You know how your brother gets when he's worried."

Jack had never… been more careful of me. Why, I wasn't so sure. At times like that, I could only wish that he wouldn't look at me as if I was weak.

"Hey, you're doing that thing where you're ignoring me again."

Gods, did I want to roll my eyes at her. I gazed at her coldly, only to be stared back at with challenging eyes. Oh, I didn't dare to talk back at all. "I would never ignore you."

She grinned, standing straight, her steps slow and soft as she neared me once again.

Her hand fell against my cheek, and I let myself lean into her touch. Something about it… about the way she looked at me… how she felt against my skin, was awfully… Gods. I want more. Everything.

"I know. But sometimes, you just seem a bit too out of it. Like…" Her eyes roamed at my expression. "Like you're keeping something away from me." A pause. "From us." Did she have to use us?

I didn't quite understand why she was saying this now. Yes, we had gone through quite a tough time, but never had I once not trusted her. Ah, I had to be wrong.

Her eyes fell to my tie. Slowly she began tightening the thin cloth around my neck "Snowflake, what I said the other day… about how we feel for each other… you know, I don't really-"

"I know how you feel." I tightened my jaw, quickly grasping her wrist to pull away. My eyes were blank, mind as white as paper as well. What could I say? I could only submit to her words. The truth that was behind our relationship… our feelings.

All this time… I'd always thought about Anna, and never had I once given a thought about how Belle would feel until this day. The moment I looked into her eyes… the fire she had once, had gone cold.

But coldness-the numbness was what we needed together to survive and love. Was that correct?

"Do you really?" She pressed a hand to her chest. Her heart beat fast. "Do you understand… how thin of an ice we are standing on? How close I am to be losing you to someone-something that I would never-"

"I would never go. You know that."

She bit her lip, her eyes evading mine. "I'm not so sure about that," she mumbled. "Not so sure…"

"Belle..."

"But you know what?" The brunette smiled. "You're being honest with me, Snowflake. Just… no matter how fragile that promise seems, even if you do go, I will follow you." She kissed my cheek.

And somehow, she seemed to have lifted my heavy heart. Her eyes lightened up in a matter of seconds. How was she doing this? Keeping me in her arms reach… keeping me shackled to her, and I could not find the will to leave her.

I tried my best to mirror her expression and leaned in to kiss her lips. Oh, her precious lips… the precious words that came out of them. I hoped everything would be okay just as she said it would. "Thank you," I mouthed.

Belle shook her head. "It's what loving you does to me." She turned to her luggage once more. "Now, if you want to make it up to me-which I know you do, I want you to come explore the city with me."

I looked at the time once more. We'd spent a bit too much time in here. The meeting that I was supposed to be in was going to be in five hours. My stomach grumbled, knowing I wouldn't make it in time for dinner.

I raised my eyebrows at Belle. "I will come. But tell me, when will your father meet us?"

She hummed, searching through my clothes in the bags. She'd brought a bit too much for a week. Though I shouldn't be complaining as I had done the same. "Well, when does your meeting end?"

"Eight. Though, I wouldn't know how long it will escalate."

"Then dinner will start around that time, would that be alright?"

That seemed fine. I kissed her lips. Sighing, I decided to leave her apartment without a bother to change my clothes. The flight was long, but… I was a bit too exhausted to start changing. The least I could do was explore a little. When will I ever get that chance to?

I decided to call Olaf. "Belle and I are heading out for a bit…" I stared at her bare back as she started taking her shirt off. "Yes, go rest… we'll be back in an hour or so." I couldn't keep my eyes off her… couldn't erase how beautiful she looked from behind.

I let my gaze linger at the sight of her white dress hugging her body… how slender she looked as it reached just to her knees. She'd worn dresses plentifully, but every time, I never got used to her beauty.

She turned around with a smile. "Ready?"

I mirrored her expression when she came to hug my arm. If she was like this every day… I'd be happy. When she kissed my cheek, I couldn't help but laugh and kiss her back.

"You seem clingy today." I rose my eyebrows as we walked out the apartment. She let her hand slide down my arm, fingers slipping between mine. Ah, how warm.

"I can't show affection to my girlfriend?" Her sultry voice… her gleaming eyes… I couldn't refuse affection. I could never refuse her.

I pressed the elevator button down the hall. "Should I get you something?"

"You spoil me too much. Don't worry, I have more than I needed."

"Oh?"

She let her thumb run against mine. I tightened my grip. "I have you."

Oddly, I didn't think she would say this with such sincere eyes staring back at me. The smile I had faded. She looked apologetic for what she had said earlier. It was just all hidden in her grin.

I ran my fingers through her hair, letting her cheek lean into my palm. This was not her fault.

And slowly, she seemed to have realized.

"You're hiding how you are feeling," I breathed. "Please don't." I couldn't hide the guilt in my voice. I held strong.

She kissed my palm, her lips warm against my skin. And again, I felt another surge of guilt pushing through me. What have I done to gain her affection? "I don't want you to feel bad, is all."

The elevator door opened, and immediately, I pulled away from her. There were two other people inside.

"We'll discuss this later," I whispered into her ear as we entered. Belle's eyebrows were furrowed. Gods, she knew I had more to say… and of course, I wanted badly to talk to her. I could feel the blood draining from my body. The thought of her… feeling this way, left me feeling quite nauseous.

I reached for her hand from her side and squeezed. The elevator was silent as we made stops on the way down. I tilted my head to her. "I have you too."

Her fingers twitched in mine. "You know I love you," she whispered, staring ahead. "I don't want you leaving me because of her."

I looked away, silently taking in a deep breath. Perhaps… she just misunderstood me. "I won't."

"And I hope that's not an empty promise." She leaned closer to me, eyes kept on me. I wanted her to trust when I could not trust myself. Her expression was so still… but I knew how pained she was inside.

The elevator door slid open, and slowly, we got out. I don't have any excuse.

"It won't be."

Throughout the day, she seemed to be having quite a lot fun-taking pictures when she got the chance… kissing me with every opportunity that was open. Oh, I wanted nothing more than to see that smile.

Belle held a steady brown gaze at me, when we approached a small bar. We were quite exhausted from all the 'dragging' around. I felt blood rushing out of me. How could she be so energetic? Perhaps, I'm just introverted.

"Drink?" She gestured the place.

A smile pressed on my face. "Whatever you'd like."

She regarded me with a chuckle, a hand holding me. Belle opened the door, greeted with a loud 'bonjour'. "Look, I'll pay for your drink."

I blinked with amusement. "Oh? But I thought as a couple, my money is your money?" Where was her dominance now? I let her take me to the bar counter. The smirk she had was completely intoxicating, and I could not stop staring. Observing.

"Exactly."

I laid my knuckles against my head, elbow propped on the tabletop as we took our seat. Somehow, I didn't feel the need to turn away. She looked… somewhat alluring.

"Hi, can I have a glass of bourbon?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"You?" She turned to me.

I blinked. The image of her was stuck in my head. Though, I knew she realized I'd been gazing at her so intently. I didn't care. "I'll get a club soda."

"No drinking?" She raised her eyebrows. "Wow, Elsa Snow is not drinking for the first time!"

I eyed my folded hands. The bartender slid our drinks to us. "I have a meeting later, I don't think I could take any drinks at the moment."

"Hm." She hummed, turning to look around. "Doesn't seem like a lot of people are here this afternoon. Better for us."

"You always seem to like the peace." I took a sip of my carbonated drink.

"Don't you too?" She faced me, a hand pressed on my lap. "You like silence and the dark more than anything, Snowflake."

"I like you." I nodded to her, a smirk crossing my face. She had to roll her eyes in exasperation. Surely, I could get a bit ridiculous sometimes. Her expression… was amusing, to say the least.

Belle leaned in to kiss my neck. "Peace… gives more of… 'us' time alone. That's why I like it." Her reply left me in a daze… leaving me imagining things that she could do to me. In our 'us' time, that is.

I pressed my lips together. I can't let her control me. But I… was addicted to her control. I turned to the hand that was pressed on my lap. I'd realized… during those nights that we had with each other, it was just another way for her to claim me.

This was what I wanted.

"Belle?" I blinked, turning to see a man with auburn hair standing before us. He seemed surprised for a bit. This was leaving me a bad taste in my mouth.

I arched my eyebrow, turning to see Belle with the same exact expression. "It's you…" Slowly, she got up from her seat, her hand falling from my lap. I wanted nothing more than to hold on.

To grasp on, to let him know that she… was mine.

And mine only. I restrained myself, watching them stare in awe at each other.

"Que fais-tu ici?" he asked, his laugh seemingly… brightening her mood. She was smiling, eyes glistening like never before. I felt my my chest constricted with jealousy… but I wasn't going to show it. I didn't know he was… and Belle couldn't have possibly…

"I… came for vacation." She turned to me, winking. I restrained myself from cringing forced my arm around her waist.

"Vacation?" He turned to me. "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontre. My name's Adam."

"Le plaisir est pour moi." I shook his hand. His grip was firm, but even his touch left me feeling… disgusted. Just as we let go, I placed my hand in my pocket. I had to keep calm.

I felt her hand on mine around my waist. "Okay, so now that you've met… Elsa, Adam has been my friend since we were little kids. Adam, this is my girlfriend of three years now."

My eyebrows cocked up, and I gazed between the two. "I apologize, Belle never told me anything about this."

He chuckled. "It's okay. I didn't know she had a girlfriend in the first place either. If you don't mind, there's a party tonight here in celebration of my colleague's birthday. Hopefully, if you do come, we might get to know each other a little better?"

"I'm not so sure. We are meeting Belle's father."

"Ah, he has such a great character."

"I'll take your word."

I turned to Belle who had her arms crossed, eyebrows scrunched together to a bitter frown. Her eyes were cold… and that was something I'd rarely seen. I felt her hand on mine now.

"Actually… Adam, can we talk?" She glanced to me. "Alone, maybe?"

For a moment, I felt a hint of confusion swirling in my mind. The way she said that… left me in a haunting fear that she could be hiding something. But what did she have to hide? I let go of her hand, my expression turning drastically grim.

"Yeah… yeah, sure. Elsa, do you mind?"

"No, not at all." I continued to stare at Belle as if that would bring out the secrets she was hiding.

Belle took a deep breath and kissed my cheek before leaving with Adam. "I'll be back in a sec, babe."

I gave her a slight grin.

This was… odd. But I knew better not to question her. And if I did… tonight, would be the night I'd feel the pain of her touch. Her words. And I would be her prisoner for the night. I shook my head from the thought. Because as much as I desired for this… I wanted nothing more than to feel the comfort of her love. I wanted nothing more than to have her close to me.

I took a deep breath and turned to the bartender. "A glass of whiskey, please."

He raised his eyebrow. "I thought I heard you say no drinking-"

I didn't let him finish, tilting my head daringly.

"Coming up, ma'am."

"I don't."

I blinked. Once. Twice. I must've misheard.

The church bell rang in a distance, the birds outside chirping through the cold wind, and through this silence… everything was so audible. My hands were frozen in place on the piano, and I thought sweat was dripping down from my neck. I stared at her but all I could see… all I could see was the emptiness of her eyes. How… determined she looked when saying those two words.

I knew how Olaf and Jack was feeling… but I didn't dare to look at them. I didn't dare to run up to Anna… not now. Not like this.

"E-Excuse me?" the priest asked.

Anna turned to me, teal eyes glistening with light. I… wasn't sure how she was feeling. For the first time. "I said, I don't." She turned back to look at Hans, her fingers slipping away from him. "I… I'm sorry, Hans. I let you down."

Mumbles were going around, and I could not bear to hear what everyone was saying. I didn't want to hear. All I could hear… could see was her. I rounded my fingers tightly in a fist, eyebrows furrowed in worry. In confusion. What was I supposed to do? What did she want me to do? I could not feel the relief in me.

Hans nervously chuckled. "Anna, but I thought we… I thought we had a thing-"

"I know. But my heart… my heart doesn't belong to you. I'm sorry."

"Anna…"

"I used you… and I just… I don't know what to say. I just needed someone."

I stared at the two. Idiot… she's such an idiot. But I could not blame her.

Between them… they were quiet until the man sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah… I figured."

"You figured?"

"I knew everything, Anna. And I'm-I've used you too. I shouldn't have let you do this, and I took an advantage of you." He smiled. Something that I thought I'd never seen before. Our eyes met, and nothing felt more comforting to see how… soft, how accepting he seemed to be. The tension was too much to bear. "But I know how this feels like. Even I wouldn't be able to leave someone who cares this deeply about me. And I can't… but I will. For you."

Anna shook her head. "I don't get it… how did you-"

"Have you ever realized how naive and oblivious you are? No offense. I've known ever since… you couldn't even say 'I love you' to me." How could he still laugh? I stood up, but even if I was on feet, I couldn't walk. My knees felt weak. I felt as if I was intruding.

But I needed this.

"I… God, I'm… I'm so sorry, Hans." Her voice choked and just like that, I realized I had to be there for her. I couldn't stay silent-

"What are you doing…?"

I blinked, turning to the deep voice. A man with red hair, deep green eyes stood from his seat, coming closer towards them. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Hans?" He glanced at Anna. "Anna?"

I could see the anger in his eyes… and only turning to see the fear in Anna's. Immediately-and I don't know how-I had my arms wrapped around Anna's back, grasping onto her as tightly as possible. I couldn't let her go. Not again.

I gazed deep into his eyes, and nothing screamed more cold and dangerous than this.

"You… it's you…"

Olaf and Jack finally got up. "Hey, old man, back off," Jack exclaimed.

"Elsa Snow, you're the one that's going to steal Hans' wife?"

I squinted my eyes in exasperation. He was just a few feet away and I could already feel his angry breath breathing into me. I tilted my head, looking right into his eyes. I wasn't going to lose myself to him. I felt her grasping at my arm tightly.

"Elsa… I… I'm sorry," she whispered, her eyes widening in fear. I couldn't help but soften my gaze for her as I leaned down to whisper into her for comfort. She was shaking like a leaf, and as someone who was this independant and strong, I didn't she would become this scared. I sighed, pressing my head against hers.

"We will get out of this safely. I love you, I won't ever let you go." A pause. What should I do? "Stay here-"

She held onto me tightly. "D-Don't go. Please."

"Hans will be with you."

"I don't want to lose you."

"You won't."

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry, I didn't want to be like this-I-I didn't-"

"All I ever wanted, was for you to be safe. Don't apologize, Anna. I'll be right here."

I grabbed her hand and without much force, she slowly slipped away from me.

I gazed square into his eyes, fingers tidying my suit, and I straightened up. I needed to be dominant… to make everyone feel as if this whole world was mine. That I conquer everything from his words to his world.

"Who are you talking to?" I questioned, my voice soft and quiet.

He growled and took another step towards me-only to have Jack and Olaf standing between us. "Sir, if you take one more step to taunt my boss, you will regret it."

I twitched, smirking at the sound of Olaf's voice rising. At this rate, perhaps, I wouldn't have to do much with Olaf by my side. He could be… the coldest person I'd ever met if he wanted to be.

Hans' father laughed. "You're threatening me?"

Olaf arched an eyebrow. "Yes sir."

"Hans… tell me, are you that soft to let the only girl you love, go? Think about us. Think about your mother."

Hans looked away. I had to defend him too, perhaps? So be it.

"This isn't about him, is it? It's about me 'stealing' his woman. If you have something to say, spit it." I came closer to him, despite Anna protesting against me.

"You… You bitch…"

I twitched. "I apologize-just because your marriage is… well, arranged, does not mean you should go on to force your youngest son-and the head of the family to marry someone who doesn't like him this way."

"A-Arranged-"

"You can't hide everything, Mr. Westergard."

He took a deep breath, and in the corner of my eyes, a fast hand was coming right for me. I grabbed his wrist immediately, earning gasps from all around. I ignored the way Olaf tried to pull me back. How Jack stood there in speechlessness. He stared at me in shock, his hand shaking at the grasp of my fingers on his wrist.

"Y-You…"
"What do you have to say for yourself?" I questioned calmly, my eyes darkening in anger. And nothing else registered into my brain. I looked over his shoulder to see Hans' brother standing up. I knew what they were up to.

"Anna's a nice girl… and she's being taken by someone like you?"

I smirked. "I'd be surprised too. But I'm glad she won't be taken into a family where a man like you would hit a woman. Well, try to."

"You think you're special because you have a million dollar company? I know all your secrets, Elsa Snow. You've only gotten so far because of your grandfather. How you… lost your ability to become something much bigger than what you already are."

Was that a threat? "By all means, tell the world. Tell the world who I am… because I know, I will be something much bigger. Will you take your father? Olaf."

The brothers behind him had worried eyes… and it was something I'd never thought I'd see. To seem to get embarassed, that is.

"Yes, ma'am."

I gazed over my shoulder. "Ready the car for Anna and I. Watch him go too. We'll be leaving shortly."

"Of course."

He snatched his hand back to his side. "Hans, we will talk about this when we get him. You bastard of a son-"

"No!"

I turned to him, and all I could see… all I could see was a weak man, wanting approval from everyone. And suddenly, I felt my heart tighten. As if… as if I saw myself inside of him. I softened my gaze, watching those tears that he held for so long… finally, fall.

"No?"

He shook his head. "No. I will not… I will not let you control me-not my life. Not anymore."

"Come over here, son-"

Hans took a step back. "You don't get to treat me like this. You… definitely do not get to treat Anna like she's some kind of… disposable thing. She has her heart for Elsa, and that is that. I'll accept that, and if you can't… I don't think I can be near you anymore."

"Hans Westergard."

"Westergard, huh…" He chuckled, eyes to his feet. "That's another thing I don't want to associate with."

My eyes widened at his statement. But this was no surprise to me. Perhaps I was just… scared.

Huffing a breath, his father turned his back to us. Good. Spare us from the embarrassment. "We'll talk about this… whole situation when you get home. And I know you will. Elsa."

"Sir."

When the door echoed close with Olaf and Hans' brothers walking beside him, I turned to Anna. She was down on her knees, hands covering her face… and I knew tears had to be falling. My heart broke for her.

I got down to her, letting my arms be her comfort. "You're alright. Everything's okay now."

She leaned into me. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I was… I was scared…"

I looked up at Hans… only to see him turn away. That was alright. He needed time and space too. He seemed to have… He'd lost everything. And perhaps, this was my fault too.

I felt her hand grasping onto my arm tightly, and I knew, at a moment like this I had to be there for her.

Taking a deep, relieved breath, I wrapped my arms around her body, her head leaning against my shoulder. She sobbed ever so quietly… and I hadn't realized, how silent the church was.

"I'm here," I whispered, my lips pressed to her ear. "I'll be right here…"

"Elsa…"

"I won't ever let you go. I promise."

a/n: '"Qu'est-ce que je vais faire avec vous?" = "What am I going to do with you?"

"Que fais-tu ici?" = "What are you doing here?"

"C'est un plaisir de vous rencontre." = "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Le plaisir est pour moi." = "The pleasure is mine."

There, French lesson complete! Leave a review, thank you!