Entanglement

Chapter 4

The next morning Annie woke up on time, today was an important business day for her, she was going to start shadowing her dad and begin the transition into the CEO of Leonhart designs. She opened her eyes and stretched out wide, sitting up slowly she scanned her room, she looked down in anger as the moment of sleep confusion wore off and she realised she wasn't in her own familiar bed but the one in her new shared apartment. The bed next to her was empty, Mikasa must be the type of person to wake up early instead of trying to get as much sleep as possible- she really was suited for her work.
Annie wandered out of the room and into the living space, there she saw Mikasa dressed in her work suit yawning and she poured herself a cup of coffee- she looked awful. Her hair was out of place and messy, deep bags under her eyes and her skin seemed paler than usual, a scowl appeared on her face as she saw Annie.
'Did anyone ever tell you you're an insufferable bitch when you sleep as well as you're awake?' She spat
'Fucking hell Mikasa I've just woken up and you're already attacking me' Annie yawned, not in the mood for an argument 'I'm just going to get some toast then I'll be out of your way I promise'
'I had to sleep on the couch last night, it wasn't comfortable or pleasant'
'And thats my issue because?'
'Because you wouldn't stop rolling over to my side and kicking me, when I pushed you away all you did was steal the covers and roll back over'
'I cant control what I do when I sleep'
'Maybe if you didn't drink so much last night you wouldn't be so annoyingly restless, I think I have bruises on my legs from your kicking'
'Good.' Annie frowned fed up 'I wouldn't of been drinking much last night if I didn't have a miserable life where I'm married to you'
'Whatever' Mikasa gave up 'I have a very important business deal today so I need to leave, see you later Annie'
She watched as Mikasa angrily walked out of the door, by Mikasa's expression she could tell that not even coffee could save her tired irritation, she felt sorry for the poor soul who was going to have to deal with her today, although to the outside world Mikasa was as sweet as an apple pie.
Annie basked in the sound of the door shutting, she was finally alone with no Mikasa around to suffocate her. She kicked her feet up as she sat on the couch watching TV as she ate her breakfast. This was certainly a different life than she was used to, usually a chef would prepare her breakfast while she was still sleeping, she wasn't sure if she liked this new self sufficient life yet but it was all the beginning of the life her dad had set out for her, all she needed to do was follow in the footsteps he had printed out.
She stood in front of her mirror, her new suit was well fitted but itchy, she knew she needed to look neat and in control for her first day on the job, she needed to leave a print of her work ethic but she silently wished it wasn't so strict, she never really liked all the rules but when it was her company maybe she could change that, I mean it was partly a fashion company so why shouldn't the dress code reflect that?
Ever since she was a little girl she had been excited to take over the company, it was a rite of passage for all of the eldest children in her family and today it was finally starting, while she's never been extremely interested in design and architecture she liked to be in control, the idea of her being in charge of such a worldwide business made her happy, despite how bad she felt her life was right now she knew she had a good life, Mikasa was just a stop along the way, when she was finally free she could be happy, happy with her business and happy with Hitch- she would never have to even think of Mikasa again.
She grabbed her coffee to go and left the comfort of her penthouse, it was relieving to have her work right underneath her, she didn't have to struggle with a long commute while coughing from all of the pollution that funnelled out from broken down cars. To start off the day her dad want to see her in the office, he said he had an important announcement that was going to help her with her journey into the head position. He seemed excited for her to take over but she couldn't help but worry. Her dad was getting frailer by the minute, he had already lost so much weight, he only had six months left- Annie didn't know how she was going to cope with losing him.
Standing tall, she waited outside of her dad's office looking at the careful engravings on oak door. She heard her dad call out as she knocked on the door, telling her to come in. She pushed it open with a wide smile but that expression quickly sunk as she saw the person who was sitting opposite her dad.
'Mikasa this is a nice surprise' Annie smiled through gritted teeth 'what are you doing here? I thought I wouldn't see you until later'
'Your dad called me here, you know that important business deal I mentioned earlier?'
'Annie please have a seat' her dad gestured towards the chair, there was a contract on the desk, Mikasa's and her dad's neat signature at the bottom 'when I announced that you would be taking over the company you seemed unsure, so I talked to all of our investors and we came up with an idea'
'What was the idea?' She questioned, her dad was keeping it vague like when he had told her that she was going to marry Mikasa- she didn't like his tone
'I have decided to sell some shares to Mikasa's branch of Ackerman trade, so she can help you when I'm not well enough too, her experience and resume proceeds her, its not just because she's your wife'
'What?!' Annie couldn't keep up her cool expression anymore 'how many shares?'
'About twenty percent'
'So Mikasa now owns a quarter of our company? What is going to be left for me to take over when it's my time?'
'Annie please calm down, we still own over 50% of the company, I'm not selling it away to the Ackermans, other share holders agree that this is a good idea'
'I wish you'd have more trust in me, while I don't have the experience I am a quick learner'
'I have full trust in you, I'm doing this because you don't seem to have trust in yourself'
'Taking over your company is a big thing, you cant expect me to be completely sure but I certainly don't need Mikasa's help'
'I don't understand why you're so against this, it is a perfect business move'
Annie furrowed her brows, she knew she couldn't just stand here an argue like a spoilt child but her pride had been bruised, she didn't need Mikasa's help nor her advice, the fact that her dad still saw her as an unsure kid made her feel less confident in herself but as much as Annie didn't want to admit it she knew that he saw Mikasa as his daughter no matter how fake this marriage was, she was a good business woman but Annie would never trust her intentions, she knew that there was nothing behind the fabricated smile and black suit.
'I know we've never really interacted in a business manner but I promise I'm fit for this' Mikasa smiled 'we get on so well I'm sure we'll be able to do great things with this opportunity'
'Well said Mikasa, I wish my daughter was as clear minded as you are' her dad glowed as Annie's face turned into permeant scowl
'Fine' Annie sighed 'I'll try to see the bright side of this but as soon as I become the chairman and make profit I am going to buy her out'
'Its your choice what you do once I'm gone but for now Mikasa is a huge shareholder and a partner to the company'
Mikasa stood up, brushing off her skirt and fixing her hair, Annie could see the fatigue on her face and in her steps.
'I thank you Mr Leonhart for the deal, Ackerman trade is very happy to be officially partners' Mikasa shook his hand and turned around to Annie, with a smirk she pushed past her 'see you at the board meeting'
All Annie wanted to do in that moment was give her more bruises, she made a mental note to kick her extra hard that night, the snarky tone in Mikasa's smooth words poured into Annie's ears like poison, she'd wormed her way into her fathers affections and her company like some kind of parasite, Annie didn't know her intentions, whether it was just to get into her head or she had a bigger plan, Annie knew she had to get smarter.
'Im sorry' Her father sighed sitting down
'Its fine, I'm just upset you didn't consult me first, this is going to be my company'
'I thought you would agree'
'I want to be involved thats all' she explained
'Are you and Mikasa ok? You both seemed tense, it would be bad if you had marital problems already'
'Its nothing, we're both just tired'
'Ah I see' he chuckled eyeing Annie up, she knew what he was thinking and felt sick at the thought of it 'to start your work I want you to manage the West Town project, its not too big and I thought you'd rather do building design than fashion design'
'Thanks' she mumbled as he handed her the papers
'Its a collaboration with many other companies so the entire weight isn't on you, but I've put together a team for you downstairs for you to manage'
'Thank you dad, I really appreciate it- I'll get started right now'
'Also theres a board meeting in a week, I want you to be there'
'Sure'
The next few days Annie spent absorbing herself in her work, at first she found it tiring and soul draining but the second she payed more attention the project entrapped her. She spent late nights and early mornings finalising designs and calling the partners, it was the first time she had felt alive in a while, she felt she had a purpose and everything about it interested her, all she wanted to do was complete it- she was finally making her mark in the company.
Annie sat on the couch of her penthouse, lounging out as the sun from the window hit her face, Hitch lay next to her, her caramel hair glowing in the bright light as Annie rambled on.
'I just think its such a good project, the West Town has needed regeneration for a while and with all the green energy and charities involved, I'm glad to be a part of it, the designers I have working on the buildings are amazing, my dad really hires the best people' Annie gushed as Hitch listened
'I haven't seen you this happy in a while' Hitch smiled 'its cute'
'I don't know, I am really getting into my dads business, it also keeps my mind off Mikasa, I think she's been trying to get into my head recently'
Hm thats sad'
'As long as I keep my head down it should be fine, i've been avoiding her as much as possible lately'
'I hope you didn't invite me here to talk about Mikasa and business, we haven't seen each other in a while' Hitch softly sighed placing her hand on Annie's arm
'You're the one whose been busy, whenever I want to see you you're always out with other people'
'Its not summer anymore, I have meetings in the city and obligations to fulfil, the new movie staring Historia Reiss is premiering soon and I've been having to chat up old men in the industry to persuade them to do what my father wants, everything needs to be perfect'
'Ive heard about that movie, I tried to get tickets but its sold out everywhere'
'You could have told me sooner, I've already invited Jean as my plus one to the premier'
'I'm jealous he's getting all your attention these days' Annie huffed 'I'll just wait for the movie to be available online'
'I am going to be marrying him one day, my dad had decided'
'You're going to be trapped like me'
'Don't look at it that way, me and Jean get along unlike you and her but no matter what, I'm in love with you, theres no need to be jealous'
'Thats comforting to hear' Annie smiled leaning over to Hitch 'I love you too'
Annie pressed her lips against Hitch's, giggling quietly as Hitch responded and wrapped her arms around her. Annie broke the kiss and fell back into the couch as she heard the door open.
'Ugh' Annie groaned as Hitch climbed onto her lap 'why does she always have to ruin our moments?'
Annie watched as Mikasa walked into the room and threw her bag on the countertop.
'I can feel you tensing up' Hitch calmly stated 'its fine, its not like I have to hide in the closet or anything, she knows about us'
'She just stresses me out'
'I didn't know Hitch was here' Mikasa greeted 'I thought you would be working'
'I decided to take a break to spend time with my girlfriend, I thought you would be gone longer, well at least long enough for me to spend time with Hitch alone'
'How kind of you, didn't want me to feel like a third wheel' Mikasa sarcastically laughed 'do you want a drink Hitch? It doesn't look like Annie's even offered you one'
'Uh no I-'
'Don't talk to her she has nothing good to say' Annie interrupted, warning Hitch while she scowled
'Oh and you do?'
'So I don't think I've told you yet but we have a pool downstairs' Annie suggested turning back to Hitch ignoring Mikasa 'how about we go for a swim?'
'You usually don't like the water' Hitch laughed
'I can make an exception and it can be calming with you'
'You should have told me, I would have brought my swim suit'
'Oh don't worry, you won't need one' Annie grinned
'Gross' Annie shot Mikasa an angry glare, unhappy with her comments
'I didn't ask for your input'
'If I wanted to watch a disgusting show of affection I'd watch trashy TV'
'I live here too, I can do what I want' Annie growled, standing up facing Mikasa
'Annie ignore her, she's just jealous' Hitch tried to calm her down 'lets go and swim'
Hitch dragged Annie away as she stared angrily at Mikasa who was pouring herself some wine, Annie couldn't understand how Mikasa could always seem so unfazed when she could barely keep herself together at her rude comments and self absorbed air. Its exactly what she hated about her just she didn't know if it was out of misunderstanding or envy.
'Stop letting her get into your head' Hitch scolded as her and Annie stood by the poolside 'she barely said anything and you looked like you were about to stab her'
'I knew what she was thinking' Annie frowned
'God both of you piss me off so much' Hitch complained taking off her shirt 'all you do is fight and you barely know each other'
'I know enough to not like her'
'she seems nice'
'She's only nice to you because she knows it will piss me off'
'Are you sure thats her intention, or are you just being insecure and paranoid?'
'Can we stop talking about Mikasa?' Annie huffed grabbing her waist 'I have my beautiful girlfriend in front of me in her underwear and I'd rather focus on her than my cold wife'
She kissed Hitch gently as the lukewarm water moved around them but she couldn't get in the room, thoughts of Mikasa flashed through her head, Hitch was right- she was being insecure and paranoid but it didn't mean it didn't affect her; Mikasa had a greater effect on her than she'd like to admit, tried to bury all of her stresses about her into Hitch's pink lips but no matter what the intrusive pictures of Mikasa's words wouldn't melt away.
'I can't do this' Annie sighed pushing herself away from Hitch 'I'm sorry'
Whats up? You were so happy earlier'
'She just puts me in a bad mood'
'Fucking hell Annie' Hitch climbed out of the pool, an angry expression on her face 'you can't let her affect you like this'
'Its not my fault she makes me miserable' Annie argued watching Hitch as she put her clothes back on
'No but its your fault you listen to every word she says, you cant even fuck me because of how much she gets in your head'
'Why are you getting so angry over this?'
'Because you've changed- she's changing you into this irritated angry person, you're not the same person you were six months ago'
'I am going through a lot, my dad is dying'
'Yet Mikasa's name is the only one in your mouth, I get she's your wife Annie but you cant let your feud affect our relationship'
'I'll be divorced soon enough I promise, we'll be back to normal as soon as possible'
'But you're still going to be working with her, you're still going to be around her'
'Hitch can we talk about this without you shouting at me?'
'I'm not ready to talk until you're ready to let go of this hold she has on you'
'where are you going?' Annie shouted as Hitch walked out of the room ignoring Annie's screams 'come back please!' She fell down on the floor as she realised Hitch was out of earshot, she knew she didn't want to hear her out no matter how hard she tried, Hitch could be sensitive- it'll take her a few days to calm down no matter how much Annie tried to call her, she was just going to have to survive a few days without her messages and calls of encouragement.
She put her clothes back on as she drained out her wet hair out into the pool, in the ripples of water she could see nothing but the regret of what happened with Hitch, it felt like Mikasa was taking everything from her, including her love with Hitch but she felt like part of what Hitch said was right- that all Mikasa was taking was her sanity. She made her way back up to the main part of the penthouse, Mikasa was sipping on her wine while sitting on the couch watching the TV, looking over at Annie as she entered the room, her clothes messy and damp with pool water.
'That was fast, I didn't think Hitch would be satisfied with your mediocre games that quick' Mikasa said pausing the TV 'god you smell like chlorine please go and have a shower before I get a headache'
Annie completely ignored Mikasa, she needed to at least honour Hitch by ignoring Mikasa's mindfucking- this wouldn't get to her, she needed to repress it all. Annie grabbed the bottle of wine that was sitting at the table next to Mikasa and took it with her to the bedroom.
'Hey that was a gift!' She heard Mikasa shout after her, Annie slammed the bedroom door in Mikasa's face, not uttering a word as she took a large mouthful of wine. She threw herself down onto the bed as she opened her laptop, going through every single email she had received. She thought since her plans for the day had run away refusing to talk to her she might aswell throw herself back into her work while indulging herself in Mikasa's expensive alcohol.
Days went by and Hitch still wouldn't pick up her calls, Annie wasted hours thinking about how she could fix things as she went over contracts for the west town project in her office, she had everything ready and put it all together but her mind wasn't in the right place, her mouse hovered over expensive flower arrangements, she contemplated over whether pink or red flowers said I am sorry for being an ass, I love you more than I hate my wife. Annie was abruptly interrupted by a knocking on her door.
'Come in' she called out, clicking purchase on a huge bouquet of pink and white mixed flowers
'Mrs Leonhart you're needed in the board meeting' her dads assistant stood at the door holding a clip board
'Yes, I was just heading there' she stood up striding out of her office and walking up to the conference room, she knew this meeting would just be old men with talks of profits and stocks, while as the future owner she had to be involved and present but the thought of sitting there for an hour bored her.
She entered the room, the chairs were full with the familiar shareholders and investors, the only empty chair was the one opposite Mikasa, she sat down as the raven haired girl continued to type away on her laptop, not even giving Annie a second look.
'Thank you all for coming to this months board meeting' Mr Leonhart glowed as he begun the meeting 'lets get started shall we?'
Annie felt like she was about to fall asleep as the old men kept rambling on- it was exactly as she expected, sadly the corporate life was too predictable for her. All she wanted to do was get back to sending Hitch flowers and finalising some elements of her projects.
'While all of our projects and plans have been doing well, profits are still faltering and we do not have the time to start anything new' her dad explained as Annie could feel her eyes shutting 'any ideas?'
'Actually I have one' Annies gaze locked on Mikasa as she spoke for the first time today 'I've been looking over the profits and outputs in the company database, I think it would be in our best interest to pass on the West Town project to another company'
'What? no, I don't think thats a good idea' Annie sat up, she could see the look in Mikasa's steel grey orbs, whether this was business related or a personal attack, Annie could feel her heart race.
'Lets hear her out' her dad said gesturing towards Mikasa
'You see the West Town project is government funded and the profit is being split between many other corporations, we are funnelling more money into it than we are getting out which is why aren't seeing much profit, we should pass it on to another company and replace it with something more profitable'
'What do you suggest we replace it with?'
'At Ackerman Trade a huge foreign hotel business wants us to help them set up a few locations within the city, its a private company and they are willing to pay billions for this set up, we have been looking for an architectural company to help build and design these locations- I believe Leonhart designs to be perfect for the job, it will bring in huge amounts of profit and help with this slump the company is in'
'But how are the profits going to be cut fairly?' Annie asked challenging Mikasa
'We can have meetings to sort that out but I assure you its going to be fairly'
'While the West Town may not be as profitable as all of our other clients, it is still a very important project that will help invest into the future of the city'
'I'm not saying we're dropping the project so it stops happening, I'm saying we pass it on to another company'
'Its not just about profit, this project will be amazing for PR, it will put our company in a good light and encourage more clients in'
'The clients we want to attract, the ones with big money do not care about doing good' Mikasa firmly stated as Annie glared angrily, willing to put up a fight 'we will continue in this slump if we don't do something about it, yes; wedding season will be coming up soon and we will have many new clients wanting custom dresses but in the mean time we need something new- this is perfect'
'The West Town project is nearly complete, we just need a few more months'
'Thats a few more months of bad profit and lost opportunities'
'Why are you going after this project? Theres so many other projects that are doing worse than my one'
'We need the allocated architects and designers from your project to complete this hotel project'
'I will not let you do this Mikasa' Annie stood up, her head felt foggy with anger 'this is a bad idea'
'Why? the only points I can think of are positives, the only negative is that you will be out of a job, its not like you do much anyway'
'Fuck you'