Facade

Chapter 77

Carlisle's pov

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Mia's voice broke me away from my train of thoughts. I was so focused on her face that I didn't even notice she had spoken at first. My brain was caught up in trying to drink my fill of her that I didn't register her speak. Finally my brain caught up and my smile froze on my face. The cold tone on her voice was something I never thought I'll hear from her. Mia was always so cheerful and lively that it was impossible to imagine her anything but. Now it seems the permanent expression on her beautiful face alternates between a frown and a scowl. Her eyes looks so dead that it's hard to imagine any sort of life in them.
I know I broke her heart but never in a million years did I expect her to look this broken. The Mia I fell in love with was a fighter, a nurturer, a survivor. That was the Mia I had done my damnedest to destroy. The Mia in front of me was just an empty shell. Everything about her screamed defeat. And it's all my fault. No matter the outcome, i don't think I can ever forgive myself. One thing is for sure, I can never forget the defeated look she has on her face anytime she looks at me. Once upon a time, my name alone was enough to put a smile on her face. Her eyes will always lit up like a fucking Christmas tree anytime she looks at me. I always felt a surge of pride anytime I make her laugh. I could tell myself,
'Yes Carlisle, she's laughing because of you. You are responsible for her happiness'
Too bad I was too stupid to keep the smile on her face.
I smiled nervously at her, my actions repentant.
"I came to see you Mia"
Mia scoffed, her mouth twisted into a frown.
"What for? Haven't you hurt me enough? Am I not broken enough for you? Am I not going through enough pain already?" Mia yelled in my face. Tears gathered at her eyelids and I watched as she struggled to hold them back. This was all my fault. I did this to her. I hurt her. Now i just need a chance to fix it. Just one chance.
I looked around to see work had halted and everyone was staring at us. I couldn't even feel bad about the attention. My entire focus was on Mia.
I cleared my throat, trying to reduce the pain in my heart.
"Can we please go somewhere more private to talk?" I suggested, looking around the open office. I could see from the look in her eyes that she was about to say no so I pressed on.
"Please Mia. I know I hurt you, I broke your heart. I know I deserve whatever insult you throw at me. For the sake of what we once shared, please listen to what I have to say. I beg of you. Just give me this chance. Let's go somewhere quiet to talk. And if I'm certain you don't feel anything for me, I'll never bother you again. I'll leave the country and never come back." I was practically begging at the end of my impassioned speech. A drop of tear had already rolled down my cheeks and I made no move to wipe it off.
I stood, anxiously awaiting her reply. At this point, my heart was worn on my sleeve. I felt a growing pressure in my chest and I realized that I had forgotten to breathe.
Finally after what looked like an eternity of silence, Mia nodded slowly. I let out the breath I was holding in relief. I almost extended my hand for her to take but I knew she'd reject it. I watched as she closed her laptop and shrug on her coat. Mia picked up her bag and walked past me. I drew in a deep breath as she passed by me. She still had that wonderful and unique scent on her.

___________________________________

Mia's pov

Carlisle drove to a cute little Italian restaurant not too far from the office. He got out and was at my side opening the door for me. I barely stopped myself from rolling my eyes. Its not as if this is the first time he has opened the car door for me. Carlisle had always acted like a true gentleman the few times we went out together.
"Thank you" I murmured. It was so low that I could barely hear myself and I wondered if he heard me. Probably not since I didn't get a reply.
Together we walked into the restaurant. You would think there was nothing wrong between the two of us if not for the growing tension.
Carlisle held open the door and I walked by him into the warm restaurant. We were escorted to a quiet table, away from the crowd. I'm sure Carlisle must have had something to do with that.
I sat down tentatively at the tip of my chair. I was too tensed to relax and I'm sure Carlisle felt the same way. A waiter came and took our orders. I ordered for gin and tonic. I wasn't too fond of alcohol but I had a feeling I was going to need the edge. Carlisle settled on plain water. Our drinks were served and I took a sip. The buzz flowed through my veins and immediately settled my nerves.
"So what do you have to say?" I broke the suffocating silence. Carlisle sighed and I realized how tired he looked.
"I feel I should start from the very beginning" Carlisle started. He looked at me waiting for a reply but i just shrugged in response. He took a deep breath and announced
"I'm in the mafia"
A gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it. I mean I always suspected there was something shady about him but to actually hear him say it was a different matter. Carlisle held up a hand halting whatever I was going to say.
"Wait let me finish. I'm not just in the mafia, I'm the second in command in the Canadian cartel"
I kept quiet, silently willing him to continue.
"It all started years ago when I..........."
  At the end of his story, it all began falling into place. Every piece of the puzzle began to fit. But there were still some missing parts.
"What's your connection with Davis and Helen? I know there's something there" I asked genuinely curious. Carlisle looked surprised that I suspected something. Too bad. Today was for answers and I was gonna get them.

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