Disclaimer: Do Not Own Sailor Moon

Chapter 3

'I am so pathetic! There is that serious problem that should be solved and yet, here I am, choosing the right outfit...'

The fact that at the same time she was looking through the diary and the photo album didn't help to get ready any faster. Finally deciding on a pink silk blouse and a knee-length pleated grey silk skirt, she relaxed. It seemed that Mina was a little more curvy. Yes, and higher too. But hardly was it a surprise considering her… lack thereof.

To emphasize the difference between Mina and herself she made a hairstyle that she used to wear every day throughout her childhood, school and even a little college. Then Serena considered the hairdo too childish for her liking. But now it seemed appropriate, after all she was meeting a father. Not exactly hers, but who cares… She couldn't remember when she saw her own dad for the last time.

Serena checked the time and made sure that there was enough for a little exploring mission. She just needed that thing done. She was looking for the wedding photos. Somehow it seemed vital to look at them. However, surprisingly she could not find any. Eventually, the woman found one in the diary, pretty soon after the first entry.

'Ah, there's a photo... My God… Sis, you are so beautiful!'

Serena was surprised with her own thought: sister? Why? But then again, there possibly cannot be another explanation. They must be related and most definitely be sisters, perhaps even twins? What was the secret of their birth? Did Mina know about her? And whose parents were biological?

2010-05-03

Dear diary,

I am officially the most foolish girl in the world! Today I married Darien Shields. Out of jealousy, stupidity and vanity!

But I can't understand the reason he proposed in the first place. We were out - I can't even call it a date- three times, the conversation was boring for both of us and there certainly was no spark. Though he surely is the most prince-like man I have ever met. Handsome, clever, rich and powerful, you name it. everything a girl could wish for. Any girl. But not me.

Do you know where we kissed for the first time? At the altar! And I could bet none of us liked it. It was like kissing a... Fish or a frog! Yuk!

Several minutes ago he wished me good night and left, not even telling me where to or when he's gonna be back! Do you get it! We didn't consummate! He's officially the first man EVER to ignore me. Not that I care, actually I am pretty happy with the fact.

And don't take it wrong! I am not a promiscuous girl at all. I just look at myself in the mirror and understand that I am… a goddess of love. Yeah, that would be me.

Tomorrow I am going to talk to him, tell him that it is a huge mistake and we need an annulment ASAP!

Anyways, I need my beauty sleep. This day was too much even for me.

P.S. See that pic? Looks more like funeral to me.

Serena looked at the picture again, now seeing what Mina meant. The couple, though being fabulous, was surely the most unhappy one she had ever seen in her life! Despite the smiles, their eyes were lifeless.

Serena found out the reason Mina got married, but why did Darien propose? Especially to Mina, she didn't look like the type of woman he'd want.

'And you are?'

She found a pair of stilettos and headed to the door to go downstairs. She didn't know where the meeting with Mina's father was supposed to take place, so she might as well use Andrew's help.

The only thing Serena was paying attention to was the design of the corridor, so she was startled when a slightly familiar husky voice asked:

"What are those? Meatballs?"

Serena had never been good at wearing high heels, so being taken aback by the sudden outburst, she tripped and fell right in the arms of her… Mina's husband. Shiver ran down her spine when she felt Darien so close to her. Serena could swear she noticed a hint of an emotion in his eyes for a second. But then it disappeared, as if he wore a mask on his face.

"Not your freakin' business!"

"Go on, Meatball Head!" - he smirked and let himself see her go down the corridor and take the wrong turn, then returning and going other way. She behaved proudly, like a queen rather than a spoiled brattish princess he considered Mina to be… until now.

'Well, that's strange. She has been living here with me for almost two years now. It's not like her. And that strange feeling… I have never felt that towards her. Or else…'

Darien scowled and entered his own room. He had just had an interesting conversation with Andrew. His best friend and the head of his security - all in one, very convenient - claimed that Mina was behaving very strangely when they got her. She was insisting on the fact that they were wrong, asking if they were blind. They were not. That's what he had thought as well.

But this time, when Darien held her in his arms, he experienced something he had never felt before, desire. And, to think about it, she looked a little different too. More… sophisticated and calm, even grown up. Mina he knew had always been a perfection in everyone's eyes, except for his, that is. This version of his wife was a perfection in his eyes.

Darien didn't know exactly whether or not this woman was lying, but she made him want - to know her, to touch her, to lave her - you name it. So perhaps he should ask Andrew to investigate his wife's past. May be, after all, he even won rather than lost when his friend brought his wife back.

"Andrew?" - Serena stopped for a second before leaving her new "nanny" behind, - "It seems that I've lost my cell-phone. Could you get me a new one?"

"Sure!"

"Thanks!"

She entered a small - but rather expensive caffe and asked where she could find her dad. Serena hoped that they were regulars here and her question wouldn't make the lady clarify the name. Thankfully, she smiled wildly and showed her to the table. Although, Serena could definitely make out a surprised look on her face.

'They must have been sitting at one and the same table every Friday for years now. Oh, who cares! Mina could obviously be a space cadet...'

A man, in his late fifties, very handsome one too, stood up, greeting her. To think about it, he looked like Jade, but much older one. Despite the graying hair, she could tell that he was blonde, his eyes had a mischievous glint and a fatherly warmth. Her own father was anything but mischievous. Though Serena loved him dearly and missed him a lot, they had never had a bond like one Mina and her father were sharing.

"Hello, Pumpkin. You look stunning, though very much pale. It isn't because… You didn't tell your husband, did you?"

"About what?"

"Why, those who have been following you, of course! I know I told you it's your imagination, but I thought about it more and figured that it might be because of Darien after all…."

The man kept on talking and Serena listened to every single word he said. She might change her plans.

A blond woman who could easily be an actress or a model, was sitting in a cafe, sipping on her cocktail.

The first part of her plan had gone smoothly. She had seen no suspicious men lurking around or her husband's dogs looking for her like she was an escaped prisoner. She desired to leave this place as soon as possible but she had to make sure events were flowing as planned, so she kept her distance but at the same time it was easy to observe the situation.

"Serena! There you are, I have been looking for you. We need to talk!"

The woman turned her head, so that the platinum-haired man could see his mistake and leave her alone, however surprisingly, he was not discouraged with her appearance. She studied him thoroughly, taking in his muscular body, unusual color of his hair and piercing grey eyes. She had never seen such a man in her life. He waited patiently for her response, ready to be declined. But surprisingly, the blond smiled to him and asked:

"Want something to drink?"