Winnie - D.M

Chapter 4 - Reconnect

Draco's POV

I sit on the couch, absently strumming the strings of my guitar, letting the soft sound fill the room. The silence is almost soothing, but then the door bursts open with a loud thud, and in comes Pansy, followed by Blaise and Theo. They're all grinning like Cheshire cats, and I can't help but raise an eyebrow, a sense of unease crawling up my spine.

"What's going on, guys?" I ask, directing the question specifically at Pansy. Her face is a mixture of excitement and disbelief, which only makes me more confused.

"Guess who's business we are going to for our meet and greet tomorrow night?" she says, practically bouncing on her feet, her eyes wide with excitement.

I tilt my head, trying to process her words. "Um... I don't know, who?" I reply, honestly confused. I'm not familiar with anyone who owns a business. In fact, I can't think of a single person I know who'd be hosting an event like this.

She practically jumps onto the couch, her enthusiasm palpable, while Blaise and Theo exchange a glance that immediately puts me on edge. I feel a slight shift in the atmosphere as Blaise's voice rings out, more cautious than usual.

"Pansy, maybe we shouldn't tell him. He needs to be focused on the shows," Blaise says, settling next to her on the couch, his expression unreadable.

I narrow my eyes, glancing between the two of them. "No, Blaise. Pansy's going to tell me. Aren't you, Pans?" I say, my tone hard, more than a little irritated at Blaise's attempt to keep me in the dark.

Pansy hesitates for a moment, her excitement dimming, before she looks at me, her eyes alight with something close to mischief. "Serena," she says, her voice almost a whisper.

I blink, the world around me suddenly feeling heavier. I hear the name, but it doesn't register. "What?" I ask, unable to process what she's saying. My pulse picks up in an instant. I need to hear it again, to make sure I haven't misheard.

"Serena," Pansy repeats, louder this time, her voice edged with excitement as she looks at me. "Your Serena."

The words hit me like a blow to the chest. My breath hitches, and without thinking, I push myself off the couch and step toward the balcony. I need air. I need to think.

As soon as the cool night air hits me, I breathe deeply, trying to steady myself. My thoughts are a whirlwind, a storm of memories and questions. Serena. The name is like a ghost, haunting me with every syllable. How? Why? After all these years, why would she do this? I spent five years searching for her after she disappeared. No trace, nothing. She just vanished, leaving nothing behind but questions and regret. And now, here she is, involved in this... in our business. Her business. My mind races, but I can't seem to find the answers.

I hear footsteps behind me and turn to see Theo standing in the doorway, his expression one of concern.

"You alright, mate?" he asks, stepping closer, his voice low but steady.

I shake my head, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. My hands find my face, rubbing my eyes as if I can wipe away the thoughts spiraling in my mind. "Why would she agree to having our business in her business? I don't understand... She hates me. She disappeared without a word, and I searched for her. I never saw her again, Theo. I don't get it. I don't get any of this."

Theo just shrugs, his shoulders relaxed. He doesn't seem to have the answers either, but his presence is steady, as if trying to ground me. Before I can say anything else, Pansy walks out onto the balcony, her phone in hand. She holds it up, showing us the screen, and I can't help but look at the picture.

"I found her Instagram," Pansy says, excitement still crackling in her voice. "She posted the menu for the meet and greet. When I visited her today to discuss it, it was a great environment—really good drinks and snacks."