Frozen Hearts
By- An Unknown Foreign Beauty
Chapter 15- Elaborate plans
Hans' statement about their relationship in the condolence meeting made a three page article in the tabloids, and it also made her the object of suspicious glances from her employees, the security guards in the lobby, even the parking lot attendant. She heard them whispering as she walked into the office later that day. One of them got too far to predict Elsa pregnant with Hans's child. But finally every conversation ended at one point, what was the reason behind Anna's death?
Elsa's attorney, Gerda Bertillon knew the last thing made Elsa uncomfortable. "Elsa?" She asked hesitantly, as Hans kissed Elsa goodbye before heading to the finance section, "I don't mean to pry, but Hans made quite an impression by his statement yesterday. But can we trust him completely? I mean, yes, your sister was engaged to him, his father was an old business partner of the company, yet…"
For a moment, Gerda thought Elsa either hadn't heard her or didn't want to talk, then Elsa turned her head and glanced in her direction, her blue eyes bright with emotion. "I don't know why you are talking like that. Can you just ignore the rumors?" She said in a shaky whisper, "Gerda trust me, if Hans was not there with me since Anna's demise, I can't stand here and talk with you today…" She paused, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, "I was so depressed, and it was Hans who saved me from a trip back to my therapist."
"But…" Gerda persisted; "It had been only a month since Anna's death, and you two are growing so close… so quickly…"
"Gerda…" Her words were enough to make Elsa angry. "Hans has been my close friend since high school. I know what he is like…"
"Elsa, I am just trying to warn…." Gerda was shocked with Elsa's sudden outburst, but broke off as Hans walked into the chamber, looking rushed but blissfully unaware of any disaster.
"We are scheduled for the meeting in two minutes." he said, peering at Elsa's flushed face and then at Gerda's shocked one."What's wrong?" When no one bothered to answer, he turned his concentration to Elsa and her tear stricken face, and then glanced at Gerda, told her to leave. She threw him an unhappy glare and turned, closing the door behind her.
When she was gone, Hans headed for Elsa. "Ignore her." He said wrapping her in a comforting hug. Ever since their night together, things seemed to be a bit intimate between them.
"Oh…I think…." Elsa said, taking a deep breath to clam herself down. She shouldn't act with Gerda in that way. It only expressed her weakness for Hans. Besides she was right in a way. Hans was subjected to enough embarrassment since the news, and she was sure it wasn't improving his reputation as well. She traced her fingers along his shirt collar, and fiddled them absentmindedly, "I think you should not escort me to the meeting."
"And loosing you again?" Hans flashed a warm smile, causing her heart to melt. He noted her vulnerability, and the effect of his statement among the employees. His open declaration of his concern for his fiancée's sister even after her death gave him a strong position among these people. "No way," He held out his arm for her.
Elsa gasped, noting the soothing tone of his voice, and was shocked by his undivided loyalty to her. Why he had to be like this? If he were a bit different, she would find a way to avoid him. Slowly and hesitantly Elsa threaded her arm in his. She guessed perhaps the rumors didn't faze him much, if at all. Together they slowly made their way down the corridor, almost like… well, a couple. Never was it just Elsa nowadays, and rarely was it just Hans. Most of the time they were together since Anna's death—Hans as a damaged lover, Elsa as a guilty sister. It was a strange but his company always kept her balanced, helped her to face the reality. Elsa definitely couldn't deny that she felt like dishonoring Anna by taking interest in Hans like that. But Elsa couldn't escape her feelings anymore, really… even when she shut Anna out, even when she turned him down first time, it didn't feel like this. She was a perfect example of self control since the night she opened her doors for him.
But now she couldn't hold back anymore.
"Nervous?" Hans observed Elsa's silence, and gave her a small knowing smile. Elsa shook her head, without looking at him. "You're going to be fine," He assured her, giving the hand on his arm a light squeeze.
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Hans would be able to like Elsa a bit more if she was not so intelligent. He was aware of the special place he held in her heart since childhood. Still he had to struggle to reach his destination, and now he was afraid of getting caught someday. She was so observant. He had to use a lot of techniques to keep his true intention hidden, even making an association with that little weasel only to keep his face clean to her. He was not sure if he still harbored the feeling he had for her during his early adolescence, but her presence always made his heart flutter in an unwanted way. Maybe that little, innocent Hans was still somewhere in there, inside this new Hans. But he needed to get over this feeling. She needed to get over her grief, and he had to take advantage of her vulnerability. He had no idea how long he could play this game without falling for her in real, but… he'd have to do some research, he knew.
Until then he had to play along to reach his goal.
Hans didn't like the way people looked at them as they entered. Elsa threw a frightened look at the board members, and took the seat which was reserved for her in the middle. Hans, of course followed her as usual, and sat beside her. He ignored the critical glances of other board members, and Duke's sly grin.
He knew most of them were unhappy with her decision of taking her position as the president of Arendelle all of a sudden. Moreover her recent action towards the trusty board was still in question. It decreased the power they enjoyed previously. After Anna's death other companies withdrew their offers, and Arendelle was losing its reputation. Most of them begin to doubt her motive, but they were divided; some who knew Elsa since childhood still loved her, but those who were new simply blamed Elsa for Anna's death.
Elsa turned on her computer, and clicked open the presentation. The white projector board became alive with the proposed design of the ice hotel. Elsa took a glance of her presentation, and then glanced back at her colleagues. Hans placed his foot over Elsa's under the table, and gave her an assuring pressure as she cleared her throat, and began, "So, dear colleagues, today we are here to discuss about the proposed ice hotel in Alaska- Hotel North Mountain." She pressed another button in keyboard changing the picture. "Here are…"
"Are you seriously considering this project?" Elsa's head snapped with one of the board member's question. She turned around and looked at him, "Why not, Mr. Kai?"
Mr. Kai hesitated, but when Elsa insisted on him to voice his opinion, he finally blurted out, "Actually when the Southern Isles dropped the project, all other companies lost their interest interested in this. Besides the area we selected for the hotel is very remote. "
"I can't see any problem in that." Elsa drew a shaky breath, and Hans placed his hand over hers under the table to keep her steady. She was not ready for such kind of interruption. "Besides, Anna decided to sign this contact long before her death. We must honor her wish." She threw a sideways glance in Hans' direction, and said.
Hans flashed an encouraging smile, continuing squeezing her hand under the table. He saw the eyes of the board members were narrowed to see the open exchange of affection between them, but none of them raised their voices out of curtsy. He loved to play this game, openly. "We must do what Anna wished." He whispered, trying to use his recent influence on the board members, "It was her last wish. We must honor it." Elsa nodded, feeling very grateful for Hans's continuous support.
"But how can we do it without any help from anyone?" Elsa's glanced at Hans for answer, but Mr. Kai continued hesitantly, "If we take this project, our company will face a great loss, Miss Kingsley."
"Why should we always think about the profit, Mr. Kai? We have enough money to do these by ourselves." Hans knew Elsa's words sounded a bit forced, because she was also beginning to worry about the benefit of her own organization, "Besides Hans also thinks it will be an honor to Anna's memory."
"Or an honor to the memory which killed your sister, Miss Kingsley?" This time it was Duke Weselton who spoke, smiling wryly.
Elsa's grip tightened around Hans's wrist. Duke Weselton hit the target. Still she kept her balance and spoke in a calm voice, "I had a valid reason, Mr. Weselton."
"What reason, Miss Kingsley?" Duke was still in denial, "You just wanted to keep your power in your hand. That's why you stopped your sister from signing the project. And look where your decision has taken us."
"Please, Mr. Weselton, calm down." She said through gritted teeth. His comment was bringing back bad memories, and it was becoming very much hard for Elsa to keep her overwhelming sorrow from returning. She closed her eyes and Anna's tear stricken face flashed in her mind. She held Hans' wrist to keep herself in control. Hans could feel the way she was shaking. It was not going to be good. Hans rested his arm around her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "Stay calm Elsa."
But Duke was not giving up. "If you are so interested in this project, then why you denied it at first and led your sister to the path of death? You killed your sister, Miss Kingsley." He declared.
Elsa was shaking like a fallen leaf in Hans' arms. "Mr. Weselton—" Hans had reached his limit, and yelled, effectively shutting up the little man. After a moment, he cleared his throat, and looked at others for help, "Can you please make him stop? I think he is making Miss Kingsley sick."
Elsa gave Hans a grateful smile, but Duke looked offended. He picked up his laptop from the desk and turned quickly on his heels, heading to his chair.
"I'd stop, but that doesn't change the truth." he growled, slumming the door shut.
A pin drop silence fell in the room. Elsa sank into her chair, breathing rapidly. Everything she did to save her sister, to save her company, but she had no idea that she needed to pay so badly for this. Hans kept holding her hand, and it was the only source of comfort in this room. She looked around her, and all the board members looked unhappy, Elsa didn't know what to do.
"So…" Mr. Kai finally broke the uncomfortable silence, "What we must do now?" Elsa looked at Hans, and decided to speak at last.
"You don't need to worry about that, Mr. Kai." He said, calmly and gently, "Anna was my fiancée, and I honor her wish. I will be Miss Kingsley's partner in this project in behalf of The Southern Isles Company."
The board gasped in shock, while comments continued passing. It was definitely a sensitive issue, and Hans's comment added more fire to the rumor. It was getting out of control now.
"How can you do that, Mr. Westergard?" One of the board member asked worriedly, "You are the thirteenth heir of the company. Do you hold any share of it?"
Elsa was shocked, but Hans was angry. He really did want to punch that man in the face for interrupting his perfect plan. But if he wanted to make his dream come true, he had to play along.
"I still own a little share of my father's company. Insignificant but I do." He lied. "I guess, I can help Miss Kingsley a little." And then he picked up the controller's pen from the table and wrote down his statement in a paper lying before Elsa, and scribbled his name below.
"Sign it," He told Elsa, Elsa gave him a hesitant look. "What is it?"
"A business contract."
"Is it really going to work? Shouldn't we make it official?"
She tried to speak, but Hans quickly cut her off, "Elsa, just sign it. We can send it to Gerda later and make it official." He looked at the girl in his arms, who looked puzzled. "But…" She hesitated.
"Trust me, Elsa, it will be fine." Hans assured her.
Elsa trusted Hans. So she picked up the pen, and signed the paper. The deal was sealed.
Hans just felt shivers travel down his neck and spine. Haunting, ephemeral, absolutely stunning… Easily Elsa's best trait was her naivety.
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Outside the conference room, Duke Weaslton greeted Hans with a knowing smile. "Nice move, Mr. Westergard." He gathered his hands in front of his chest in a gesture of clapping, "You should be nominated for the Oscar." He spat. "Why don't you start acting in films?
Why that little—Hans felt tempted to punch him square in the jaw. "And you should keep your tongue in check." he replied through gritted teeth. "You almost ruined my plan."
"Oh, really? I almost begin to think that you are falling for your damsel in distress." Duke's lips twisted with a wry smile, as his eyes scanned Hans' face, "It is a very elaborate plan I must say."
"I don't understand whatever you are trying to imply." Hans' face turned red, and he had to dig his nails into his palm just to keep the straight face he wore. "I know what I'm doing. Now I am her partner in the project. We have equal share in it, and thus I can access all the bank accounts for Arendelle Company. Now get out in front of my eyes."
"I'd leave, but don't you think you are getting a little bit carried away with your acting, Mr. Westergard?" Hans could just feel Duke's mocking smile burning his ego. "Can you imagine what will happen when Elsa will find out your lies?
'That will be my headache, not yours." He growled, heading to the garage.
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Hans found Elsa waiting in the car for him. She looked exhausted, and damaged from the battle she had to fight with her fellow employees. After talking to so many people, hearing so many blames for Anna's death, and facing so much hostility from her own people, Elsa wanted to escape from this place.
"I'm sorry." Hans said, getting inside the car, and shutting the door, "I can't see any reason for them to prying in our private life, and blaming you for that. We just tried to console each other. If that in the way of sex, they don't have to worry."
Elsa heard the angry compassion in his voice and her affection for him grew because he cared about her, but she shook her head, refusing his pity. "It was not as bad as you seem to think. I really don't care about them anymore." It felt so good, so safe and secure to have someone to worry about her, that Elsa scarcely knew how to contain the tenderness and gratitude she felt for him. Unable to tell him how she felt, she did the next best thing: she kissed his cheeks.
"Besides, I think you should move in with me. We can stay together."
"Really?" Hans looked at her in disbelief.
"Yes," Elsa nodded, pausing for a moment and looking into his eyes. She was confused about him in the morning, but after his bold act in the meeting, she couldn't deny her feelings for him anymore. Maybe it was a better arrangement for both of them to tame their grief.
"Besides, last night I enjoyed every moment with you." She admitted shyly, "Last night was the only night I stopped thinking about Anna. Thank you."
Hans chocked. He knew his feelings were betraying his brain, but he wound his fingers around hers, "You are welcome." He said.
Together they sat in silence, while the driver drove them to the Kingsley Mansion
Elsa was more than exhausted, and she really needed some sleep. Despite the luxurious interior of the car, however, she could find no comfortable way to sleep. She tried leaning her head against the window, but every time the car gave a small lurch, her head banged against it and woke her up. Sitting up straight, she crossed her arms over her chest and tried leaning her head back against the seat. The wheels hit a speed breaker and her entire upper body slid sharply to the right. Bracing her hand on the seat, Elsa levered herself upright. Across from her, Hans chuckled and patted the seat beside him.
"I will be happy to offer my shoulder as a pillow, my love."
Elsa accepted the invitation with sleepy gratitude and shifted onto the seat beside him, but instead of merely offering his shoulder, Hans lifted his arm and put it around her so that her head was cradled snugly in the curve of his arm and chest. My love, Elsa thought sleepily. How lovely that sounded when he said it. She was asleep almost instantly.
Hans gazed down at the girl sleeping on his shoulder, and her platinum blonde hair sprawling all over his chest. He never felt so comfortable before with anyone, not even with Anna. Unwillingly he rested his chin atop Elsa's head and smelt her hair. She smelt like lavender and menthol, Hans couldn't escape the old feelings slowly invading his logic. He didn't want her to find out his lies. Holding her close to his body, Hans tried to analyze the whole situation.
She was honest and idealistic.
He was none of those things.
She trusted him.
But he was lying with her from the beginning.
And-
She was infatuated with him.
And he was infatuated with her.
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Seething and hurrying, Anna clasped the front of the long blue gown closed as she rushed towards the open door of the Orken's restaurant, past startled the security guards, their heads turned in unison as she passed, their mouths agape. She walked past the tables, startling couples engaged in more intimate tasks, and thus gaining some annoyed glares as she ran. She kept looking for her fiancé in the sea of unknown faces, but couldn't find any sign of him. After his sudden departure in the morning, he phoned her at noon, telling her to meet at the Orken's Trading post at 7:00pm. She had no idea where it was, so she hired a taxi and found it out. But she didn't have the slightest idea where he was or how he expected her to find him. He was in foul mood since morning, and she knew he was searching for any reason to argue with her. But she wanted to deprive him from such pleasure.
Moreover, she was angry with Kristoff for not helping her choosing her dress for the occasion. She had a horrible fashion sense, she realized while scanning through his grandma's wardrobe. And she couldn't find anything decent to wear for an occasion like this. She found a blue gown, which possibly belonged to 60's. Not only it was too big for her, but also the neckline was so low that it revealed much of her cleavages. She was so angry, and was absorbed with her own woes that she didn't see the man coming behind her.
"Excuse me—" Anna began awkwardly, tripping on the hem of her gown and reaching for the wall to steady herself.
The man turned, and his entire facial features seemed to light up with an amused smile.
"I am perfectly all right," Anna hastily reassured him as she righted herself and jerked the hem from beneath her left foot. But the man kept smiling, so Anna held out her hand to him and said, "I am looking for Kristoff, I mean Kristoff Bjorgman. I am Anna, his fiancée." she remembered after an awkward pause.
"He told me about you, Anna." He took her hand, and shook it gently, "I'm Olaf, Olaf Snowman."
Anna instantly liked Kristoff's merry looking friend, clad in a white t-shirt and a pair of black jeans.
"Nice to meet you." She smiled, and then looked around herself, "But have you seen Kristoff?"
"No!" Olaf let out a laugh, "How can you expect him to be here, when he has a cozy bed to share with Kristina?"
"Kristina?" Anna felt like her heart shuttering into pieces. So that attractive girl of that night was not his friend, but his girlfriend. And that night he was dating her. Oh God! That's why he was avoiding her in this way.
Anna was about to collapse in the floor if not Olaf caught her in time. He led her to the nearest table, and offered some water. Anna accepted it gratefully, and sat down in the chair, holding her head in her hand. Olaf understood her condition, and placed a comforting arm around her shoulder. "I know how are you feeling, Anna. But it was the reason why you left the house to have an accident."
Anna raised her face from her hands, and looked at Olaf, her eyes glazed with wounded emotions. "But…" she chocked, "But…why should I believe you Olaf? Do you have any proof?"
"I knew you will ask this question." Olaf said, his voice was soft with sympathy for her, "So I brought the proof." He retrieved his mobile from his pocket, and opened some photo of Kristoff and Kristina together.
With shaky hand, Anna took the phone, and shuffled through the pictures. She blushed when she saw her fiancé in intimate position with another woman. "No!" she hurled the phone across the table, and got up from the chair. Her whole body was shaking with uncontrollable anger.
Kristoff lied to her. He betrayed her. That's why he was trying to get rid of her since the beginning.
'Thank you, Olaf." Anna said, returning the phone to Olaf. Her voice was hoarse from the cry she was trying to resist. "Thank you for saving me from such a lie." Angry tears welled up from her huge blue eyes, as she shoved the chair back, and stood up.
'"But where are you going, Anna?" Olaf asked, concerned, "You don't anything out there."
"I don't know." Anna said, covering her face in her hand, and storming towards the restaurant door. She met Kristoff at the gate with Kristina clinging to his arms. So, it was true. He spent his whole day with Kristina. That why he was acting so distant. Anna brushed past Kristina, and slapped Kristoff in the face.
"You liar." She cried, and stormed out of the restaurant.
"Anna…" Kristoff called her from behind, but Anna didn't stop. Her whole body was racking with uncontrollable sobs. It was true that he had planned the whole play, but he didn't expected Anna to be hurt so much. He pushed Kristina out of his way, and followed her to the gate, but she had already disappeared into the darkness of the night.
"So your plan worked!" Kristoff started by a voice speaking from behind. It was Olaf. "She loves you." He paused and gazed at the raging storm outside, "If I knew that she loves you that much, I would never agree to play this game, Kristoff."
"I know. I got carried away with my obsession of getting rid of her." Kristoff looked at the darkened landscape outside, and ran his hand through his hair. Oh, God! How much hurt he caused to her by his silly play? Where did she go? She knew nothing about the outside world. Guilt began to hit him like soaring waves of the ocean. He began gasping, breathing in desperation, as if such would lessen the burden of guilt. But nothing could lessen his guilt after what he had done to her.
She loved him,
He hurt her.
She trusted him.
He abandoned her.
And now-
She needed him.
But he failed her.
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Errors are all mine. Consider them nicely.