Bound To Him {Felientte}

Chapter 12: A Ball?

Find a mask and wear it well so your true identity, no one can tell - a very poetic person.

After that less than ideal encounter with the group, I was scared to face them again. It was obvious that I was hiding something.  Either that or they really think that I'm just some gold digging looser. Well, most of them. Maybe. Ugh!

Sometimes I like to try to understand why I was built like this. An over-thinker. Over ambitious. Its just something I can't control. That overwhelming sense of accomplishment when you complete a task. It's something that keeps me going.

Have I ever want to give up? Of course. But I know that if I do, I'd regret it so much. Giving up something that I love with all my heart. Fashion.. its my passion. That may sound so cliché but its true.

The worst part is. I know that all this is doing is hindering me. I've barely had much time to work on designs with all my work and all the constant hassle from the paparazzi. Its all too much.

I threw my bag over my shoulder, kissed my maman goodbye and headed outside where a limo was waiting for me. Like raging bullets, multiple competing groups of paparazzi swarmed around me. I quickly jumped in the back of the car and shouted at the driver to leave. You'd think I'd be used to it but no. I still breath heavily when they arrive, the bright lights of the cameras flashing in my face. It's... scary. Fame isn't all what it's shown to be. Not like I'm famous for anything else but being Felix GrahamDeVanily girlfriend. Goddamn Felix.

I keep coming back to the same conclusion. Every disaster that has happened recently has been because of Felix and his selfish needs. I resent him. I resent him so much. I often wonder, if he knew how much pain I was in. Would he care? No. I honestly don't think he would.

As the vehicle came to a stop, I was snapped out of my depressing trance. It had been a couple of days since me and Felix made a proper public appearance so I'm expecting this "meeting" to be about another one. You know. To please the public. He did text to day that it was extremely urgent.

I hopped put and ran across the street, wobbling slightly in my heels. I got into the cafe, looking around for those blonde locks. Suddenly, I felt someone come up behind me. "Hello," He said.

I jumped slightly. I wanted to shout at him but of course... 'giggle Marinette'.

I forced out a giggle. "Felix! You scared me,". He smiled back at me. Not a genuine one but it was enough to convince anyone else.

We waited for a couple of minutes, Felix getting impatient. Finally after around 7 minutes an older looking woman came to greet us. "A-ah! Sorry for the wait. Please, allow me to assist you," she said nicely, picking up two menus. I could tell by the bracelet she had on, she was Chinese. "Well its about time," Felix stated, rolling his eyes. Seriously, I thought to myself. Is he that full of himself!?

"Sorry s-sir,". She looked up at us, pushing back small tears. Why must he be so insensitive.

"No, no! Don't be sorry! Wǒ duì wǒ de nán péngyǒu gǎndào fēicháng bàoqiàn! Tā yǒushí huì rúcǐ mámùbùrén. Tā méiyǒu bù zūnzhòng de yìsi. (I'm so sorry about my boyfriend! He can be so insensitive sometimes. He means no disrespect)," I apologised, speaking in Chinese. She smiled back at me before leading us to a private booth.

"Thank you!" I said. She bowed and left. As we sat down in the private area, he looked at me. "I'll only say this once. Never. Never put words into my mouth. I'm not so stupid
I may not know Chinese but I know you Miss. Dupain-Cheng. Whatever I say. You go with,". You've got to be kidding me. There's no way he's doing this to me.

"No! I'm not just about to let you disrespect people that don't fit your stupid agenda. You may have this crap on me but you need to know that I have line. Do not cross it Mr. GrahamDeVanily. Otherwise there will be less then ideal consequences," I threatened. His eyes narrowed. "I hope your not threatening me, Miss. Dupain-Cheng. That doesn't put you in such a good position," He warned me. I just kept my firm stare, showing no emotion. "I think you'll come to find, I don't make threats. I make promises,".

With that final line by me, we put the argument to rest. I could've continued but it seemed that he thought it best to stop. "So why did you need me here anyways?" I asked, still annoyed. "Well. My family, as you may know, hosts a ball to keep the connections we have all around the world. As my girlfriend, I'd like you to attend. Of course, you'll be helping me throughout the whole function to retrieve something,". Something. It's always something with this man. "Are you ever going to tell me what this something is?".

He sighed. I mean, it's a fair question. How can he expect me to help him get something when I don't know what it is.

"I am only telling you this much to make sure you carry out the task as efficiently as possible. Its.. a book. The contents are still nothing of your business. However its of great importance to me,". A book!?

All of this over a book!

"Okay. Thank you for telling me, I guess,". This book must be so important if he's willing to go to such lengths to get it. I wanted to be mad right now. Scream at him, at his ridiculousness over a book but I couldn't. I had nothing left in me to fight with him anymore.

My life has been turned upside down. But this has forced me to, embrace it I a way.

We sat down and talked for around another hour. This surprised me as I thought he'd just go straight home. We talked, about nothing in particular. He asked about my relationship with Jagged Stone which lead to us talking about my designs. "I am, apologetic about your career Miss. Dupain-Cheng,". At least he realises what he's done to my reputation. "Its not ideal. But I'll work with what I have,". He looked at me, confusion lacing his eyes but I was quickly wiped away and in its place lay that stone cold expression I was so used to.

"Well. I can't say that I have hated this meeting Miss. Dupain-Cheng,".

"Me neither. Mr. Graham De Vanily,".

We walked out, his arm looped in with mine. All for appearances. Always for appearances.

Even though the paparazzi wasn't swarming us, I could sense their presence.

The wind had down picked up. A once soft breeze was now a howling wind that wailed in the distance. I shivered, hugging my arms. Why hadn't I brung a coat! I was practically shivering, read to collapse when I felt a jacket wrap around my arms. I turned around to see Felix's blazer around my shoulders. I tried to protest but he insisted I take it. Why? For the media of course. But, nevertheless. I was glad for his gesture.

He opened the door for me, letting me sit in. "Bye," I said as he closed the door, tapping the front to let the driver know to go. The surrounding area started to move, Felix becoming more distant.

I sighed, letting out a large breath. Slumping back in my seat, I thought about the days events. I really thought this would be much worse then it turned out to be. Surprisingly though, I kinda enjoyed it. I mean we actually talked! He's still a prat but at least he made some effort. Even if its just for the media appearance. Even if its all fake. If it gives me even just a flicker of hope. I'll take it.

What do I have to loose?

Hey! Sorry this chapter took me so long to put out. Had an unexpected but well needed break last week. I've been so tired and busy lately lol. But I'm not going to waffle on. I hope you enjoyed. Thank you for reading this and I'll see you in the next chapter. Bye.

Word count: 1423