Keifer's POV
The moment Ana saw my mother, I was sure that she'll be surprised. My mother hugged her. She didn't know that I confessed my every guilt to my mother on these years. The moment she get back to consciousness I knew only she can be my guide to aid all the mess created by me.
But to my surprise, my mother named her mother. How? We're they related?
But seeing them hugging I felt cool relief in my chest. When then broken apart Ana was crying.
I hate seeing her crying but mother is there to tackle her.
But I forgot we are standing in the middle of a game. Harringtons don't do anything if they don't have there interest. I had the information about there business downfall. So when I approached them they put forth a condition. But didn't disclose it.
I can pay any price that would led me to Ana.I fucking miss her. I lost her for my stupidity but I love her.
I was middle of my thoughts when Mr. Harrington spoke. He want us to get engaged. My heart just stopped beating for a second. Then the reality hit. Ana and I are going to be a part of a trade. Our relationship is going to be a trademark merger to the business world. I don't want her like a transaction. Before I could react, she snapped. Completely refusing to be part of the game.
She's still same fierce, unapologetic, standing for her own. She moved with her friend. She got interrupted. Her father's men were blocking her.
My blood boiled,skin itched to break the skull of everyone who's thinking about laying a finger on her or to hurt her.
Before anyone could intervene her fist swings. A perfect knock. The head of the troop went down. Immediately a collective gasp got out. All are simply surprised to see a woman knocking down the so called strong guard down.
I looked at my mother she's surprised, her hands on her face trying to covering her open mouth. Besides Keira she's bouncing with excitement to see her fighting. I can bet she's plotting to learn the skill from her.
I felt like we have gone five years beyond. She's the same girl who used to fight with me, fight for us. In these years she got more skilled, precised and efficient. But the spell broke when one of them tried to hit her from behind. I could not stop myself.
I twisted his hand before he could hurt her. Ana sensed me behind, looking at me surprised. Before she moved my rage come over and knocked out the guard. I checked on her. She looked exactly like our school time. But a little difference.
Her eyes are surprised, chest heaving, breath ragged but the fire on her still there.
I looked at the Harringtons. I roared in frustration. I declared that she'll not be the part of any game. They are still selfish like before. They just know about themselves even unbothered about there daughter.
Tsk!
I thought I'm the only selfish, a devil in a human body but looks like there are several heinous devil around her from the starting. And being the idiot one I just put the last neil to the coffin.
I made her believe she's unwanted. I texted her like others but I supposed be the one who protect her.
I don't know how to break the coldness in her. I can feel how she moulded herself like this. But the coldness towards me is unbearable. Like she made a wall so high that it's feel like she's untouchable.
To my ease my mother managed her to stay with us to the remaining days in London. But where she lives?
I looked every corner of London in these years. Even flied to Philippines. She's nowhere.
I have to use these days to break her ice.
She can't leave this time. I can't let go of her. She can't leave with the half truth.
Now we're standing infront of the hotel they checked in. We're here for the luggage. When we entered, we didn't move to the lobby. We headed to the private elevator, Athena pressed the top floor button.
We entered in the suit. Mistake. It's a penthouse. A fucking expensive penthouse which can clearly compete with Watsons.
How they could access the penthouse. Is this Athena? Or Ana herself. God!! If I want to know that I have to earn her mercy. Or she'll just throw out of the window of the penthouse. And seeing her, she can easily do that.
After entering Mom started appreciating the interior, the matching curtains with the aesthetics. Keira started bouncing against the couch.
"Ana you have a great taste in interior!" Mom appreciated in a loud voice.
"Thank you aunt." She replied shyly.
Wow now she know how to be shy. She's really changed.
But soon my mom's interest shifted. She looked at Ana.
"Ana give me first aid box. And settle on the couch." Her command left no room for argument.
Ana shocked at first. Then she looked at a maid. She handed her the box " Here ma'am".
They settled in a nearby couch. Mom started cleaning her knuckles, she didn't even flinched by the touch of the disinfectant.
Have you gone so cold my Little Hamster?
Little Hamster I used to call her for how she used to eat when she's hungry. A low chuckle escaped. Instantly all eyes are fixed on me. I swallowed little.
"Nothing carry on!"
My mom and Ana are talking something in very low voice, only there lips movement are visible. She looked comfortable in mom's embrace. And my mom! She's looked enjoying the company. I never saw getting so familiar with a I-just-got -to-know-you person. They looked like they know each other forever.
But the room's atmosphere changed about a phone call.
Author's POV
Athena headed to her room after Mrs. Watson started aiding Jules's hand. But her door swung opened changing the atmosphere of the hall. The thud of opening the door soon mixed with frustration of her voice.
"I just can't get it. I can't do it more Jules. It's beyond me! Why can't have peace? Why everything messing up? One more phone call and I'm turning into a loaded riffle who shoots every donkey who dares to call! "
She huffed after throwing her thought out loud. Then sinked in the soft pillows of the couch like she wants to merge with them.
When she entered in hall panicking Jules jolt out of her comfort core to the Real-world. After listening her blabbering she leaned against the couch, crossing her legs, postured like she eats her chaos with breakfast everyday.
"What happened Athena? "Mrs. Watson asked completely surprised with her shift from a calm allie to perfect chaos.
Jules gave it no time, her hand reached for assuring Mrs. Watson.
"She's my panic button aunt. Never mind, she'll be OK." Gaze shifted to Athena," What happened?"
Her eyes opened so wide that can be popped out anytime. She squealed," You asking me!!!" moving her hand dramatically. " Have you checked your phone? They all are looking for us. Ben calling me that they can crash in the office. Can you sense my tension Jules!!!" Her voice going high pitch with her tension."
Seeing her like this Keira flinched first then she reached for her. Called her chirping, " Sis Athena! You can be my friend. You are like old Fairy. I love chaos!"
Of course she's. Athena's gaze softened. She reached for her. Her voice soft but happy ," You are my favourite now on sweetheart. She's boring now. Only you understand me."
She looked like she's about to cry.
"Drama queen!"Jules muttered under her breath.
"What else Athena? "She asked like a seventy years tired soul who suffered a lineage of ten children.
Athena shifted her from Keira. This time her energy shifted into seriousness.
"The calls consist some numbers from London office. They want you be there. Today. "
The tension doesn't stayed between Athena and Jules. Others can sense it too.
Keifer is the first to respond.
"You've office here to attend? "
Jules can't hide it. But this time she doesn't want to. So simply she nodded," Work is work."
"Why they want you now dear?" Mrs. Watson asked softly like a mother caring her child.
"I don't know now Aunt. Maybe any issue or project related issue."Jules replied softly.
"But you're injured Ana! You need rest not a conversation with some oldies for some dispute in there senses. "Mrs. Watson completely unhappy about her idea of visiting office.
Jules leaned her head in her shoulder inhaling her motherly fragrance.
"I'll be okay Aunt. Promise. I need to go."She looked at her softly needing permission to move.
Mrs. Watson huffed.
"Okay. I'll wait for you. Come soon dear. And you'll come. I've some much to tell you. " She squeezed Jules's hand.
"I'll." She assured her.
Jules stands up. Athena too.
"Athena we need a car. Please look the matter. "
"Okay. I'm going to office with you. "
"No. You'll go with them. Please pack my luggage." She commanded like a perfect leader leaving no space for further argument.
Mrs. Watson interrupted.
"Ana! You'll not drive with these hands. Keifer will take you. " looking too happy for her idea.
Her head snapped toward Keifer sitting in the couch like he own the space. Huh! Always smug and full of himself.
He smirked. Like he's waiting for this moment. So that's the reason the Headache haven't opened his mouth yet.
"Aunt Mr. Watson will never want to visit the place for sure."Jules smirked now.
"Where's it?" Keifer asked. Curiosity visible in his voice with his classic dominating tone.
"Queen's Group".Jules answered calmly.
He paused. The curiosity dissolved into pure unwanted agony. His expression looked like he has gulped spoiled milk instead of vanilla ice cream.
Keifer looked at Jules who's enjoying his discomfort. But to her surprise he agreed.
"Get ready Ana! We're going to Queen's Group. "
She's dumbstrucked.
"But....but Watsons don't like them." She stammered while answering. Her idea backfired.
"Watsons can. But it's you. When it comes to you I can go through hell Ana. It's just part of a business building. "
Jules's eyes burned. Her chest tightened. He said like he meant those like before. But no. He's just over exaggerating. She turned towards her room. But before moving she said firmly," Don't push Watson. And it's Jules or Laurent for you." She told over her shoulder.
She moved towards the room. The door closed. Her words hung in the air of the hall. Keifer felt a pang in his chest.
I'll make you mine again Josephine Anastasia Laurent Watson.
He promised .