Chapter 3: Historical Shadows
1045 Words
Theme: As Hannah deals with the fallout from her choices, old scars resurface, revealing a distressing recollection that connects her to her choice.
"Hannah, are you ready?" Jonah spoke steadily, yet with a hint of abrasiveness.
With her hand resting on the chair's back to steady herself, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. As a stark reminder that she was entering a world she didn't belong in, the form-fitting dress adhered to her like a second skin.
"I... "I don't think I can do this," she said in a barely audible whisper.
Jonah moved in closer, his presence resonating throughout the space. "You don’t have a choice."
Hannah turned to look at him. "Why do you say that all the time? As if I were a pawn in your scheme."
Jonah's jaw tensed, but he took a while to respond. Instead, he handed her a file that he had taken from the table. "Before you step out there, you should know who’ll be watching."
After a moment, Hannah opened the file. Her stomach turned at the faces staring back at her. With his grin almost spilling over the page, Mason was at the top. There were a number of other individuals standing next to him; they had no known names, but their titles were obvious: "Competitor," "Investor," and "Board Member."
With a faltering voice, she questioned, "Why are you showing me this?"
Jonah stated, "Because these are the people who would love to see me fail," in a chilly tone. "And now, by extension, they’ll be watching you."
Hannah's throat became parched. "You’re not helping."
To be honest, Jonah stated, "I'm not trying to help." "I’m trying to prepare you."
Her fingers trembling, she closed the file and put it aside. "This isn’t what I signed up for."
Jonah remarked, "You signed up for a deal," "And deals come with risks."
Hannah started to argue, but she was interrupted by a tap on the door. Jonah's assistant stuck her head in. "Mr. Augustin, they’re ready for you."
Jonah turned back to Hannah after nodding. "This is something you can accomplish. Simply follow the strategy.
The din of voices subsided as they entered the large auditorium. They were the center of attention, and Hannah felt like a deer in headlights. Jonah led her forward with a kind touch on her back, but it didn't do much to ease her nervousness.
"Smile," he said in a whisper. "They’re watching."
Hannah's cheeks burned as she faked a grin. The weight of Jonah's presence, the lights, and the looks were all too much. Nevertheless, she continued, feeling heavier with each step.
Flashback: She had a deep-seated recollection that was triggered by the scene in the large hall. At the school's talent event, she was fifteen years old and stood in a packed auditorium. Sure that it would be her big moment, her mother had insisted that she perform.
Her mother had remarked, "You have a beautiful voice, Hannah," as she adjusted her clothes. "Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."
However, Hannah's knees gave way as she took the stage. The murmurs from the audience grew louder as they stared at her. Halfway through, she lost the words and fled the stage, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She was sitting on the curb outside when her mother discovered her. She had kneeled next to her and remarked, "You're stronger than this." "One day, you’ll prove them wrong."
The recollection made Hannah's chest tighten. Even when she didn't believe in herself, her mother had always had faith in her. However, her mother was no longer present. She was the only one posing as someone she wasn't in a room full of strangers.
"Hannah?" She was brought back to reality by Jonah's words. She became aware that they were standing in front of a crowd, who were waiting with their faces.
"Sorry," she said in a whisper while seeming to grin again.
With a confident and polished tone, Jonah presented her to the group. Hannah tried to ignore the murmured remarks and critical glances as she nodded and shook hands.
"She’s not what I expected," one woman muttered, loud enough for Hannah to hear.
"She’s perfect," Jonah blurted out, his eyes glimmering. "And she’ll prove it."
The woman didn't argue, but she did look surprised. Jonah's hold on Hannah's arm became a little tighter, a silent reminder to maintain composure.
Hannah saw that she was becoming more and more enmeshed in the façade as the evening went on. She avoided Mason's gaze whenever he got close, nodded in understanding conversations, and laughed at jokes she didn't find humorous.
Jonah remarked softly, "You're doing great," as they went to another group.
"I’m faking it," she said.
"That’s the point," Jonah told him. "Just a little longer."
But as the evening wore on, Hannah's resolve began to falter. She felt completely alone, overwhelmed, and out of place. Jonah was not with her, even though he was by her side. Not at all.
Jonah guided her to the exit as the event came to an end. However, Mason blocked their way before they could depart, his smile unwavering.
"Leaving so soon?" Mason inquired, his voice full of derision. "The night’s just getting started."
"We’re done here," Jonah calmly declared as he led Hannah to the exit.
Mason wasn't done, though. He questioned loudly enough for the close guests to hear, "Does she know?"
Jonah stopped. "Know what?"
Mason told him, "About the real reason you needed a wife," as his smile widened. "Go ahead, Jonah. Inform her. Or ought I to?
Hannah glanced between them, her heart racing. "What is he talking about?"
Jonah's expression stiffened. "Disregard him. He's attempting to cause trouble.
"Am I?" Mason pretended to be innocent. "Or am I just telling her what you’re too afraid to admit?"
Hannah felt a knot in her stomach. "Jonah, what is he talking about?"
Jonah remained silent. Rather, he seized her hand and dragged her in the direction of the door, his hold unrelenting.
Mason yelled after them, "You can't run from the truth forever, little brother." "She’ll find out eventually."
As Jonah escorted Hannah to the car, her thoughts were racing. What was Mason discussing? Why did Jonah appear so shaky?
- Writer
