Marie.
~
I need to pay more attention.
My husband is off receiving flirty cup messages from fruit whores while I build a company!?
He was suspiciously agreeable with all my threats and kept saying its fine that I wanted to wait with sex but what if .. what if he ..
I felt my head flicked.
" Ouch! What was that for? "
" I'm not sure .. but I had a feeling you were thinking something stupid. " he kissed my hand as to appease me.
I watched his profile as he was gazing outside watching mansion after mansion passing us by.
He was so good. Patient and understanding, he was generous beyond belief and cared for me. For my happiness, my wellbeing, gave a new life to my girlfriends just to make sure I won't feel alone.
We pulled up a more beautiful and larger mansion the previous ones.
Ours.
" Your sister and Oliver spent the entire day together. I think we are close.. " he smiled getting out.
I took his hand offered and stepped out into the last few of this summers nights. " Close to what? "
" Oliver taking the leap .. asking your sister's hand in marriage. "
We walked past a few of the house guards and he waived the maids back to the mansion.
" Ayshe getting married.. strange to think about it. "
Tried to imagine her in a wedding dress.. would make our parents happy if somewhat surprised.
We found them both inside our room. They're were huddled together whispering.
" Oh ho ho.. look at Ms I think I'll take it easy today .. you look well enough. " I took a jab at her immediately.
Oliver turned red which was still an odd thing to see but Ayshe seems to grown immune to my teasing. Confidence gained in bed I'm sure.
" Right .. you probably won't be happy for what I'm about to ask of you. " she made a contempt expression.
" What!? " I stopped in front of her.
" I need tomorrow morning off .. khmm .. for personal reasons. " She gave a pointed look.
Ohh .. right.
I avoided Oliver's questioning look and peaked at my husband to see if he caught any of that but he was busy with his phone.
" Fine .. you can come back when you can. How was your day? "
" Pretty tame. " she shrugged.
Oliver nodded like he was trained. " Tame .. "
These two are very in tune with another. I caught Ayshe hinting with her eyes and I moved out to the balcony.
" What? More sick days? " I asked sarcastically.
" No .. stupid. Aunt Seline was here, she invited me as well but she want to talk about their plans for Asin's 19th. She and Zerile will take us for brunch sometime soon. "
I actually liked hearing that but I needed help from someone else.
" What does Oliver planning? " I asked.
She showed a coy smile which told me she knew some if not all of it.
" Something big and no .. I don't fully know his plans. Only Leyla is privy to all of them. " She pouted.
Jealousy over his personal assistant who looked pretty happy with her I assumed boyfriend at the rebirth is a pointless waste of time but I didn't have time to educate her.
" Are you telling me is all taken care of without his wife? Hmm .. " I turned around.
" Marie? Where are you going? "
I walked back inside finding the two playing rock, paper, scissors. Until I slapped Asin's rock away.
" W-what .. w-why, why, why!? " he looked up annoyed.
" I need to talk to you friend. Alone .. "
Oliver at least had the good sense to be scared.
——
Ayshe
~
" .."
" .. .. .. "
" What!? Why are you keep staring? "
" I'm not. "
I took my eyes of my brother in law and checked on the others left inside arguing from the looks of it.
Asin and I were left exiled until Marie felt included enough.
" Whatever is wrong with your sister.. you will tell me. Now .. "
I looked back at a very demanding man. He lost his usual easygoing self and gave way to the man running a criminal organisation.
" Me? .. I ..I ..
" Oh lord.. don't let me act on my instincts! " He closed his eyes rubbing his hands.
" F-fine.. it's about your birthday. "
I wasn't going to risk my physical well being. Besides I can tell him that much.
To my surprise he leaned back rolling his eyes.
" Each year its like they try to top the previous ones. " he murmured under his breath.
" You don't like your birthday? "
" Not like that .. only people done something horrible wouldn't like it. Its the pointlessly big spectacle of it all. People I don't like at my parents parties .. " he explained.
I could imagine that. Oliver showed me pictures. Ballrooms, tuxedos and boring meaningless chit-chat for 2 to 3 hours with a cake and singing.
" I bet you rather have it at the 9th huh? " I asked.
His sad smile spread shaking his head.
" Rather have one party .. with all the people important to me attending, but I live 2 different lives. Not compatible. "
" I know .. "
Since knowing what had happened to him I couldn't look at him and not feel a splash of guilt even if I had nothing to do with it what happened.
He suffered so much and if he knew.. if he knew the people he loves the most were the architects of most of it ..
Even that girl. Desiree.
I can understand where she's coming from. Her boyfriend schemed behind her back and made her best friend look like a soulless monster for years.
The anger and betrayal she must've felt learning it from Anna or her parents must've been immense.
Now they're back.
There is a girl out there who wants my sister husband and is willing to do whatever it takes and another who probably have something even worse planned for Oliver.
Asin is the key.
Oliver thinks he is there nuclear option if all their plans fail. They will tell everything and let the chips fall and crash where they will.
Oliver is right. Whatever it takes. He must never learn the truth.
I have to swallow my feelings of pity and sadness and learn to live with them.
As Oliver did.
" You doing it again .. "
" I'm sorry .. "
Started staring at him again so I decided to turn to the stars an observe.
Tomorrow at 9 am. We will meet this girl and I can hopefully ask her some questions. Maybe even find out her ultimate goal.
~
Oliver woke me with a few calls the next morning and we hit the road around 7 am. My nerves were all over the place.
" It's quite a drive .. when was the last time you been there? "
I checked the navigation and got comfortable.
" 4 years ago. It's a ski resort during the winter, we spent a week there. Its chalets are rented.. she didn't mention but it's the Suirless where we stayed. "
I didn't catch it all but I understood the gist of it. She invited him to a nostalgic and meaningful place.
On the long drive we sampled some music and eat at a Christmas themed dinner .. year around themed.
The Kimski mountains were posh and full most of the cold season..
But during the summer there were fewer people and most shops didn't open or open for a few hours a day. Didn't take none of its soothing atmosphere. Lovely green hills surrounded by a lush mostly beech-maple forest.
" Such a beautiful place. "
" .. you get what you paid for. Let's go its the one over those hills. " Oliver pointed.
He got progressively more quiet the closer we got here. Probably tortured by memories and fears. What's waited us over those hills and more importantly who?
I was certain she didn't expect me but I also had a feeling I wasn't going to be the only surprise guest.
" Are you sure? " He turned to me. " .. you wanna be there? Please don't get me wrong I just don't want her to .. upset you. "
" I'm 100% sure. Whatever she got..I'm ready. "
~
The chalet name Suirless was incredible.
Carved wood and looking like a gingerbread house except the entire side was made of glass and we could see the inside.
Perfect for a winter get away.
Nice and cosy. Fireplace, comfortable chairs and a large couch. Didn't see a TV yet or a view of the kitchen.
It looked empty but the fireplace was working so we knew she arrived.
Oliver took a long look at the house and it's surroundings. " I wish I refused.. back then."
I didn't need to ask what. I know being part of Asin's deception weight heavy on him.
I already told him he shouldn't blame his 14 year old self. The real culprits of this disaster are Asin and Anna's parents and their backroom dealings.
" We do what is necessary.. for both their sakes. "
I squeezed his hand reminded him and myself we both have stakes in this.
The life we just got comfortable with could slip away like a dream if this gotten out. My sister and Asin..
I was afraid, that despite their love .. their relationship might not survive such a life shattering revelation.
This was for my sister to. To protect her happiness.
Oliver leaned down and gave me a long passion filled kiss. Then he turned the handle and we stepped in.
——
Asin.
~
My dreams were filled with nightmares .. still.
It was getting mixed with my current annoyance proving we ourselves, are our worst enemies.
Birthdays.
~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU .. ~
In my dream I was in a party hat, seated on a single chair as my family and friends surrounded me closing in and sang happy birthday .. fun.
For once a year maybe.
But then they kept going.. and going .. and going. On an endless loop, the idiotic song made by some sister duo from Kentucky of all places was my newly discovered soul reaching fear.
I woke up covered in sweat and almost immediately flinched.
( SNORE.. SNORE .. SNORE )
By my side is the future mother of my children. Taking up 76% of our bed made for 5 grown man and drooling on the pillow in her silk kitty cat pyjamas.
" Oh babe .. click. "
This look was so good.. I took a quick picture and walked out the balcony to avoid falling straight back into that ridiculous dream.
I swear.. never again I will have that song singed to me.
The ocean air was clear and the endless view of the calm waters stretching into the horizon quickly calmed my mind.
Today was one of our last free one for a while.
Sunday we meet the council outside the city. Then most of our time after that will be spent preparing and taking extra precautions.
Would be nice drive again. I could visit the practice course to get warmed up or ..
I heard someone's footsteps under the balcony.
Soon a familiar brown wonder mop appeared. Now what is Ayshe doing out and about this early?
I grabbed my phone and called Ovuz.
" Young Sir!? You need me? A-are you okay!?"
" Calm down Ovuz.. listen carefully. Ayshe is sneaking out I bet its Oliver who's picking her up. Take a few of ours and stay on them but not with one of our cars, or electric .. Oliver or the software his using would spot you. "
" Understood. What if it's not Oliver whose picking up Lady Ayshe? "
" Stay with them all the same but do not interfere unless it's for her own good. Once they arrived where they going you split and come back home. "
I put my phone away and leaned out watching the guards escorting her outside the gates.
What are these two up to? Where are they headed it this early? Oliver supposed be in work today. Are they just planning a get away? Then why the secrecy?
Something was up .. I just didn't know what.
~
I tried my best to wait up for some information but the text didn't came.
And it kept not coming.
Eventually I crawled back to bed just as the sun risen.
Marie rocked me awake since the concept of romance or kindness was foreign to her when it came to the morning routine.
" My love .. come have breakfast before I go. Your laziness is really a bad look. " She ripped the blanket away.
" Ahh .. arghh.. give.." I tired to snag it back.
" Stop this nonsense and get up! "
It took me a second to remember I was waiting for something before I failed as an adult and fall back to sleep.
Checked my phone and saw 3 unread text.
* They stopped at a dinner called MerryLarry. They ordered food. Ovuz. *
What kind of name is MerryLarry? Why is it somehow familiar?
2nd text.
* They're heading inside a ski resort near Kimski mountain. Ovuz. *
What are you doing Oliver?
3rd.
* They went inside a chalet. Number 12 called Suirless. They been inside for 15 minutes. I will head back. Ovuz. *
What the hell.. that's our ..
" What are you reading? Cheking for social media post about yourself? "
Marie was dangerously close crawling over the bed.
" Just some reports.. umm .. I never even searched my own name.. have you seen my socials? " I asked quickly gathering myself.
" Yeah .. how you only have like 3 pictures and millions of followers is beyond me. "
" Ahh .. sound like you're jealous. But I can't blame you. " I kicked off the blanket. " Beautiful creatures have always attracted others. "
" Narcissist.. get ready. You taking me out for pancakes. "
She took one last look and snorted before closing the door.
I laid back down and let my mind attempt to find a logical reason why anyone would take their current girlfriend somewhere so deeply entranced in painful past memories.
Oliver why would you take Ayshe where you promised to love that girl for eternity?
Where Anna and I ..
Maybe I'm over thinking this. Time heals all wounds, maybe Oliver wanted to share his past with Ayshe..
I looked at the door Marie just left. Should I talk about this with Marie?
Soon as I let myself remember the past and the burning sensation filled my chest almost immediately, I felt my own heart beat behind my eyes.. my hands got numb from white knuckling it.
No .. calm yourself. I took a few breaths just like I was thought all those years ago .. slowly my world returned to normal.
I can't even remember .. let alone talk about it.
Looking at my shaking hands I thought ..
How did you get past those days brother? And when exactly will I'll be past them?
Let time kill it already.. just be happy for him. For them..
Then why is my hand won't stop shaking?
——
Oliver.
~
Memories can be tricky things.
Like when I try to remember my childhood, only small pieces come to mind.
My mother giving me an entire bucket of lollipops when I got sick, dislocating my shoulder when I was 12, the pain of seeing Asin on that bed disappearing right before my eyes.
And of course Desiree.
Every memory so clear I could even recall the type of perfume she wore that week when we stayed here.
The inside of the chalet was so hauntingly similar it froze me for a second, seeing myself and Desi, Asin with Anna seating near that fire place roasting marshmallows as the snow slowly covered the mountain.
The stairs leading to the rooms upstairs and all that happened in them..
No one was inside. Or at least that's what I thought.
" Come here guys.. I'm making cookies."
I voice I haven't heard for so long called us. It was slightly different, more mature..
Ayshe brought me out of my shock and after a little nudge we went further inside until we arrived to the kitchen.
" Oliver .. long time no see. "
" Anna .. "
She was here after 4 years blessed by her absence ..
" Anna? As in Asin's? "
Ayshe was more surprised than I was. Kept switching her gaze between us, settling on Anna.
" I love how you said it.. I'm being rude. Anna Lambert.. a pleasure. "
She walked over offering her hand and revealing her transformation.
The beautiful little girl was gone .. and an experienced woman looked at us. She was taller her hair longer, more refined, but those eyes .. they were cold and calculating.
Ayshe shook her hand a little and I ignored it.
" Where is Desiree? " I asked.
She pretended to think about it.
" Oh .. right. She is currently telling my love everything. " her smiled spread.
At my core I understood she was bluffing.. but I had to take a seat just hearing it out loud.
" Oliver .. " Ayshe helped me.
" Pfft.. oh please. She is upstairs of course.. willing to only talk to you. " Anna pointed at me. " But don't worry. Me and your current girlfriend will have things to talk .. I'm sure. "
" What would you have to say to me? " Ayshe asked with a little hostility.
" Trust me .. I have plenty. Unless Oliver is incapable of a 5 minute conversation without you holding his hands. "
I looked up and let my anger pass. Calm .. in time I make her eat all those word and what ever Desiree had to say.
" If I'm not back in five minutes..
" I'll come.. don't worry about me. " she stepped closer and gave an encouraging kiss.
" Uhh don't let Desi see this .. It'll just break her heart. " Anna pretended to wipe away a tear.
Looking at he smug expression and the way she carried herself.. I decided to hurt her.
" You know .. Asin would HATE..the new YOU. Couldn't stand looking at you..Remember that Lambert going forward. "
I took great pleasure seeing the colour leave her face, this she needed a chair .. even her eyes changed its usual light gave way to the flame of madness.. there it was just lurkin there after hearing the words Asin and Hate in the same sentence.
I kissed Ayshe one more time and with steady steps I walked upstairs.
Let us hear them out .. than we see going forward.