CHAPTER 11- HER PERFRCT OBSESSION

Allison couldn't explain the relief that washed over her when Davian picked up her call. A few minutes later and she almost couldn't believe that it was all over but what put her in a state of unrest was the fact that He could have actually sent his men after her but He choose not to. "Why?!"

The question taunted her, it made her feel like she had been engaged in a deadly game of chase and that it would be easy to find her if He choose to.

What happened Ally? We were worried sick! That was Esra's voice the minute Davian led her into the house.

You're here?

Ofcourse. I was so relieved when Davian said He got a call from you. I just had to come.

I appreciate it.

You look exhausted.

I'm fine Ess.

Allison...

Yes love?

What really happened to you? Davian asked, worried.

I got kidnapped.

Yes we know that, we even made a report.

It was an enemy of my father's. She said, not wanting to dive any further.

Business adversaries? He asked again.

Yes yes something like that.

You weren't hurt, were you?

No no I wasn't.

Are you sure they were just opposites in business?

Would I lie about something like this Davian?

You're making it sound as if I take you as a liar.

Ofcourse you don't...Allison said with sarcasm in her tone. I just...I just need to rest you two. Esra?

Yes

Thank you. I appreciate the fact that you cared.

Are you seriously doing this right now? If I didn't care for my best friend then what does that make me?

Allison only smiled. I need to sleep. She said, giving Davian a peck before retreating upstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hades darling....

He smiled in his sleep at that soothing angelic voice, sounding like a thousand endless jingle bells that He could never get enough of. He could feel her snowflake light fingers trailing up and down his forehead.

Yes Venice?

He opened his eyes to see her sitting on the bed beside his head wearing a flowing white dress, complimenting her ethereal appearance.

You're working yourself off too much these days. She said, looking worried.

I'm Fine Darling.

No you're not.

How Can You Tell?

Stop beating yourself off Hades.

Am I?

Yes you are. My death had nothing to do with you and it never will.

But It Does. He said, dejectedly. If Only I Hadn't Gone Ahead With Us.

Oh darling...

If Only I Had Just Let You Go From The Beginning.

And deny yourself of the precious moments we shared.

Hades smiled. That Would Be A Bummer.

I wish I could stop coming.

Why?

My constant presence is not helping you heal and I can't stop coming because you're always thinking about me. You haven't fully let the guilt go.

I Like Seeing You All The Time Venice And Having You By My Side.

But I'm not real Hades, this is a dream.

And I Wish I Didn't Have To Wake Up. How's She? How's Our Daughter?

Venice smiled, blushing. She's with the other little ones.

Other Little Ones?

Things are a little different over here Hades.

Tell Her I Love Her. Even If I'll Never Get To See Her.

I will but if only you'll promise me one thing.

Anything My Love.

Let go Hades, let go of me, of the past.

I Don't Want To.

You have to. It's been a decade. You can't keep sulking in that house, it's time you got up and embraced the world again. Embrace reality and engage in contact with people.

Do I Have To?

If you've ever loved me then you will.

You Know I Love You Venice.

Yes...she smiled...and I love you even more and that's why I want you back with the world again, start anew Hades, find yourself a well deserved life, find love again, maybe even start up a family.

Uh Uh Hold It There Venice.

But I'm being serious. She laughed.

I've Heard Enough. No More Talking Just

Stay A Little While Please. He said, lying his head on her lap.

Ofcourse I'm here. Here until you wake up. She smiled, caressing his hair.

THE NEXT MORNING

Good morning Boss.

Yes What Is It?

An invitation for you sir.

Hades tore open the brown envelope as He glanced through the contents inside of the white envelope. The usual annual business vacation. Hosted my old magnate, Mr Marcos Valentino Pierre. A French businessman with investments all around America. Once every year business men all around the country would gather themselves for a seven night dinner party held at Tallahassee, Florida. Whilst been housed by the host throughout the entire time. Not just business men, only the most elite, emphasis on "most elite".

Year after year all Hades would do was to  ignore the invitation but now....He was actually giving it a thought. After ten years of self imposed isolation, what better way to catch up with all he's missed. Afterall, didn't Venice...didn't she she say she wanted him to get back on his feet and out of his shell of self guilt and self misery? Maybe it was finally time to go back to the world.

Get One Of My Jets Ready.

Wh..what? But..but Boss...

I Know.

You're going back?

He only nodded.

Ofcourse Boss.

I'll Be Leaving For Florida By Nightfall.

Have a safe trip sir.

Keep Me Posted About The Mine While I'm Gone.

Unfailingly I will.

PIERRE'S VILLA

Tallahassee, Florida.

Oh Come on Lisa, that key's flatter than a duck's footprint. You need to go higher!

Urgh! Fuck It! I'm done!

Lisa....

Stop whining Fiona.

Wow!

I'm sorry.

Why so tense?

What's the use of practicing? He never shows up for the big finale anyways.

And by "He" are you talking about your grandfather or Hades Lenshaw.

I think we both know damn well who the hell I'm talking about.

Isn't he the one who's supposed to be dead.

There were no evidence to back up the rumors Fiona. So there's a possibility he's still alive.

Then why hasn't anyone heard from him in ten years?

Lisa sighed, frustratedly. You really know how to dampen the mood girl. She rolled her eyes.

Mr Lenshaw or not, your grandfather is counting on this show to be a big success. So get your fat ass up that lounge and let's keep practicing.

I'm glad you acknowledge it's fat which is why I won't be able to get up for the next thirty minutes.

Oh Lisa no no no, we can't have you sit this one out!

I'm not. Just take five girl

Five minutes Lisa, five minutes and you're back on stage.

Yes your grace. She said with slight mockery in her tone.

Lisa Valentino, tall, elegant, supermodel in her late twenties with a body figure to die for. Her grandfather, Marcos Pierre Valentino was the founder of the famous PV Architecture Company and also the sole host of the annual dinner event held at Florida in honor of all business men. She was half French and half American but she was mostly American, one wouldn't be able to tell she had an ounce of French in her unless they were told.

She was also raised in the US so she didn't have the typical French accent even if she had an excellent  knowledge of the language. Lisa was raised by her grandfather after her parents died, He spoiled her silly and the girl grew to having everything at her feet. Year after year she was always present to help her grandfather with the annual event. Every night during the dinner party, she would be on stage to play the piano which she was very good at. Having all the elite personalities ogling at her in marvel.

How do I look? She asked Fiona, her friend since childhood as she gave a 360.

Smashing as always my love.

Lisa sighed, turning back at the mirror and admiring the way the blue satin dress hugged her perfectly shaped hour glass body. Too bad everyone gets to see and praise her except him. Who?-Her perfect obsession

Get rid of that scowl Lisa. It's ruining the outfit.

Lisa smiled wearily. Don't worry I intend to.

That night as usual, she was going around and welcoming the guests.

Good evening Mr Parson,

A lovely evening to you Miss Valentino

Enjoying the evening, Mr Smith? She turned to the other man with a bright smile.

As always Miss Valentino.

Lisa kept raising her wine glass as the mingled freely in the dim lit room with the crowd of not less than twenty five of the most elite men in the country, there was soft music playing from the speakers. Everyone discussing amongst themselves and just having a well deserved good time.

Lisa strained her eyes around the crowd. Who was she kidding? Ofcourse He was going to turn down the invitation as always. Rolling her eyes disappointed once more, she climbed onto the stage. Immediate catching the attention of everyone present. The men took their seats, the soft music had died down and the blue spot light was filtering on the extremely beautiful woman sitting in front of the piano in front of her in her long flowing dress like something straight from the opera.

Gentlemen....She smiled, her voice crystal and angelic....In honor of you all seated here today, please accept my little token of love and appreciation.

Meanwhile, at the far end of the room, a certain brown eyed Devil was watching this woman play, wrapped in keen interest as her fingers did wondrous magic to each and every key on the piano but this interest wasn't fully because she was playing so well but because He found her...familiar. Damn it! He's never missed a face but it was a little frustrating that He couldn't pin this one down.

After playing, Lisa got up with a thank you bow as the room echoed with sounding ovations from all who were once seated now standing in amazement at her raw, rare talent. Miss Lisa Valentino, a true definition of beauty with brains.

Please please let's all get back to the music shall we? The night is still very young. She added with a smile as she walked down the stage.

You did great girl. Fiona took her by the hand.

All thanks to the best coach in the world.

Aww it's adorable when you flatter me but it's way too cringe at the same time.

I know right? I prefer it when we trash talk ourselves to death.

Fiona let out a laugh. I mean what are real besties without the occasional caustic remarks?

Sarcasm? I got you there baby.

You look a little tired.

Am I? Oh maybe because my expectations were dashed as usual.

Darling, I'd say you get yourself a hobby and stop pondering over a ghost.

He's not a ghost.

More or less.

Hades Lenshaw is alive and I know it.

Sure you do.

Whatever I need to use the bathroom.

Sure hun.

Hades Lenshaw is alive.

He had heard those words from her. So his hunch was right after all, this lady was familiar and so was her piano performance but from where? De Ja Vu? Hell no! He couldn't just leave it to that.

Lisa walked out of the main party and went into a long line of restroom doors before finally getting into one. She turned on the tap, held onto the sink and just

looked down at the empty as her hair fell across both sides of her face.

"Lisa Valentino?"

She gasped, turning around swiftly. The person in front of her stunned her. What was this - a hallucination? It couldn't be. He came! HE CAME?! She felt like a teen fan girl finally getting to meet her much crushed on celebrity star but no! She wasn't going to let her excitement get the better of her. She was Lisa Valentino afterall. "Get Your Act Together Girl"

Mr Lenshaw. She smiled. Fancy seeing you here.

I Could Say The Same.

I had almost given up hope you were going to show up.

So Had I.

All the same I'm glad you could make it.

Mmm...

Hades took a quick survey of the space they were in before continuing.

How Long Has It Been Lisa? He suddenly asked, slightly breaking the formality.

She felt her insides squeezed together in a sudden rush of emotion. _He remembered? Oh God! He actually does!_

Fifteen years Hades, fifteen.

You Were Just Thirteen The Last Time At The Family Gala.

Yes. She smiled.

I Knew I Noticed Those Tunes You Played From Somewhere.

I played back at the gala too.

Yes And Everyone Loved It.

Lisa only smiled. He was complimenting her, even if there was no glint of emotion in those eyes as the words left his mouth, it sounded like He was programmed to say them but she could care less, staying indoors for a decade probably did that to him.

Come On Let's Get Out Of Here. She heard him say. I Remember There Being A Fountain Somewhere Outside This House?

A pool precisely.

Yes, Well Forgive My Memory.

It's fine. She giggled.

Let's Go There Then.

This was all too good to be true. He wanted to catch up on old times or maybe something like that. Nevertheless, this had to be her best night in fifteen years.