Chapter 9: Aggravating, confusing feelings

“Elsida!” Julien barked as he pulled her to his chest away from the curb.

“Do you have a death wish?” Julien rasped, his eyes roaming Elsida’s face for any trace of the thoughts swirling in her head.

Elsida’s heart thrummed wildly, fear evident in her features, “I’m fine, i just slipped” she said blinking rapidly.

“Let’s go back to the car” she said, stepping out of his arms and avoiding his searching gaze.

Elsida felt her chest tighten with trepidation.

How could she let her feelings control her like that?

She almost got herself killed because she let Julien mess with her head, she wasn’t planning on initiating any conversation that wasn’t necessary with him again, her priority is her Father and it would remain so.

When they got to the car, they found the chauffeur waiting readily for them, “the car is ready to go sir” he said as he opened the door for them.

Elsida slid into the car after Julien wordlessly, she leaned against the window through the whole ride, taking in the scenery in an attempt to calm her thrumming heart.

“I’m sorry we kept you waiting Mr Laurent, we ran into a little car trouble on our way.” Julien said to the gray haired man sitting next to Anne Laurent as he pulled out a chair for Elsida.

Elsida still felt rattled from her little slip on the curb and she was doing her best to keep a neutral expression, she wanted nothing more than to be alone to process her thoughts.

“Elsida honey, how are you?” Anne asks with a bright smile as she pulls Elsida in for a hug as though they were long lost friends.

“I’m good Anne” Elsida says, schooling her face into what she hopes is a grin.

“It’s good to see you Julien, the trouble has been resolved I hope?” Mr Laurent asks.

“Yes, fortunately it has” Julien says as he takes the seat next to Elsida.

“This is my wife Elsida,” he says, motioning towards Elsida.

“So the rumors are true” Mr Laurent stated with an amused glint in his eyes.

“Gabriel Laurent” he says as he pulls Elsida’s right arm to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on it.

“Papa, elle est mariée.” Anne rasps in French, eying her Father with a knowing glint in her eyes.

“Yes dear, but I must admire a gem when I see one” Mr Laurent says with a light chuckle.

“We’ll let’s get to business shall we” Mr Laurent says with a clap.

Elsida zoned out of the conversation on the table because it was clear she was the only one who didn’t know about the “exquisite Chateaus” the Benoit and Laurent family were collaborating on.

Her gaze roamed the restaurant they were seated in, the tables and chairs were regent style, a light pink color that gave the room an eclectic feel.

With barely anyone in the restaurant, the only audible sounds were from the conversation on the table and clatter of dishes as servers passed.

“Yes, so we'll leave for Italy tomorrow as planned so we can prepare for the launch” Julien muttered.

“Italy?” Elsida inquired, trying to mask the shock on her face.

She knew they were going to be visiting different countries but she didn’t expect it so soon.

Then again, Julien never deemed it fit to inform Elsida of any plans before making them.

“Yes Italy” Julien rasped, casting Elsida a warning glare.

“Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom,” Elsida says, standing up abruptly.

Elsida made it to the bathroom and let out a sigh, gripping the counter hard to stop her hand from trembling.

“Elsida, are you okay?” Anne asked as she walked into the bathroom.

Elsida considered brushing it off but Anne seemed genuine so she decided to confide in her.

“I almost got hit by a truck when Julien and I got into an argument”

“Oh darling, are you hurt?” Anne said as her hands roamed Elsida’s body in search of injuries.

“No I'm just rattled, that's it,” she said, not meeting her eyes.

That was just half the story, Julien was her problem, he was aggravating, inconsiderate and aroused confusing feelings in her.

She wanted to stay clear of him.

“You didn't know about the Italy trip did you?”

Elsida’s face scrunched up which gave her away.

“Julien and I have a weird-”

“You don’t need to explain it, I’ve known Julien since childhood. I know what he’s like”.

“And you don't have to worry about Italy. I'll keep you company and make sure you have the best time.” Anne said with a wink.

♡♡♡

Elsida spent the rest of the day avoiding Julien as much as she could, she even requested for her dinner to be served in her room.

She didn't spare him a glance the next day when they were on their flight to Milan and surprisingly, he seemed to get the hint.

Now, it was bedtime and she had been tossing and turning for over an hour trying to calm her racing thoughts.

She pondered over calling Natasha but it was too early back in America so she thought against it.

After what seemed like forever, she managed to fall asleep.

The noise in the hallway of Luton prep settles as Elsida stares at the face of her best friend.

Well he wasn’t her best friend anymore, not after what she realized he did.

“How could you do this to me?” she asked, her voice cracking as her eyes started to water.

“Your mother ruined my family Elsida” Julien said, his gaze hardening, his voice impassive.

Elsida flinched at his words, his stoic demeanor unfamiliar to her.

“I'm not my mother!” she screamed.

“I won’t take my chances,” Julien said, leaving her stunned as he walked past her.