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LoveInTheBattleField
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Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.
Chapter 10
Darien sighed tiredly, looking up at his opponent, eager to dismiss him, after all Mr. Shields was not even listening, why waisting time? As the visitor finally was leaving, only stopping on the threshold to say some parting words, Darien scowled after him, finding it impossible to cope with his feelings anymore.
When at last the man was left alone, he returned his attention to the recently received executive summary of Serena Serenity Kingstone, trying to get a proper insight on her character. But the words didn't hold much information, the kind he was eager to know anyway. Serena's background check hadn't produced anything brilliant. Yes, she was a successful designer, quite well off, but what really mattered was whether she had a boyfriend, husband, whoever. And that was unknown. As if she was hiding that information on purpose.
He found himself replaying the events of the last week over and over again, remembering the way she looked at him, the softness of her lips, the warmth of her touch, the insatiable smell of her body, her alluring silhouette.
'And here I am, waiting for a word from my ex-wife.'
The waiting was torturous. Darien Shields never waited. For any single thing. That drove him crazy. Being dependent on a person was slowly killing him, the fact that it was Mina made it even more unbearable.
But Mina was good at matchmaking - at scheming as a whole - he could give her that. And, knowing the situation, Darien understood that it was better for him to trust his fortune to her - in that particular situation. He was hopeless with women, never really understanding their nature, dreams and aspirations. They were always jumping him and from time to time Darien didn't object. So, yes, he felt hopeless. Though it didn't mean he would let her take over completely. He was ready to interfere any time. But Darien just needed his ex wife simply to make sure he would not screw this all up. Yes, just that.
Having seen the plan for the day, Darien was happy to know that it was full, one meeting leading straight to the second one and then negotiations. He assumed, it would give him opportunity to forget about a certain alluring blonde angel. Fool! Not a single conversation went well as all he could think about was her, he was constantly wondering of Mina succeeded in making Serena give away her secret feeling, and most importantly, if he would be able to make her his. For a night, week, month, year, ages - forever? He didn't know.
He was driven by a single desire - to get Serena by his side. And he feared to think about next steps, he didn't wonder what the future would hold for them.
Darien glanced at the attached photo of the woman. She seemed to be so innocent, inexperienced, pure and yet strong, alluring, knowing. All he wanted to do was take care of her, cherish and love her, Darien also felt incredibly protective about her.
The man's train of thought was interrupted by the beeping of his cellphone. He was waiting for Mina the whole day and now was hoping this was her, at last. But he heard an unfamiliar female voice:
"Mr. Shields?"
"Yes."
"This is Giselle Wilis," the name rang a bell, even Darien knew that the woman was the best event manager in the country. He wondered what did she want from him of all people. "I am calling you on behalf of Ms. DeVeene. She is happy to invite you to the Masquerade Ball that will take place on Saturday night. She asks you to forgive her for such a short notice, however Ms. DeVeene promises that you will not regret the night. This Masquerade will make your dreams come true. The invitation has already been sent to you. Can you confirm your presence? Ms. DeVeene deems it vital."
"Dreams come true you said?"
"Yes, Mr. Shields." Darien thought he heard a tint of amusement in the woman's voice. And suddenly he wanted to see her. Strangely enough, he could not picture the woman. Even though her speech was seemingly smooth, he could bet Ms. Wilis was mercurial. So she could easily turn out to be a serious mature woman or a lively young girl.
"I can not decline then, Ms. Wilis."
"It's Mrs. Wilis, Mr. Shields." Now her voice definitely sounded perky. However the last comment really confused Darien. She was married? "Thank you for your time. I am sure we'll meet on Saturday. Good day."
"Have a nice day, Mrs. Wilis."
Serena was in a room alone, getting ready for a ball Mina managed to organise in one of a few mansions her father owned. It seemed like once she decided something, it was useless to prove her wrong. So when earlier this day her sister showed up along with a Giselle, bringing a gown with a mask «created especially for Serena», it became surprisingly clear that she had already been beaten in that game and the blonde accepted. The reflection was worthy of a fairy-tale castle and a prince, Serena was not one bit sorry about the lack of an argument.
The princess was wearing a strapless, floor-length silver satin gown that flattered the curves of her body stunningly. Her hair fell in soft golden waves around the face, spilling over Serena's shoulders. Her make up was kept for minimum, a natural look.
'Why overdoing it if wearing the mask all night long anyway?'
The mask was resting on a table. It was an ornate silver masquerade mask with silvery-white and blue feathers, that were accenting her eyes perfectly.
It was nice to know Mina had dedicated some time to choosing the outfit and then introduced her to Giselle, who turned out to be another one of Mina's secret friends and incidentally one of the best event-managers in the country. Giselle gave her some pointers to realizing the look Mina and her had created.
Now Serena was absolutely convinced that Mina could choose friends, really incredible people, never paying attention to her father's prejudice. Despite his rules she succeeded in remaining a good person, surrounding herself with those who really could be admired and trusted, who would always be by her side. However the reasons to her sister's unhappiness still remained a secret.
Sighing deeply, Serena exited the quiet room and, passing by the crowded foye, made the beeline to the fresh air. It was twilight. Pale orange lanterns were hanging everywhere creating a magical atmosphere. A red carpet run along the lawn leading to the impressive grounds behind the house. Serena followed the carpet hoping to meet one of few people she knew around there, but it turned out to be not that easy. Two photographers attacked her, asking to pose for pictures. She had heard Mina and Giselle discussing the possibility of inviting press to the party. Seemed like they had decided positive.
Serena passed a large pergola with dance floor, she saw no one remotely resembling a member of her family, and headed straight to the enormous marquee. The woman maneuvered between tables, looking for the table number 3. She remembered Mina saying that eventually all of them would gather there. Including the mysterious officer who had been helping Zoi with the investigation. What was his angle? And why he hadn't showed up yet? Serena still was kept in the dark about the details of the exploration of the twins' past. They had found out about the fact that Mina and her are for sure sisters, however the question of parentage and circumstances of their birth remained.
'If my mom is not biologically a mother, why do I resemble her?'
Serena had thought that once she was out of that house and Darien's reach, everything would be easier. However, turned out things got even more complicated. She had never felt so vulnerable, unprotected before. Now, that she had experienced being with him, in the cocoon of his care and under his protection, the feeling of lacking something vital never left her.
«Serena! Serena! Hello! I am officer Seiya Kou.»
A red-headed man approached her smiling widely.
'Mina outshone herself with that one!' thought Darien a he went down the red carpet.
He was looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of golden hair, the familiar silhouette among the elite crowd. There were around two hundred guests and he was acquainted with most of them. Even covered with masks, their faces were easy to recognize. After all, the masks they were wearing represented their egos greatly. For example, this man pretending to be a lion, an oil tycoon, was really guided by his wife - lioness. She was the real power behind the throne. And her husband didn't have a clue, of course. After all, this was part of her plan. Who knew, maybe some day she would get fed up with this.
So many ridiculous expensive outfits surrounded Darien, he could not find the pure angel he came looking for.
Eventually, he thought he caught a glimpse of silvery gown, but a petite woman in a dark red romantic era dress appeared in front of him. Soft curls framed her face, olive eyes were sparkling behind the golden mask. Almost instantly Darien knew Mrs. Giselle Wilis was standing in front of him.
«Mr. Shields. Glad you could make it. I am Giselle Wilis.»
«Mrs. Wilis, pleasure to finally meet you.»
The woman smiled, «Please, it's Giselle.»
«It's Darien then. So where can I find her?»
«Let's see… Your sister is dancing with her husband, Lita is talking to Nephrite somewhere around the marquee, Ms. DeVeene is waiting for you right there. She needs to talk to you before giving some… specifics.» The woman smiled mischievously. Then she bowed and disappeared among the guests never giving him an opportunity to speak.
Sighing deeply, Darien wondered why on Earth did Mina have to make such a show about everything.
The man was watching two identical blondes for quite some time now. They were moving around the place, hiding behind the masks and no one saw there were two of them. And he did. It was a compete shock at first. He had learnt to live with one over-emotional, always happy-go-lucky girl. Although, now they saw each other very rarely, family gathering and such, these meetings still were almost unbearable. And the other one, she was an obstacle on the road to achieving the plan of revenge.
Her found out about the divorce. This was not good. But it was manageable.
No matter what, this would be over shortly. Everything he wanted, everything he was fighting for would be his in no time.
A/N Don't know if you read the plea about me needing some inspiration. I still need it! Books, music, articles, movies you could advice?