Limelight 
Chapter Seven 
By: Karisma 
Rated: PG-13 
Genre: Alt, Romance 
www.geocities.com/karismafanfic 
Karisma456@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimers Apply 
February 2001 
AN: i have absolutly no life. i went to see the wedding planner WITH MY 
FATHER friday night and then wrote and wrote and wrote. and as a product of 
my poor excuse for a social life, you get this chapter out earlier than 
expected. enjoy dear readers! PS new fics that i'm working on will be out 
soon b/c as you can no doubt tell, AOYU and limelight are closing up. 


	The following evening found Serena rushing about her hotel room, 
slipping on a shoe while trying to find the hole for her earring. In between 
her frantic dance to get ready, she found herself sneaking peaks at the clock 
beside her no matter how many times she told herself Darien was not coming 
and even if he was, she was simply not going anywhere with him. Seven oclock 
rolled around and still there was no sign of her not-quite- Prince Charming. 
Satisfied, she yanked open her door to find Dariens surprised face looking 
down at her, hand held up in midair as if to knock on something. She barely 
allowed herself one second to look over his appearance in his tuxedo and 
snowy white shirt. His hair and smile were perfectly in place, the jacket of 
the tuxedo stretching across his broad shoulders down to his tapered waist. 
	A smile replaced his shocked expression as he held out his arm. 
Milady? 
	She shot him a withering look before bypassing him and entering the 
hallway alone. She locked her door quietly and made her way to the elevator, 
ignoring man beside her completely. He matched her pace effortlessly and 
stepped into the elevator with her, smiling that incessant grin of his. 
	Have I told you how wonderful you look tonight? He asked charmingly, 
turning to face her fuming face. 
	Drop dead, she said icily, jabbing a button with such force he 
briefly thanked someone above it was not his eye.
	Ill take that as a no. Well, you do.
	She would not let herself be pleased by that compliment, she would not! 
Instead, she glowered at him, Youre still here. 
	And I will continue to be for the remainder of the nightmaybe even 
the morning? He teased, his handsome face smirking roguishly. 
	Youre disgusting, she shot back, hating the blush that was creeping 
up her cheeks. 
	Been called worse. 
	Cant you take a hint? She cried in exasperation, clenching her 
beaded purse as if contemplating whether or not to sock him with it. 
	No. 
	As they stepped out of the elevators and exited the hotel, Serena 
watched the bright lights and swarms of people with avid interest. Darien 
took her elbow and steered her toward a waiting limousine. She wrenched her 
arm out of his grasp and castigated him through clenched teeth. 
	If hints dont work, Ill straight out tell you. Im not going 
anywhere with you, Darien. Not now, not ever. So if youd kindly let go of 
me, we can both go our separate ways. 
	They way I see it, Mina, you have two choices. Either come with me 
calmly like a good little girl, or cause a large scene in front of a thousand 
curious eyes. The humor was gone from his voice and only a firmness that was 
not used to being argued with replaced it. He was right, she knew with 
dismay, a large crowd was in front of the hotel and already a few were 
whispering comments about who knew what. If she wasnt careful, some sordid 
story would appear splashed on tomorrows headlines. Begrudgingly, she 
slipped into the extravagant vehicle with Darien behind her. She scooted to 
the farthest end possible as he sat down and pushed her chin up at the 
eyebrow he cocked up at her in amusement. 
	Watch your hands, Eddington, she warned scathingly. 
	Yes, maam. He quipped, his wittiness obviously back now that they 
were alone. 
	And as soon as we arrive, I dont want anyone to get the slightest 
impression that we are anything but friends anymore, alright? 
	Yes, maam. He repeated, bowing his head in jest as if talking to his 
mother. 
	And stop that! Serena snapped, smoothing over the material of her 
black dress. 
	Yes, maam. 
	She let out an aggravated groan before giving up any hope of them 
having a serious discussion like two mature adults. They arrived at the 
premiere not a moment too soon and Serena all but shot out of the car, hardly 
waiting for the gloved man to open her door for her. As soon as she let one 
heeled leg out of the vehicle, cameras went off in a bright haze, and she had 
to blink rapidly to adjust her eyes. Darien followed her exit and took one 
look at her dazed face, all the while smiling. 
	You look like youve never done this before, he commented, a bright 
smile pasted on as he took her bare arm. Now smile prettily and follow me. 
	She did as she was told automatically, subconsciously tightening her 
hold on Dariens arm as a source of comfort in this bizarre world she knew 
nothing of. She left his side only once and that was to hug and kiss Elaine 
and Nigel, both looking deliriously happy with all the popularity the public 
had shown of the long awaited film. She made her way back to his side and 
heard Dariens answer to a question a reported had asked him. She could only 
guess it concerned their alleged relationship from Dariens reply. 
	currently working out through some kinks like all relationships, but 
I gather it is safe to say were definitely a couple. He winked charmingly 
at the female reporter. A couple of what, Im not sure. But definitely a 
couple. 
	While the woman laughed prettily at his witty reply before moving on, 
Serenas temper boiled over. She clenched her small hand around his larger 
arm, knowing all her strength wouldnt move him, much less harm him in any 
way. He looked surprised to see her there, but pleased nonetheless. 
	Mina, I was just 
	Save it, you scumbag, she seethed, smiling for the hundreds of 
onlookers. Didnt I explicitly say less than thirty minutes ago exactly what 
I wanted, and didnt want, said? And did you not just disregard my wishes? 
	Mina 
	Dont Mina me, you lying, sleazy she had lost whatever modicum of 
a smile she had to begin with and tension was pulsing through her entire 
body. 
	Well talk about this later, he interrupted, taking her hand and 
leading her through a maze of people and into a large building where the 
movie would be shown. 
	No, Serena tightened her grip on his hand and pulled him through the 
building into a small, dusty room used for storage. Well talk about this 
now. While I still have my anger, she completed silently. 
	As much as I like the idea of us alone in a secluded room, I really 
think wed better get back before Nigel wonders where his leading actors 
disappeared to. 
	You cheap, low-down 
	He sighed heavily, as if his patience was running out. Mina, we really 
dont have time to have a session in anger management, all right? 
	Not only are you a selfish pig, youre a lying weasel! She walked 
over to him and punctuated her words by jabbing him in the chest with a 
newly manicured finger. 
	His voice became cross, Look, if you would like to inform me the 
reason you are behaving like a six year old instead of hurling insults at me, 
it would save both of us and abundance of time. 
	Serena gave out a short bark of laughter. This is unbelievable. You 
are unbelievable. Not only do you blatantly go against my wishes, you lie to 
a reporter about me, and then you play dumb! Unbelievable! 
	I did not lie; there is something between us. 
	Yes, and its called nothing! She threw her hands in the air and 
walked to the other side of the empty room. Would you get over yourself for 
just a second to see that not every woman cant help herself from swooning at 
your very presence? 
	He gave a pretense of being miffed. Well, maybe not every woman, but 
surely a vast majority 
	And thats the other thing! She interrupted. You can never be 
seriouseverything is a joke. Well, Im serious, Mr. Eddington. 
	His face turned one hundred and eighty degrees in two seconds flat. 
Gone was the teasing smile and dancing eyes that had made her unwittingly 
laugh although she wanted to do anything but. Replacing the disarming joker 
was a man whose face was icy and somber, his eyes were solid, all signs of 
warmth and humor gone. His mouth was drawn into a tight line as he stared at 
her from across the room. In a few short, quick strides he had covered the 
safe distance between them and was now an inch away from her, bending his 
head so she was forced to look at his hard angled face. 
	And I suppose you think its easy for me wanting so much of you all 
the time, all the while knowing you cant stand me. And I guess you think 
its perfectly easy for me to deal with how I feel when Im holding you, 
kissing you? Well, it isnt, all right? In fact, its torture. There, you 
happy? He was breathing harshly, his chest moving rapidly. 
	Serena took a step back, unprepared for the emotion he had shown. He 
couldnt feel that way about her. The same why she felt about him. Because 
she was leaving soon and she would never see him again. She should let him 
think she hated him and be done with it. But somehow she couldnt, because 
she saw him as a humanjust as afraid of rejection and just as vulnerable as 
the next manmaybe even more so. 
	I never said I couldnt stand you, she finally said, unconsciously 
distancing herself away from him even more, allowing herself precious time to 
think and sort through her muddled state. 
	You dont have to, he said wryly, gesturing to the steps she had 
taken away from him and mistaking them for repulsion. 
	She automatically began to correct him, Thats not you, itsme. She 
finished lamely. 
	Thats original. 
	Look, youre not the only one this is all new too, okay? She raised 
her voice indignantly, rubbing the growing goosebumps on her bare arms. So 
save the snide comments. 
	Without hesitation, Darien lost his big, black jacket and placed it on 
her slender shoulders, then moved away stiffly, as if touching her was 
something he was forbidden to do. For some reason, his reaction caused her 
stomach to turn and she found herself wanting to convince him she wasnt 
repelled by himquite the opposite. 
	Instead, she was silent. Were going to miss the entire premiere, she 
said softly, moving past him toward the door. 
	In one deft move, he extended his hand to stop her, catching the cloth-
clad elbow. She turned to face him curiously. What his voice cracked and 
Serena stared up at him in surprise. He cleared his throat and began again. 
What is it about me? His meaning was clear and the hurt was apparent in his 
normally impassive, blue eyes that Serenas heart went out. 
	Nothing. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with you, she implored, 
shaking her head slowly. Any woman would be lucky to have you. Serena 
smiled wistfully, feeling moisture prick the back of her eyes. 
	He shifted his position to grab both her shoulders and shake them 
slightly. Then what is it? He asked, frustration apparent in his voice. 
	Me, she laughed humorlessly. There must be something wrong with me. 
	He pulled her to him tightly. Dont say that, he said fiercely. 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, you hear me? He grew soft. 
Youre perfect. 
	They stayed like that a while and Serena was content to let herself 
believe for one, brief moment that everything was all right. That they loved 
each other and this was their love storycomplete with a happy ending. She 
was more than happy to believe that Darien knew he was holding her and not 
her sister. But then his deep voice cut into her illusion and reality sunk in 
with his next words. 
	I thinkI think Im in love with you,Serenas heart rose to her 
throat at those beautifully humble words coming from such a proud, strong 
manMina. Her sisters name. The same heart that had floated upward, 
plummeted down as her betrayal of her pretense washed over her in large 
waves. 
	She pushed away from him, a tight feeling in her throat and a surge of 
heat in her eyes that let her know tears would soon follow. Im sorry, she 
said achingly. Im so sorry. And with that, she fled the dark room, leaving 
a bewildered Darien in her wake. 

**** 

	Serena hailed a cab and waited until she was safely in the backseat to 
let the gates open. One tear trickled down and then another and another, 
until she was crying harder than she had ever done beforeharder than when 
she had seen her mother die on a hospital bedharder then when she had seen 
her father lose to the fight against his cancer. Pretty soon she was sobbing. 
Loud, hysterical sobs that alarmed the cab driver in front of her. 
	Hey, lady, ya alright? The cabbie asked, curiosity obvious in his 
voice. Serena doubted he truly cared for her welfare; it was flagrant from 
his eager tone he was merely looking for an intriguing story to pass the time 
at this late hour. 
	Fine, she answered softly, and gathered her purse as she saw the 
bright lights of the hotel coming closer. She wiped her face quickly; no need 
for the entire world to see Mina Kinsley crying her heart out on the 
supposedly magical night of the premiere. Thanks. She muttered idly, 
tossing him a few crumpled bills and turning before he pulled away into the 
dark night with a loud screech, off to find another stranded, sobbing woman 
who needed a ride. 
	She trudged up the stairs dejectedly, wondering if escaping tonight was 
an option for her. The thought was more than tempting, but she knew she would 
never have the courage to do that to her sister. The entire plan may be her 
only choice of refuge, but it would leave Mina in a convoluted mess filled 
with people asking pesky questions and Nigel castigating her ferociously. 
	Once inside her hotel room, she ordered enough room service to feed 
three people and plopped down on the couch, suddenly too tired to even change 
out of her formal wear. Instead, she managed to kick off her shoes with 
leaden limbs and stare into space for an unaccounted amount of time. She 
couldnt bring herself to cry, it required too much energyenergy that had 
been zapped out of her the moment she arrived to the safe asylum of her room. 
So she lay down in the sitting room, gazing up at the ceiling, wondering why 
this was happening to her. It wasnt fair, it just wasnt fair. 
	She loved him, she had known that for quite some time, but after seeing 
that new side of him, there wasnt a doubt in her mind. She loved himand he 
loved Mina. She repeated his husky words over and over in her mind, punishing 
herself further by remembering the way he had said her sisters name. He had 
never once said Serena. And he never would. Because to him she did not 
exist and that final thought was her undoing. With a whimper, she let her 
hands fly to cover her face to stop the inevitable tears. 
	But a doorbell impeded them and Serena vaguely remembered ordering 
food. She got up listlessly, ordering her indolent limbs to move her to the 
door. After what seemed like twenty rings, she finally managed to open the 
door and nearly swung it back shut when she saw who was on the other end. 
	He quickly wedged one polished shoe in between the door and the frame, 
making all attempts at blocking his entrance futile. He slipped in the room 
and shut the door behind him, allowing Serena time to move quickly back into 
the sitting roomand as far away from him as she could. Her temporary torpor 
was extinguished in light of her sudden quandary. 
	But as he entered the room after her, he didnt look the least bit 
furious at her hasty departure. His handsome face was soft and benign, his 
eyes emollient. Why did you run? He asked finally. 
	II, Serena stuttered, unsure of herself and what to say that could 
possibly mollify him. I dont know. 
	You know, Mina. You really do confuse me. He laughed shortly, running 
a hand through his dark hair. His bow tie was hanging loose and his first 
shirt button was undone. Youre an enigma, do you know that? You say one 
thing, then do the exact opposite. One minute youre hot, the next cold. 
	She squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to hear his valid words. I 
knowIIm sorry. 
	And stop saying that! He barked in such a harsh voice that was the 
complete antithesis of his earlier tone, she jumped involuntarily. He must 
have seen her fearful reaction and alleviated the callousness in his voice. 
Just tell me whatever Ive done to offend you. Id like to know so I can 
free myself from any grievances you seem to hold against me. 
	You havent done anything. She wanted to urge him to realize it was 
her, there was nothing to exculpate him from, but he wouldnt understand that 
and Serena knew it didnt sound very plausible. 
	Dont give me that, he said sharply. Youre polar opposites with me 
and I want to know why. 
	I dont know why, she answered with a burst of emotion she didnt 
know she had. Happy? I dont know. You make me so incredibly confused, I 
justI just dont know anything anymore. She sank down on the nearby sofa 
after her nearly lucid tirade, her energy spent. 
	She heard him sign heavily and felt the weight shift on the couch as he 
joined her there, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her to him. She 
stayed in the warm comfort, allowing herself to relax, if only for a short 
time. He propped his chin on her blonde head and deftly undid the intricate 
twist it had taken a good thirty minutes to craft. He stroked her thick hair 
for some time, soothing her with the languid caress. 
	Mina, he began tenderly, but she stiffened before he had even gotten 
the word out. Pushing herself out of his grasp, she tucked the waves of hair 
framing her slender face behind her ears and stood up. What? He asked, 
exasperated and all signs of patience gone. 
	She wanted to tell him right then and there. She wanted him to hold her 
afterward and tell her it didnt matter because he loved hernot Mina. She 
could tell him now, quietly and concisely. Then explain her true feelings and 
let him hold her and let him tell her how much he loved her for hernot a 
name. But she couldnt. 
	You should go, she finally whispered, turning her back to him and 
biting her lip to desist its trembling. 
	No. It was incontrovertible. 
	She remained away from him, not wanting to see his frustrated face. I 
want you to go. She persisted, trying unsuccessfully to make her voice 
unattached and stolid. 
	No, you dont. It wasnt the supercilious tone he had shared with her 
earlier while teasing her, it was matter-of-fact and much to her disconcertion, true. 
	But the levelheaded part of her knew he shouldnt be herethis close 
to her. Because if he stayed, she would break down and tell him everything. 
How much she loved him, how she hated herself for her betrayal against him, 
how life was like before him. Everything. 
	In her deep train of thought, she hadnt heard nor felt him come closer 
to her and was properly surprised when she flicked up her eyes to see him 
standing before her, gazing down at her red eyes concernedly. 
	She pinched her eyes shut and dugs her fingernails into her palms 
convulsively. Please, Darien. She whispered hoarsely. Just go. 
	He ignored her pleas as if he hadnt heard themor chose not to. Whats 
wrong? He demanded. 
	Nothing, she insisted, turning away from him. 
	He clamped his hands on her shoulders to keep her in place. Thats a 
crapload and we both know it. 
	Let go of me, she said, struggling for calmness she knew she didnt 
possess. 
	I love you he began and then stopped at the sight of her hung head 
and slim shoulders shaking. What the 
	Please, dont. Please dont say that, she cried, collapsing against 
him and sobbing into his bleached shirt. 
	Why? He asked dumbly, mutely noting her tears were most definitely 
not of joy. 
	Because you cantyou just cant! She shoved herself away from him 
and took a step back, hand curled about her throat. 
	Cant what? Love you? He asked incredulously, when she turned her 
head away he knew his answer. Well, thats just too bad, Mina. Because I 
doand I dont care how many times I have to say it until you here me! 
	She grew frantic, hysterically crying, What do I have to do to make 
you leave? Tell you I dont care about you? Well, fine, Darien. I dont! I 
dont care one iota about you! You mean absolutely nothing to me! She was a 
quivering mass of tears and emotion, shaking so hard he thought the room 
might start to quake as well. 
	Maybe two hours ago, those words would have cut deep, probably because 
he might have been inclined to believe them. But one didnt show this much 
passion and emotion to someone he was indifferent to. He covered the distance 
between them and simply held her, paying no heed to her struggles. 
	Just go, she whispered achingly, before resting the hands that had 
thumped on his still chest. Please. She made no move to turn away from his 
embrace and Darien took that as a sign. 
	I cant. His voice was so painstakingly coarse and tremulous that 
Serena had to lift her head and look into his mercurial eyes. Do you love 
me? The words were quiet, but Serena heard the shakiness that belied her 
previous opinion of him being a cold, untouchable man with an impenetrable 
shield. He was vulnerable, she realized as she stared up at him, and just 
like every other human, afraid of rejection. And her love for him grew to 
such an alarming rate, she found it hard to speak. They simply stared at each 
other for a full thirty seconds, Serena dimly aware that she should say 
something. 
	She opened her mouth, prepared to deny it, but at the last moment she 
made the mistake of looking into his eyes and watching the hesitant specks of 
silver that were open and sensitive. And she couldnt lie, not even to 
preserve both their lives in the long run. She simply looked at him, 
conscious that her feelings were evident her eyes and expressive face. And he 
saw her unspoken words and tightened his grip on her jubilantly, kissing her 
temple, her nose, her cheeks, her forehead 
	God, he muttered hoarsely. How I love you. 
	She pulled away from his hold just far enough to look at his chiseled 
face, shoving the nagging doubts about the future away. She gave him a watery 
smile and stood on her toes to kiss him with a passion that surprised them 
both. And when he began to kiss her back, she successfully blocked all the 
whispers of her lies and deceit out of her mind. She would deal with them all 
tomorrow. But for now, she loved him, and he was hers. 

**** 

	Serena woke up the next day feeling the most rested she had in years. 
Her cheek brushed against the material of a mans shirt, and she looked up to 
see Dariens sleeping face. She smiled as she quietly detangled herself from 
him, straightening her formal dress she had yet to take off. She gazed at his 
peaceful face with a soft smile, staring with awe at how in sleep he looked 
untroubled, placid, and even boyish. The hard lines that were apparent when 
he had talked about his unfortunate youth disappeared while he was resting. 
	Pushing away from his sleeping figure on the couch, she hummed lightly 
while remembering the previous evening. They had danced and talked and eaten 
and then simply held each other, finally falling asleep together. 
	Her face grew somber as she contemplated what was ahead. She was no 
fool, she knew that today she would have to tell him and that he would be 
angry. But she also knew that she loved himand that made the risk of his 
formidable temper worth it. Mustering up her courage so she would be ready 
when he awoke, she set out to remedy the task of breakfast, calling room 
service yet again. 
	Showering and dressing quickly in a pair of pressed slacks and a fitted 
black sweater, she opened the door to the sitting room and found him stirring 
awake. 
	Good morning, she said cheerfully, smiling unconsciously at his 
rumpled hair and disheveled appearance. Biting down nervousness, she 
prevaricated the inevitable situation further at the sight of his large 
figure coming toward her. Ah, ah, ah, she warned as he made a move to hug 
her. Shave first. She admonished with a teasing glance, gesturing to his 
stubble. 
	Smiling a lopsided grin, he rolled his eyes and quickly rubbed his 
course cheek against her soft one. Squealing in surprise, Serena pushed him 
into the bedroom she had just occupied. I dont have any clothes that would 
fit you, but there are extra toiletries in the first drawer of the night 
table. 
	He was almost through the door before turning around to look at her. 
Food, woman. He growled in a tone that was given away by the sparkling 
tenderness in his cobalt eyes. 
	She laughed while he closed the door and then suddenly ceased. The 
night dresser 
	It was where she kept all of Minas letters and postcards, opened and 
displayed for anyone to seeand find the truth. Not losing a minute, she ran 
from the kitchenette to the bedroom and flung open the door to see Darien, 
poring over the private letters she knew he had a right to read. He looked up 
at her over the sheaf of brightly colored postcards and loose-leaf papers, 
shock and disbelief written over his bright eyes. 
	Serena? He said gruffly, a moment of pain was evident to her before 
that cold mask she had grown accustomed to and hated settled over his 
handsome face. She shivered at the sound of her name on his lips for the 
first time and desperately wished it was filled with tender longing instead 
of spiteful hate at her ruse. 
	They stared at each other in silence, each struck dumb by such acute 
pain, time seemed lost to them. Darien swallowed harshly, wanting desperately 
to throw something; strike someone. He wanted to turn his back on her and 
walk away, but he wantedneeded answers to questions about her fabricated 
lies and brilliant coup. 
	As he stared at her beautiful, wan face filled with unshed tears, wrath 
and agony poured through his veins like acid. He wanted to pull her into his 
arms and beseech her to tell him it wasn't true; he wanted to pour his soul 
into her until there wasn't any room for deceit or lies. He wanted to 
strangle her for her treachery; to murder her with is own hands. 
	He wanted to die. 

