BOUND BY HER NAME

THE REUNION DINNER

Serena’s POV:

I stared at the screen for several minutes.

Steven? Aaron? Childhood friends I was meant to know but I had no clue who they were.

I quickly ran to Mrs Elena, I found her in the living room sitting alone. I showed her the message and she sent him a reply.

She seemed really calm about it and ordered one of the housekeepers to get the dress package from outside. “I can help you get ready”

She said.

“Omg well at least that’s solved but I don’t even know the friends he’s bringing along, this is going to be a disaster”

“Well from the little I know, Steven is the third son of Erlin Darlington, he’s the CEO of Darlington holdings. He is a good friend of Armelia. Aaron is the person I don’t know much about but that’s because he wasn’t quite close to Armelia. Actually I don’t think she liked him that much.”

She replied..

“Okay okay noted but it’s still not enough to actually hold conversations with them tonight.” I said panicking.

“You don’t have to worry about them because you won’t talk to them every second of the dinner”

There was a brief moment of silence

“Come with me”. She said breaking the silence.

We headed to Armelia’s room and she unveiled the dress Chris had sent. It was a beautiful black dress with a V neckline and fitted waist.

“This would really compliment your figure”

“Thank you ma” I replied with a soft smile.

Mrs Blackwood had chosen gold earrings and gold bracelets to go with it.

“Go and try it out”.

She said handing me the dress.

I headed to the toilet and I quickly put on the dress, it wasn’t something I’d usually wear so I felt a bit uncomfortable. I walked out to show Mrs Blackwood and she had an unreadable expression.

“You look just like her”

She said faintly.

“Huh?”

I said as if I didn’t hear what she had just said.

“You look beautiful Serena” she said.

She ushered for me to sit down as she had already laid out make up and hair products while I was in the toilet.

She styled my hair straight and my make up was really natural, it barely looked like I had anything on which I liked,

“Look at yourself in the mirror, do you like it?”

She asked.

I turned to the mirror and I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“I love it”

I replied.

“You know, Armelia never allowed me to do her hair or makeup. She never asked me for help so I’m glad you have me the honor of helping you.”

I didn’t know what to say so I stayed silent.

“Here take this, your neck looks bare”

She took of the neckpiece she was wearing and handed it to me.

“Oh no I couldn’t take this from you Mrs Blackwood”

I said refusing to take it.

“I insist please, it would complete your look”

She said.

“What if I lose it?”

“I trust that you wouldn’t”

She added while pushing it into my hand.

A car horn sounded outside, I looked through the window and it was Chris.

“It’s Chris”

I said with a panic.

“Oh wow it’s 7 already how time flies, come on let me help you put that on” She said,

“Remember just have fun. Listen more than you speak and don’t overthink anything.”

She added.

“Okay okay I think I can do that” “Thank you once again Serena, I owe you”

She said before turning to leave the room.

I quickly picked a gold bag to match the accessories as I jolted out of the room then downstairs.

Chris was at the door waiting for me and he hugged me warmly.

“You look breathtaking my love”

He said while placing a kiss on my cheek. He opened the car door for me then he got in.

We drove to the restaurant and as we got there, a valet opened the door for I and Chris.

I will admit he looked effortlessly handsome, he was dressed in a black suit which complemented my dress. He offered me his hand and we walked in.

The inside of the restaurant was elegant. Soft music played in the background and warm gold light filled the room. As we walked to the private dining area, we were greeted my two tall men.

One was dark skinned, brown hair, intimidating look and he was dressed in a navy suit.

The other was slightly shorter with black hair and grey eyes. He had an amused expression.

“Finally, it’s been what Armelia…two years since we’ve last seen each other” The shorter one said. “You don’t look too bad Mel”

The taller one said.

“Oh stop it with your lame jokes Aaron she’s not in the mood.”

Chris said trying to defend me.

“You don’t look too bad yourself Aaron”

I blurted out before I remembered what Mrs Elena told me, listen more than you talk.

“Still as snarkish as always”

Aaron said while letting out a laugh.

Chris brought out a seat beside him and opposite Steven.

“Soooo how does it feel to be Mrs Ashton”

Steven said,

“It feels really good, still getting used to it”

I replied.

“You’ve been getting used to it”

He replied while giggling.

“Give her a break” Chris interrupted. “Well sorry Mr husband, I’m just teasing my girl”

Steven seemed like the calm friendly type, I could see why he was close to Mrs Armelia.

Chris signaled for the waiter and became with menus for each of us.

“I’d have the steak and mashed potatoes and I’d like to try maybe the lobsters”

Aaron ordered.

“Isn’t that a bit heavy you big back”

Steven teased while Aaron rolled his eyes.

“You still don’t eat sea food right”

Chris asked.

My mind went blank, I didn’t know what to say but it did seem like Armelia wasn’t a fan of it. “Um yeah” I said.

Steven and Chris ordered and as he looked at me to place an order I went with what he wanted.

As the waiter returned with our food, the dinner started.

Three of them laughed, talked and reminisced. I mostly listened just like Mrs Blackwood told me.

Sometimes I laughed not to raise any suspicions and nobody seemed to notice anything different so I was a bit at ease. This was way better than the dinner at the mansion, everything was going well until…

“Mel do you remember that trip to Monaco”

Aaron said while grinning.

I froze. Everyone started laughing but I was extremely confused.

“Of course she wouldn’t remember because someone decided to give her sleeping pills so she’d miss out on all the fun”

Steven said while laughing.

I joined them to laugh because I was saved.

“Yeah that’s why I don’t remember and I’m still holding a grudge for that Aaron”

I said trying to be natural. “Aww you know it’s all love Mel”

He said still grinning.

I wonder why he called Armelia Mel, it seemed a bit weird but I didn’t think too much of it.

The boys continued talking and laughing. The stories were genuinely funny and it made me realize how my life was truly boring. I grew up never having any friends and in school I was the shy kid.

The waiter arriving with the desserts stopped my train of thoughts.

“Babe are you enjoying yourself”

Chris said while placing the chocolate cake slice in front of me.

“Yes I really am”

“You still look gorgeous by the way”

He said.

“You do look a bit different, more natural. I like this new look”

He said while leaning in to kiss me. “Oh my God we get it you’re married .”

Steven said and it made us laugh.

“How was the wedding though I feel so horrible that I couldn’t attend because of our flight delay”

Aaron asked.

“It was everything I wanted and more”

Chris said without thinking.

“Of course, you got your dream girl so we don’t expect you to say anything other than that.”

Aaron replied.

They all laughed but the thought of the wedding made me sick all over again.

By the time dinner ended, I was extremely exhausted.

Steven hugged us both goodbye.

“Take care of him.”

Aaron said smirking.

“I definitely will”

I teased back.

On the ride back home, Chris was unusually quiet. Normally he would try to spark up a conversation but I guess he wasn’t in the mood.

“Did you enjoy the dinner.”

I said trying to make things less awkward.

“Yes”

He said. That was the shortest reply I’ve ever gotten from him.

“Are you upset?”

I asked.

“No, why would you think that?”

“So why are you quiet?”

I asked back.

“I’m just thinking”

He said while glancing at me. He placed his hand on mine and rubbed my thumb to comfort me.

“So how do you feel about coming to our house after tomorrow”

He asked.

“Well I just have mixed feelings”

“So you don’t want to?”

He asked.

“No no I do I’ll just really miss my mom and dad.”

“That’s understandable “

He said.

When we arrived at the mansion, he opened the car door for me and walked me to door.

“I love you so much Armelia and I had a lovely time with you today.”

Those words sent chills down my spine. Chris was genuinely a good guy, he didn’t deserve this.

“I love you too, more like you had fun with the boys”

I teased.

He smiled then hugged me.

I watched him walk away and I wondered how long I would keep doing this.

The next morning…

I woke up to voices coming from Mr Blackwood’s office. I placed my ear on the door.

“What do you mean they found nothing?”

He asked in a rigid tone.

“Sir I’m really sorry but that’s what the police said, their best guess is she willfully ran away and she wasn’t forced to write that note. Which is why there’s no trace.”

A man’s voice answered.

“Nonsense”

Mr Blackwood said while flipping over his table.

He spoke again.

“What about the private investigator I hired, don’t tell me he’s as useless as the police.”

“Sir he said he needs more time it’s only been two days”

The man answered.

“TWO DAYS! Only! Do you know what could happen to my daughter in two days”

Mr Blackwood said angrily.

“How is this even possible? Do you think we pushed her away?”

Mrs Elena’s voice followed.

“They’ve checked every lead sir, no confirmed sightings or financial activity. I’m really sorry sir.”

The man said again.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. If they couldn’t find Armelia does that mean I would have to continue my act. I couldn’t do it anymore, it was driving me crazy and tomorrow I’d have to go the the Ashton mansion.

As I turned around to leave, I saw my mother standing by the stairs with a tray. Her hands were trembling I’m sure she heard everything. Neither of us said anything to each other.

Before I could leave my mother dragged me and placed a knock on the office door.

“What does this mean, you want my daughter to keep acting like who she isn’t”

My mom said.

“No no we just..”

Mrs Elena was already in tears.

“Please she would just have to keep it up for a few days more. I will do everything in my power to find Armelia please.” Mr Blackwood said.

“You’re just bunch of users”

My mom scolded.

I froze. I didn’t know what to say or what to think.

Armelia wasn’t coming back anytime soon. My two days are over how will I live with a total stranger and act like I have known him all my life?

“We are really really sorry”

Mrs Armelia said while holding back tears in her eyes.

“You’re not, you’re only sorry your daughter wasn’t found not because you feel bad for mine.”

My mom replied.

To be honest, my mom wasn’t absolutely wrong. They weren’t this way because they felt bad for me, they were only sad because Armelia wasn’t found.

“You don’t have to talk like that. We never planned for any of this to happen, we never planned to even ask Serena to do such a thing for us. We’ll fix this just a few days please that’s all I ask.”

Mr Blackwood pleaded.

“So what exactly will you do to FIX things Sir.”

My mom asked, she was furious.

“I’m going to hire a new Private investigator one that doesn’t work with the police he’d have more benefits so he or she would be more serious and if they aren’t they have everything to lose because they aren’t covered by the police department so they have to be serious.”

He explained.

I guess what makes sense but how long will that take.

“How long will that take, Chris would come by today to take Serena to his house and she doesn’t want that.”

My mom said,

Mrs Blackwood replied while cleaning her tears.

“I’ll handle that don’t worry, I could ask Chris for a few more days.”

“Wouldn’t that make him suspicious?”

I asked.

“Well it might but a mother asking to spend more time with her daughter isn’t out of the ordinary, is it?”

She replied.

“I have to call him now so he doesn’t waste his time driving over here.”

She said as she turned to leave the office.

My mom grabbed my arm as she lead me out of the office.

In the staff quarters…

“These rich people just feel like they can do whatever they want.”

My mom said angrily.

“Mom just let it be, this whole thing is annoying I get it but talking about them won’t solve any problem.”

I replied.

“Well not talking about them won’t solve any problem too so we might as well just do it.”

She said.

I couldn’t help but laugh I have never seen her in this mood.

“Wha are you laughing about Ree, I’m here feeling bad for you because I feel your rights are being trampled on and you’re finding it funny.”

She said.

“Gosh mom I don’t know I just find this whole thing so funny, not the whole not being able to fmd Armelia thing I mean your little crash out right here is so funny.”

She let out a soft laugh finally and that made me laugh even more.

“I’m going for a little walk, do you want to join? I have to let out this anger.”

My mom asked.

“No I’m good I’ll just be here till you get back.” “Okay love, don’t spend your time thinking too much.”

She said while placing a kiss on my forehead.

I turned on some music so I would distract myself from what was going on around me. After a while, I couldn’t help but do the opposite of what my mom told me, overthink

Where could Ms Armelia possibly be?

What if they never find Armelia, does that mean I’ll spend my whole life impersonating her or will they come clean?

What if Chris disagrees with Mrs Blackwood and wants me to come to his house today?

This is all too much for me. How do I keep acting like her and how long will I have to do it?

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, my mom wouldn’t be back so quickly. Who could that be? “It’s Chris here”

He said.

Chris? What on earth was he doing here. Does that mean he actually disagreed with Mrs Blackwood? Did I actually manifest that by thinking about it?

Will I have to go to his house today? Oh no.