Eli was a master of deception.
He was Erik's son after all, and the art of disguising his true emotions and actions was not one he took lightly.
As Clara thought his eyes fixed on the pieces of paperwork before him, his true observation lay on her.
He carefully stared at her shaking hands, her pale, but well-rounded face with makeup and pleasing complexion drew him in with wonder as to what miraculous change had swept over her in the last two years.
Breathtaking.
"Beautiful." he whispered in spite of himself.
"Sorry?"
He looked up ever so slightly, "These numbers, they're beautifully organized."
She nodded solemnly and he finished reading the forms over.
"Yes," he said blatantly. "These will suffice."
He took a stamp bearing his name and pounded it onto the bottom of the paper.
"His voice has gotten lower," Clara smiled to herself, "I didn't think that possible."
"And how is your family Mr. Destler?" She said aloud with interest.
Eli felt a sharp pain drive him through the heart, however, he dug his pointer fingers nail into his thumb and attempted to remain unaffected.
"They're well. Except for our Winnie, who has decided as of this morning to run off with a frog to God knows where. I really am afraid I can't stay long." Eli noted glancing at the clock.
Clara's eyes widened.
"Winnie?!" She said rather too quickly with rather too much spirt.
Eli looked at her intently, "Yes. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Clara said quickly, silencing her own thoughts. "Nothing Eli."
Eli frowned and rose, drawing closer to her. "Chloe?"
"Eli," she sighed, "Please don't make me do this."
"No, for weeks, nay! for years, at the sight or mention of my sister, diversion or lies always take place at your hands."
"Eli Please." Clara whispered, "I know nothing."
Eli looked at her critically, her weakness of character appalling him and yet, all the same, he felt an admiration for her creeping up within his heart that drove him mad.
Just when Claracfeared he might do something the like of firing her too, Eli briskly snatched his hat and cane.
"You're welcome to join our family for supper," Eli said coldly, storming from the room.
Clara gave a sigh of relief and collected her papers.
What was she to do now?
--------
"Nowhere!" Erik groaned angrily storming in through the front door.
Ilios ran to meet him, "Any sign?!"
"We think she's still in the woods," Erik informed her, "There's been no sight of her in town."
"And the fair?" Ilios asked nervously, "Did you-"
"She's not there," Erik muttered. "Trust me I gave the owner some persuasion, to tell nothing but his whole truth on the matter."
"Persuasion?" Ilios repeated slowly.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Every Way(Phantom Of The Opera Fic)
FanfictionErik has spent his whole life waiting for his second chance, and after nearly losing her, here she is. But loving Erik brings complications. Wherever they go, they and their familly must spend their new lives in hiding. Can the family ever truly f...
