Consequence

Chapter 2

April 5, 1813

My jaw gaped as I walked into the finest restaurant I had ever seen. The man at the front asked me, "Miss are you sure you are at the right establishment." I frowned knowing that I was indeed at the right restaurant. I understand why the man would think I was lost. This was a restaurant for the elite and the women that ate here were laced with jewels. I admired the detailing of their gowns and I could tell that the fabric was expensive.

I looked at my dress and I felt my cheeks turn red. It was my most luxurious satin dress but it wasn't nearly as impressive as the rest. I turned to leave my embarrassment behind me when I collided with someone. I timidly lifted my head and a pair of pale grey-blue eyes bore into mine, dulling them. It was the guy I was here to meet.

Once we were seated I asked him what his name was shocked that I agreed to come without even knowing his identity. "Dominik Klein" he replied keeping his eyes fixed on the menu. "If you need me to I can read it for you."

Did he seriously just assume I was illiterate? I realized I was staring him down and I peeped "no" and his eyebrows shot up in surprise just as he did the day I met him. "I can write too." I said answering the question I knew his mind was asking.

"Now, why would you tell me that Miss Winters if I didn't even ask?" It is as though this man didn't give a rat's ass about other people's feelings. I knew that people of high class could be rude but I haven't even offended him, yet. "I was attempting to make conversation because staring at your face isn't entertaining me." I snapped. He kept quiet still pretending to read his menu.

"Please, I would rather you not call me Miss Winters. It reminds me of Mrs. Helen and I have enough of her on my mind as it is. My name is Evangeline but considering how long it is I will allow you to call me Eva." I said trying to break the ice in his eyes. "That is fine with me Eva. I brought you here so that you can redeem your reputation." He said suddenly. "Excuse me?" I asked genuinely confused.

"All of London would see you as the orphan girl who personally got rejected by someone of my class. However, I would consider taking you as my wife or at least speaking highly of you if your name is ever mentioned. Only if you impress me of course." He smirked as though it was all some sort of game to him.

"Well I, personally, feel insulted by you. To think I would care what people that are not of my class gossip about me. Tell me, Dominik how does this in any way effect me?"

"It effects you in every way. You don't want to marry below your class I presume and-"

"That is where you're wrong Dominik. I wasn't bluffing when I said I didn't wish to get married." There was silence after I intruded him. He looked even more amused and his eyes no longer looked like ice but rather like a raging sea.

A sadistic grin appeared on his face and I wondered if this man ever truly smiled in his life. If there is one thing I learned from Dominik that night it was that he wasn't looking out for me, he was using me...for some warped sense of entertainment. "We'll see about that." Dominik said pulling out a cigar and a lighter.

We ate our meal in silence and the tension itched me. I was afraid to think of what he meant by 'we'll see about that' and I didn't bother asking. The less I knew about his twisted outlook, the less he influenced me.

The dessert was bitter and the scent of perfumed cigarettes wafted through the air.

April 12, 1813

I hadn't received word from Dominik in a week. I was mostly relieved that he appeared to be leaving my life for certain. However, there was a small part of me that wished for his return. I'm still not sure whether it was worry that he would somehow ruin my reputation and any chance I had of leading a life in London or if there was some other reason. I shook off the crazy thought that I might actually be interested in him. Although I couldn't deny he looked good, his heart was quite possibly made of stone.

I looked at the clock that read 3:00 PM and practically waltzed out of work. I only cut myself once today with the needle and I really felt accomplished. I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed my umbrella. It hadn't stopped raining in days but I really didn't mind. I mean, it wouldn't be London if it didn't rain more than half the year.

I was literally skipping along the sidewalk when I got shoved onto the rode. My umbrella slipped out of my hands and all I saw was the bright lights of a horseless carriage and then someone quickly pulled me back onto the sidewalk. I watched in horror as my umbrella got squashed underneath the carriage's wheels.

So this is what it feels like to have your life flash before your eyes. I was practically on top of the person who saved me when I smelled the familiar scent of perfumed cigarettes. I blushed and sat up quickly.

It was none other than Dominik Klein grinning at me with a look of honest relief on his face. "Th-Thanks." I whispered before turning towards the crowd of people that formed around us and running to the orphanage.

My face was burning red and I was biting my lip. I didn't like the feeling I got from being so close to him or from seeing his messy brown hair again or seeing his eyes that looked like a mirror into the ocean itself or his perfectly sharp jawline. I let out a frustrated sigh as I slowed into a walk.

A few seconds later, I felt a large hand on my shoulder and turned to see him holding an umbrella over my head. Why was he being so nice? What did he want? I thought nervously...and yet I let him walk me home.