Dark Hearts

Chapter Nine

Melia's pov

I tried on what felt like thousands of dresses. Marianna convinced me to change from my sundress into something that spoke of my status without even trying. I settled for a white gown. It was relatively short but I liked it. Marianna finished the look with a designer bag. It was a Gucci bag, according to her.

I was seated on a high chair in the salon as the hair stylist played around with my hair. I'd been washed, trimmed, and dare I say, waxed.

It felt like I was being cleansed in order to fit into my new role.

My hair was being dried, Marianna sat next to me with a magazine but with an expression of notable boredom. A tall, thin woman with striking features and an aura of haughty superiority walked in. Her eyes landed on me before sliding to Marianna.

“If it isn't the Monroe princess. Marianna, how long has it been?” She asked.

“Go away, Serena. No one wants you here.” Marianna said without looking up from the paper in her hands.

“And who might this little angel be?” She asked, blinking innocently.

Her tone of disdain was too pointed to miss. Marianna's head snapped up to level Serena with a glare.

“Whoever I bring here is none of your business. You have no right to ask questions, not anymore. Not after what you did to Bastian.” She spoke calmly but anger brewed underneath.

Serena's features tightened briefly, her gaze landing on me again before she scoffed. “Don't tell me. You know I'll still find out.

At this, Marianna smiled. “Go ahead. I'd love to hear what you find.”

Finally, Serena gave me an arrogant look before leaving.

“Ignore her. She had a bad break-up with Bastian and doesn't want to let it go.” Marianna said vaguely.

The stylist finished working on my hair and I barely recognized the sweet beautiful woman in front of me. My hair was held up by bobby pins, some curly strands falling around my head, giving me a bridal look.

“You look lovely. I'm sure Bastian would think so too.”

I stood in front of the full body mirror. The clothes and the things I'd done today made me feel like a whole new person. I was dressed to impress. And that is what I was going to do… Impress.

******

Bastian's pov

The drive to Blakeleys', the restaurant we'd chosen for the dinner, was filled with tension. But a different kind. I looked over at Melia and found her turned away.

I closed my eyes and took a breath. We arrived at the venue in no time. There are hardly any photographers around -the dinner hadn't been announced publicly- for a reason. Photographers and reporters, hell, the paparazzi in general had a way of ruining things.

Blakeleys’ was prepared impeccably for tonight's dinner - A small dinner that included a few dignitaries, some family members and most importantly, my Uncle Adam.

This was our first public appearance as a couple, and Melia was going to be introduced as my girlfriend. The significance of the dinner wasn't lost on me.

We found our way to our designated table. I adjusted the cuffs of my tailored suit. Melia looked stunning in her green gown. It hugged her curves and made it hard to concentrate. I scowled and looked away at the thought.

Her usual unease was there but barely visible under the veneer of poised confidence.

The guests began arriving in a short time, a flurry of polite greetings and quiet chatter. The atmosphere tightened like a noose around my neck when Uncle Adam entered the room. He was a man whose presence commanded respect and whose mind and perspectives were as sharp as an eagle's talons.

His arrival was preceded by the usual murmur of hushed voices and polite greetings. I watched as he hugged my mother, kissing both her cheeks.

As if sensing my discomfort, Melia, who was standing next to me, reached out hesitantly and touched my hand, squeezing lightly. I turned to her and she pulled it away fast, worrying her bottom lip. I couldn't even if I wanted to, her touch was comforting.

“Bastian.” My uncle said when he reached us. His eyes shifted immediately to Melia. “And this must be the beautiful lady you've been telling us about.”

“Yes, Uncle Adam.” I replied, placing a hand on Melia's lower back in a gesture of possession. “This is Melia.” His gaze lingered on her, no doubt dissecting every inch of her. His obvious scrutiny made me uncomfortable. “Melia, was it?”

“It's an honor to finally meet you Mr. Monroe.”

I had briefed her about the people coming for the dinner but most especially, Adam. He was the only significant person we needed to convince of the authenticity of our relationship.

“Let's sit, there's a lot I want to know.” He said turning away to sit at the table.

Melia's panicked gaze met mine and I nodded reassuringly at her.

The dinner was all types of stiff. Adam probed Melia with questions like it was a firing squad. She barely fumbled, which was unlike her but the strain was clear in her eyes and I found myself increasingly irritated with my uncle's relentless interrogation.

I wasn't the only one concerned. My mother's eyes moved from Melia to Adam as the question and answer session continued. As she opened her mouth, I cut in. “Uncle Adam.” I groaned. “Maybe we should let her eat something. I'm sure the guests would love to talk about something else. “

I looked around the rather long table, briefly meeting Marianna's gaze who had a smug smile playing on her lips. I frowned at her in return, not wanting to know what that smile meant.

Adam's eyes flicked around and he nodded curtly. “Of course. Forgive me. I just wanted to know who my nephew is involved with.”

The tension in Melia's shoulders eases slightly and conversation begins flowing freely. The servers brought out the food like they were waiting for the tension at the table to dissipate. I caught a glimpse of my housekeeper and some other young women, serving food and different bottles of champagne.

Melia had just taken a few bites of her meal when her face contorted in pain. “Melia? Are you alright?” I reached out to grasp her elbow drawing her into my arms. “What's wrong?”

“What's happening?” Mom asked but I couldn't take my eyes off her.

Her cheeks were rapidly turning red, blood shooting to her cheeks. Her hand fled to her throat, her eyes wide with panic. “Baby, talk to me.”

“C-Cant b-breathe.” She got out, breaths coming out in ragged gasps.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut as I looked between her shaking body and her plate of shrimp - an allergic reaction. The room erupted in chaos and my heart jolted as she began convulsing.

“911!! Somebody call 911.” Marianna's voice rang out, cutting through the panic. She rushed to our side. “Hold on, Lia. Help is coming.”

Her eyes were rolling into her head, her breathlessly gasps were gut wrenching.

“Damn it, Brownie. Stay with me.” Her eyes fluttered open, like the name had an effect on her. Her eyes brightened and she looked at me with a mixture of fear and trust.

The dinner was ruined, Mom was clutching her necklace, fear in her eyes, Adam was on a call and kept glancing at his watch. I couldn't bring myself to care. All I seemed to be seeing was the brown eyed beauty in front of me.

The time seemed to slow as Melia's eyes closed and she lost consciousness.

A kaleidoscope of emotions sifted through me and I couldn't fully grasp it.

The ambulance arrived shortly, reporters hot on their heels. So much for a private dinner.