Author - perfect goddess E-mail - perfect_goddess@start.com.au Title - Only You Chapter - 8 Disclaimer - <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "He what?!" "Calm down Raye!" said Andrew, trying to get the raven haired young woman to compose herself. The news of Dariens plan hadn't gone down as well as he'd expected. Raye had been ready to kill Darien, and the other three girls hadn't been much better. "Anyway, the reason I've told you is because I need your help." Said Andrew. "With what?" asked Amy suspiciously. She was still in her white coat from the hospital. "When Serena finds out what Dariens done to her, she'll be crushed." "I know." He admitted. "But Darien won't be much better. "What?" asked Mina, confusion spreading over her lovely features. "Look, all I need is Mrs Darlings phone number." He said, looking at each of the girls. "Can you help me?" <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Serena decided to walk to Dariens office. It wasn't far from her own, and besides, she needed the exercise. The wind blowing her hair off her face, Serena stepped through the doors of Lord and Sons. The foyer was huge. Tall marble columns held up the roof, and busy people checking their watches and dressed in business suits hurried to and from the offices. In front of her, Serena spotted the receptionist's desk, and she quickly walked over to it. "Hi." She smiled at the receptionist. "I'm looking for Darien Lords office?" "And you would be..." 'Serena Darling. I think he's expecting me." "Do you have an appointment?" she persisted. "No, but if you'll just ask him, I think you'll find that Mr Lord is expecting me." Said Serena, starting to get frustrated. The receptionist just gave Serena patronizing stare before picking up the phone. "Mr Lord? There's a Ms Serena Darling here to see you sir." She said. "Yes. Send her on up, Molly." Came the reply. Giving Molly an 'I told you so' glance, Serena took the piece of paper with Dariens office number on it, and headed for the elevator. She stepped out of the elevator into a long hallway. The walls were littered with paintings and doors with brass numbers and peoples names on them. Looking down at the piece of paper, Serena bagan walking down the hallway until she got to a door marked, "Darien Lord". Taking a deep breath, Serena knocked on the door. "Come in." Said a deep voice from the other side. Serena pushed open the door, and found herself in a large office. It had a huge window on one wall, and a desk and leather chair were situated in front of it. Just then, Darien appeared from one of the adjoining doors. "Hello Serena." He said, flashing her a smile. "Hi." She said, feeling herself turn to putty. He walked over to her and put his strong arms around her. *Why does this feel so right?* he asked himself, but quickly shook it out of his head. He had to get this over with quickly. "I have something for you." He said, smiling mysteriously. "What?" she asked excitedly. "Is it a surprise?" "Sort of." He went over to his desk and pulled open his top drawer. Darien drew out a long white envelope. Walking back over to her, Darien handed it to her. "This is for you." He said. "I hope you like it." Serena quickly opened the envelope with trembling hands. She took out the contents and felt her breathe catch. An airplane ticket for Tokyo. Wordlessly, she turned to face Darien as he caught her lips in a soul searing kiss. Again, all thoughts flew from his head, as Serena snaked her arms around his neck. "Darien," she whispered. "I love you." He snapped. Breaking away from Serena, he turned to face the window. "I can't do this anymore." He mumbled. "I just can't." "Can't do what anymore?" asked Serena, her lip trembling. "This!" he exclaimed, pointing at them both. "I don't love you Serena. It was all a game." 'What?" she whispered, hardly daring to believe it. "What? Tell me it's not true Darien." "It true. I'm so sorry Serena." He said softly, running a hand through his hair, a favorite thing to do when he was stressed. Serena, ashen faced, sat down on the chair for support. She was not taking it well. "It wasn't supposed to go like this. This wasn't supposed to happed. I was supposed to make you like me enough to go through with the merger, that was all. Secure my inheritance. But it all went wrong." Darien also sat down, face in his hands. "I should go." Said Serena, woodenly. "I suppose you want this back." She threw him the envelope containing the tickets. "No. I want you to have them." He said, thrusting them back into her shaking hands. "As a reminder of the time we spent together." "But it was all a lie." She whispered, a tear falling down her cheek. Serena quickly wiped it away, hoping that Darien hadn't seen. "Please. Forgive me." He said brokenly. "I'm sorry." She said, pushing away from him. "I have to go." And with that, Serena gathered up her envelop and jacket, and brushed past the secretary who had just opened the door. "Mr Lord?" she asked. "What?" he almost yelled. "Um, you have a meeting with your mother in the board room." 'When?" he asked. "Now sir, I'm afraid." She replied, as she closed the door, to allow Darien to collect himself. Trying to put it behind him, Darien threw on his coat and marched out the door, towards the board room. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> @}--->----