The sprawling mansion was supposed to be a gift to Elsa for making her tenth film. But as the years flew by, she found herself cursing the emptiness everytime she went home. The housekeepers avoided her hollow gaze, the fully-stocked bars were a constant temptation, and the immense pool seemed to call out her name to end it all beneath its cyan surface.
This time, she stood in the doorway, knowing full well what was in store for her. Awaiting this dreaded moment for days and holding her breath for when it would inevitably crash upon her head. She twisted the knob, her last thoughts pondering if she should've thrown herself off the bridge before coming home.
Hans was already there by the grand staircase, eyes brimming with hatred. He walked right up to her with gritted teeth.
"You take me for a fucking fool?" Hans seethed.
Elsa stared back at him with icy contempt. In the corner of her eye, she saw two men in pinstripe suits and bowler hats, waiting on her couch.
Crack. The sound of his hand colliding with her face echoed throughout the empty hall. Elsa recoiled from the sting searing her skin, only to resume staring at him with defiance. This time, he reared his fist up and smacked it across her skull, knocking the actress to the floor. Elsa gasped as tears sprang to her eyes. Pain burned through her face, and she tasted metal in her mouth. Spitting blood upon the frozen marble, Elsa got up, daring him silently to do it again.
She flinched at a sudden jerk in his movements, only for him to snatch the bracelet adorning her wrist, snapping it and scattering diamonds and ice crystals all over the floor. Growling, Hans tore off the locket necklace she was wearing, leaving bits of broken jewellery strewn everywhere.
"You don't deserve this, you don't deserve any of it," Hans scowled.
I don't want it. Elsa thought, remembering how peaceful she felt in Anna's cramped apartment. She considered vocalising her thoughts, but the threat of further violence from Hans made her reconsider.
"Who are they?" Elsa asked, tipping her bruised chin at them.
"They're here to help you pack," Hans said, "I've arranged quarters for you at the studio until the next film is completed."
Was it worth it? Elsa asked herself. At once, the memory of Anna's tranquil eyes came flooding back, dulling her pain, and filling her with hope. She'd been searching for this hope for years and never imagined she'd find it in another woman's touch. Now that she'd found it, she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Of course it was worth it.
"You're performing at the Marmont every night until we decide you've learned your mistake," Hans spat, tossing a note on the floor. Without another word, he turned and left, kicking a path through the ice and jewels. Elsa ignored the throbbing in her cheekbone and picked up the locket from amidst the shattered remains of pearls, diamonds and icicles. At once, the men got up and sauntered over to her. Even from a distance, she spotted guns hidden beneath their suits, and the stench of cigar smoke made her gag.
"Best follow the boss's orders, lil' princess," one of them snarled, "don't want a pretty face like you being forced to make those kinds of films."