Merge

“Can you please grab my bags for me? Thank you!”

Ding. Ding.

[Passengers claiming checked bags: baggage claim for our flight will be located at Carousels 3 and 4 in the main terminal. I repeat, passengers claiming…]

The airport noise faded behind her as Erena Jansen walked out, stopping at the exit for a moment and adjusting her sunglasses as she watched the city ahead. Numerous people, taxis lined up, and even the almost foreign language she hadn’t heard in a while, but completely understood…

Haa… I’m back here again…  I wish I could turn around and leave...

The vibration in her pocket pulled her attention. She stared at the contact name for a while before picking up. “Yes, Mom? I’m currently out of the airport building.”

“You’re picking me up? Okay.” Guess I’ll wait here for a while—

“Erena!”

A woman speed-walked to her. She looked no more than 30, with a thin, long nose and skin clear of wrinkles, waving her hand in the air. Erena walked to her and was pulled into her mother Janet’s arms.

“I almost couldn’t recognize you!” She pulled back, studying her daughter. “Why’d you dye your hair? Look at you!”

Erena lowered Janet’s hands from her before glancing at her father, Alister, who leisurely walked towards them, observing the passengers leaving the airport. He was a stern-looking man with a crooked nose bridge, rectangular glasses, wrinkles at the sides of his eyes, graying hair and a thin beard.

“Enough about me. Let’s go home first.”

The three went to the car. Erena stared out the window, watching the city, her chin propped on her hand. They arrived at a quiet neighbourhood with nice houses before stopping in front of one of the fancier houses.

It was a white three-story building with a minimalist design. The house was spacious, and everything in the house was white. Pristine white. Erena walked around the house, her face blank, but her thumb scratching her index finger.

She entered the furthest room in the corridor on the second floor, staring into the room for a moment before leaving, only to retrace her steps and go back and stand at the door, her thumb scratching her index finger more intensely.

Why would they entirely change this room, too?! She ran her hand through her now ash-blond hair roughly before it fell to her side. Her thumb had stopped scratching.

She entered the room and closed the door behind her, flopping on the bed, chuckling to herself. Does it even matter at this point…?

The room was white. As white and pristine as any other part of that house.

Knock. Knock Knock.

She bolted upright, looking around. “For how long was I asleep…?”

She heard the knocking and opened the door only to see Alister standing there. “Get ready in 20 minutes. We’re leaving.” He was gone before she could ask anything.

She stood at the door for a moment before closing it. The glow of the setting sun painted the room in orange hues.

In exactly 20 minutes, all three were back in the car. Erena had put on a simple dress and adjusted her makeup and hair as fast as possible.

“We’re having dinner with the Ainsleys. Do not embarrass me.” He said firmly, parking the car in a designated spot at a huge hotel.

Erena and Janet got off first. “You shouldn’t have dyed your hair… You look improper…” She fussed, adjusting Erena’s hair, before she noticed her gloves.

“Why are you wearing gloves in this weather? It’s May-” 

“Let’s go in. We’re late.” Alister cut her off, already walking in front of them. Janet hurried after him, linking her arm through his. Erena trailed after them, thumb scratching her index, the fabric of her gloves restraining her.

A servant who stood in front of the door instantly recognised Alister and welcomed them in, leading them to the 5th floor. The hotel was incredibly fancy. Huge chandeliers, red carpets, and numerous servants everywhere.

Why aren’t there guests besides us? Was the whole place privately booked…?

The elevator doors opened with a chime.

“Please follow me.” The servant bowed, leading them to a huge room furnished with a single large dining table laden with all kinds of food. The smell of meat and bread floated through the room. It was enough to make Erena’s mouth water.

“Please take a seat, Sir Alister.” The man sitting at the head of the table welcomed them with a surprisingly loud voice. They took a seat to his left. Erena observed the people at the table.

The man at the head of the table seemed to be in his late 40s. He had a big beard and a slightly receding, greying hairline. He looked friendly, yet his voice was so loud and strong that Erena doubted if he was the same man.

A woman who looked to be in her 40s, with slight wrinkles at the sides of her eyes and mouth, yet seemed effortlessly elegant. Her smile radiated warmth if not for her cold eyes.

And a young man sat next to the woman, who resembled the elder man. He looked to be around Erena’s age, had black, almost wavy hair longer than usual, and a friendly, handsome face. He had kind eyes, thick eyebrows, a long nose, and a slightly boxy face shape. His eyebrows were slightly crooked. His face seemed pale under the bright lights. 

What is that expression? Why does he look so pale...?

The man introduced himself as Gerald Ainsley, his wife as Elsie and his son as William. Alister introduced Janet and Erena as well.

“We’ve been discussing the merger of our two companies. It would provide a lot of profit for us”. Gerald looked at his son and Erena with a smile.

“Erena dear, I heard you’ve been studying abroad for the past 5 years, so I’m sure your knowledge is indispensable, and so is William’s experience with both companies,” Elsie added.

She paused, fork halfway to her mouth before placing it on the table.

What are these people on about? I’m not taking over the company! Her thumb started scratching her index again under the table.

Gerald smiled at her. “I’m looking forward to seeing how you and William lead our joint company in your united front as a married couple.”

She glanced at William, who was seated in front of her, only to see his blank expression.

“...What?”

—------------------