To leave behind the wasteland

[Collineus Cardosi]

One could say that Collineus Cardosi had gone international with his company but he had not bothered with the likes of New Zealand. The fact that he was arriving here, was because of a different matter. Dressed in a very expensive suit, he was on the way to recruit someone to work for him. Ostensia Romanes. Through her brother's pathetic worries and woes over her, Collineus heard something crucial. She had been through a terrible break up. This meant that she was vulnerable, and ripe for the picking and manipulating. Collineus was walking up the side walk alone. He would have had Leia Thoreau with him, but he dared not to mess with her right now. She was six months pregnant, with his newest prodigy. A baby girl, one that would be in an arranged marriage with none other than a future Patriarch to the most powerful family he had come to know in Bulgaria. Collineus would have to use the emotions that he had faked millions of times to get the children closer to him, so that he could mend their minds in the best way that he could think of. Collineus would have manipulated Isabella by now, however she was now married to a Dragonov, another pure-blood only from Russia. That family, from what he researched, did not hate the mudbloods at all, but did have the smarts to at least keep their line pure. With Svetlana marrying a Snow, and Demeter marrying Isabella. Oh Collineus had done his research on that family. The fact that he was going to their house was enough, knowing where they lived. Luckily for him, he was going to be there while the married couple was at work. Therefore Ostensia should be as of easy access for him to come in, see what she thought about coming to work for him.

The leader of the Prejudice Scitorari managed to make it to the front door, before he used his two knuckles to knock on the door. He stuck his hands into his pocket, and Collineus waited for the orphan to come forth and answer the door. Ostensia was the one that he was looking for, and he had done his timing right, then she would be here. Collineus waited patiently for the woman to answer. He expected her to look like a train wreck. After all, the one that she loves dumped her and left her like she was common trash. He was here to help her redeem herself, to get over that male and become the prideful pure-blood that he knew that she could be with the right push. He was her uncle that killed her parents, but he was not going to tell her that. Not even if she asked. He always had a cover for what he did. Collineus debated on going inside himself, and seeing what she was doing. Surely not moping. The fact that she did not have a house of her own spoke a lot. Perhaps she needed to have people around her, always. Collineus may have to somehow pound that out of her. He cleared his throat and he remained calm and collected for now. She would have a choice, to come work for him and start fresh, or to stay here and sulk over some lost cause. To him, the answer was clear.​

 

[Ostensia Metzger]

Ostensia’s arm tiredly went out to snatch another handful of tissues, but felt nothing but an empty cardboard box. A frustrated sigh escaped the blonde’s lips. It was still pretty early in the day, so how could she run out of tissues already? Women were always talking about how ice cream and sappy love movies seemed to cure a broken heart. Or rather, would numb it until the person suffering from it came back to reality. Ostensia felt like it was doing crap but making the situation worse. She wasn’t one of those strong, independent women who could go out and just get over it and become stronger in the process. Ostensia needed people to make her feel loved and cared for. It had become clear to her that she would never be happy if she lived alone. Ostensia was still very much in love with Damian. He had broken her heart into little pieces, but she still missed him. He was her first crush, her first kiss, her first boyfriend, even her first guy she had done anything intimate with. They had been together for years. Why made him decide to end it so suddenly? He must have fallen out of love with her and her disgusting selfish ways. "I miss him so much." Here came the tears again. Ostensia slapped a hand over her face as she tried to control her crying once more. Ostensia was a mess. Any dreams of starting a flower shop now were completely wiped clean. The only thing she wanted to do now was crawl into a hole and disappear. At least that way her loved ones didn’t have to watch her fall apart like she was. A knock broke pulled Ostensia from her moment of despair. Partially she hoped it was Damian coming here to apologize and take her back into his arms.

But Damian had no idea where her sister lived, and this wasn’t a love story. Carefully, she wiped her face with her sleeve and got up off the couch. As she approached the door, Ostensia brushed aside some strand of blonde hair that had fallen from her mess ponytail. The door clicked as she opened it to reveal her uncle, Collineus Cardosi. "Collineus?" Ostensia asked as she opened the door the rest of the way to fully reveal him. Her apparel was probably embarrassing to him. He was dressed up and well groomed looking, and here she was, in pajamas and not in the least bit nice looking. Her eyes were puffy from crying and every so often she sniffled in an attempt to keep snot from escaping her nose until she found some tissues. Why was he here? This man scared Ostensia. He was mean and strict, and always seemed to find something he could critique Ostensia on. But her warm heart refused to treat him the way he treated her. "Please come inside." Ostensia opened the door and allowed him inside before she closed the door behind her quietly. If Isabella was here, she would have had a fit. But she wasn’t, so Ostensia hoped he would make this visit quick. If he didn’t, there were chances that he could have a very nasty run-in with Isabella and Demeter. "Do you need something, Sir?" Ostensia asked, proud of herself for masking the fact that she was very scared of him and the things he could do to her. A part of her was still convinced that he was the reason her parents were dead. Even if she didn’t have proof, there was this feeling she had. Did he know about what happened between her and Damian? Was he here to laugh at her misfortune?​

 

[Collineus Cardosi]

Collineus was starting to get impatient with waiting on the front door step. He needed to get back and see how Leia was coming along. She was heavily pregnant after all. Several more weeks and his daughter would be born, and the heir that would be tied with the heir of the Patriarch he needed to pay back. It was simple as could be. He looked down at the watch he was wearing, and then briefly wondered why he needed to go see how she was doing. She was his secretary, someone that did everything he wanted, and somehow he had grown almost attached to her. So much for no strings attached rule. Whatever it was, he could not let her know. Collineus hoped that Ostensia would have had enough sense to get herself cleaned up and whatnot before answering the door. As soon as the door opened, Collineus had to fight back his nose wrinkling, and also had to fight back the urge to scold her like a child. She looked like a mess. How was she supposed to work for him in his office building if she was going to be dressed like that? She did go through a nasty break up, but the boy was a half-breed. His likes would not be tolerated by Collineus. He had control over them all, or so he thought anyway. He did not control his oldest daughter anymore, but she was a half-breed as well. He looked her over and saw that she was still crying. How many months has it been? Isabella surely could not tolerate this mess. He knew that he would not be able to. At least working for him, forcing her to do whatever it took to please him would take her mind off of her ex. However she needed to be away from that sister that could ruin his plans.

"Afternoon, Ostensia," greeted the Italian man as he entered the door, seeing the home to look rather neat and taken care of. Unlike Ostensia that was. This was the work of that sister and her husband. Collineus looked around, and he found himself going into the living room, where he went over to one of the walls and saw a picture of his sister and her husband hanging up on the wall. It was a shame something dreadful happened to them. He almost smirked at that, before he turned and he was asked if he needed anything. Collineus turned around and he folded his arms across his chest. She seemed to be in a hurry to want him out of here. Probably before Isabella got here that is. He smirked even more before he said, "I know what you are going through. I have a mere suggestion to perhaps help you deal with the pain, rather than sitting around here moping." His tone might not have been the friendliest, but he was never a friendly person to being with. He was a business man and he knew what he wanted, when he wanted it. He thought that his offer was to die for. In fact, he knew that if she did not take it, she might even die of a broken heart. It could look like an accident too. He was clever like that. Collineus continued, "So, come back to Italy with me. I can give you a job, one that pays a great deal and give you enough work to take your mind off of other matters. After all, every young woman needs money to get what she ultimately wants." Collineus did not know what she wanted however. Just that his job would give her mind a break. And allow him to manipulate her from his home country, away from that hard-headed twin sister she had. It was surprising that Isabella was the younger one out of the two.​

 

[Ostensia Metzger]

Ostensia didn't have the faintest idea as to why Collineus chose today to visit. But she was already worried for her own sake. Collineus was a very strict business man. He didn't do leisure visits. When he came around, it was because he wanted something. Isabella nor Demeter were here to deal with him either. They were better with words and telling people no than she was. Ostensia stood as far away from Collineus as she could once they were both in the living room. Distance wouldn't do much to save her if he did decide to attack, but it did make her feel a little bit better. "I just hope this isn't going to be a lecture about Damian. I think I've gotten more than enough from everyone else. Do they not understand that I just want to forget about him?" Ostensia thought to herself. Forgetting about Damian was what only part of her wanted.The other part of her wanted him back and in her arms once again. Ostensia didn't understand what had happened to make him want to leave her behind. To break her heart so carelessly?! Ostensia knew now that her biggest mistake was deciding to fall in love. If she had know it would hurt this much if they broke up, Ostensia never would have kissed Damian that day. "But what About all the good times?" Ostensia was grateful for the good times she had with Damian was well. So perhaps falling in love was the right thing. Now Ostensia just needed to overcome this heartbreak. If she could get past this, maybe it wouldn't hurt as much. Ostensia wondered if Collineus had any advice on that. He was stoic and cold. It was an easy bet that he didn't have love problems. Was he even capable of love?

"You know what I'm going through?" Ostensia asked with disbelief. She wasn't sure if he was saying that he knew she was having a rough time, or if he was saying that he knew what heartbreak felt like. It was probably the first one. Ostensia lowered her head when he explained that he had a way for her to deal with the pain other than moping around. in her heart, she knew he had a point. Moping around wasn't going to do her any good. But it was hard for her to feel up to doing anything when her whole life seemed to lack meaning anymore. "What did you have in mind?" The blonde asked somberly. Her voice was laced with a bit of curiosity as well. She wasn't what kind of thing Collineus would have in mind, but if it would help keep the pain away, Ostensia was willing to do just about anything. The actual suggestion itself stunned Ostensia. Work for him? Ostensia knew she needed to find a job, and find it as soon as possible, but would working for Collineus really solve any of her problems? It would pay well, and she would get away from his place, but would it be worth it. Plus, Italy was Ostensia's home. It was from where she originated. How bad could it be for her to return? "I'll do it." Ostensia stated boldly. There was nothing to lose. She had nowhere to go, no one to stay for, and no one to stop her. Plus it was a job, a good job. Maybe if she worked a lot, she wouldn't think about Damian, or how much she missed him. ​

 

[Collineus Cardosi]

Collineus looked down at the floor before a chuckle escaped his lips. She seemed to not believe that he had gone through the same thing that she had. No, he was never dumped or anything like that. He simply knew how much it hurt to be left behind or something like that. How Ostensia was living through it right now. From what he had seen, she devoted her life to Damian, and now he had left her? Now that was not right and he was willing to assist her. In any way that he could. "Well, I have not been in love and broken by it. I simply know and see that you are going through a rough time, and I am not here to scold you for it." That was the last thing that he was going to do to the poor girl. She needed some balance in her life. She was not taking care of herself, and she needed to. Especially for the offer that he had in store for her. Collineus faced her and he looked down upon the pure-blood female. She should not feel so bad about Damian. He was a filthy half-breed. He did not deserve such goodness that was in a pure-blood’s heart. She deserved someone better. Perhaps while he was looking around, he could find her a suitable husband. Isabella got lucky, but Ostensia had bad luck. "I might have some interns or someone working at the office that you can speak to formally over this matter. I know I will not be any help to you over boys and boy trouble." Collineus would not be able to help with that at all, and maybe Leia could even help. Well, probably not right now because of the fact that she was carrying his daughter, the rightful heir that he should have had years ago.

The Prejudice Scitorari Leader smirked even more when she spoke so boldly, to accept that job that he was offering to her. He looked down upon her with his serpent green eyes and he let out a sigh of relief, as if he were just relieved that she had taken him up on the offer, and he did not feel that way much either. He was superb at manipulating. And now Ostensia was falling right into the pieces. It would be amazing as well. He held out his hand and he was going to apparate with her. It was the fastest way back to the office, and now she was coming with him. "As soon as we get there, remind me to get you better clothing to suit the office. I do not want others to think that pajamas or very casual clothing is suitable for my office." He waited for her to step forward and take his hand then all of her troubles and woes would be forgotten. By the time he was done with her, she would not even know who Damian is. Perhaps know of some male that made her swoon when she was in Hogwarts but that was all. Once he was done with her, she would be amazing to work with. He was going to shape her into an honorable young woman, just like she should be. She was a Cardosi after all, beneath the Romanes name. There was also no annoying little Slytherin girl to stop him from taking Ostensia. He looked over toward the window and he made sure that neither was coming. That would spoil everything.​

 

[Ostensia Metzger]

Ostensia was surprised to hear that her uncle had never been in love. He didn't look as if he was all that young, which meant he had been around for some time. Yet he had never been in love? That sounded so lonely to Ostensia. Honestly, even though it hurt to be in the situation she was now, she would rather have been in love and lost love, then never in love at all. It was one of the most wonderful feelings in the entire world. "You've never been in love?" Ostensia couldn't help but ask him. He must have been more cold than she gave him credit for. Ostensia didn't think he had any kids or relatives other than Osa and her siblings. No wonder he was so mean and hateful, he was probably really lonely and needed a good lady in his life. Ostensia started to wonder if she could find a way to get him together with some lady so he wasn't as lonely as he was right now. Everyone needed a certain someone to make their life a little bit brighter. Then again, what if the two did hit it off and the girl fell in love wit him? Ostensia wasn't sure why, but she couldn't imagine Collineus being a very good husband. He seemed like he could be a bit brutal if not harsh at times. Or was he already married and was still just that unhappy? Ostensia nodded at what he said about her pajama's before she stepped forward and took his hand, hoping that he could take her to somewhere better than this. As long as she didn't have to kill anyone or kidnap a person, surely whatever he had in store, was better than being miserable without Damian for the rest of her life.

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Ostensia felt awkward in being such a fancy outfit for anything other than a dance or a Graduation. But apparently this was acceptable enough for her uncle not to gripe about what she was wearing, so it was good enough for her. Actually, while talking with some of the other co-workers she had heard a few rumors that interested her quite a bit. Ones that she would address the moment she got into his office to find out her job assignments. The blonde pushed open the doors and stepped into her uncle's office. Immediately she was left standing awkwardly in front of his desk, staring at him with her light blue eyes. "Is it true that you got some other woman pregnant...who wasn't your wife?" Ostensia was disgusted. Slowly but surely she was started to lose her faith in the male race. This was her flesh and blood and he was just as harsh to a woman who loved him dearly. Like Damian he seemed to care little about the damage they could do to a girl with even the smallest little gesture. When Ostensia heard that it was one of the girls that worked for him, it made it even worse. Ostensia wanted to just start working and getting her mind off of all of this. "I mean uh.....what should I get started on first?" Ostensia wasn't very aware of the fact that she had just shouted at her boss for his personal love life. Ostensia kept figuring since he was her uncle, she had the right to take care of him like he was her dad or something. Or lecture him like he was a child.

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[Collineus Cardosi]

Collineus was currently making arrangements in his office, and he needed some time to think about them. After all, he had a daughter on the way, and she needed a place to stay that was away from the harmful effects of his wife. He was still trying to find ways to get away from her, and be with Leia before he remembered the whole 'no strings attached' business. Over the course of her pregnancy, Collineus started to gift her with things she did not even ask for. Gift cards to random shopping places to allow her to shop wherever she wanted to, and then bought her food all of the time. Collineus invited her to dinners with him, and often stayed at the office as long as she was there as well. It was quite easy for those to see that he was getting attached to her, and for some reason, he did not know why, and he did not know that it was even happening either. However right now, his mind was on designing a nursery that was being built right here in the office, in his office. It would be for a girl, but he was designing that the room would not be pink, seeing as she deserved something much higher than a traditional color. He was designing a Slytherin green color. He did not know if she would ever go to Hogwarts, but just the thought of it, it would be a good thing in his mind. He smirked a bit, and he finished off the blueprint for some workers to come through and pick it up, before taking off to have it built. Collineus was willing to go to the ends of the earth for his new daughter, something he had never done with Krystin. She had the vile blood of a Veela within her, she did not deserve such treasures.

Although it appeared that his peace and quiet was not going to last. He heard someone enter his office, without even knocking. His serpent green eyes looked up to see his niece standing before him. Ostensia then asked if it was true that he had gotten another woman, that was not his wife, pregnant. His expression not changing from the usual, cold manner he had always had, he leaned back in his chair and studied his niece. It was definitely not in her place to question his love life. However since she had, she had opened the can of worms. "It is true. However I doubt it is any of your business. Questioning me on something like that is similar to me questioning you on how you basically sank into depression because one half-breed dumped you. Should we compare stories or just leave things the way they should be, quiet." His voice was like venom as it attacked the air. And then she asked on what she should get started on first. He shook his head and he reached down into one of the draws he had in his desk, looking for a folder. She would need to go through and balance out the assets of his company. It was a large job, but he was going to have her work with Leia to get the job done correctly. One mishap and it could make things a lot worse for her. "Take this folder to Leia Thoreau, and have her help you with the balances." That task would be simple enough, especially for working in the office. He held out the folder for her to take, which was a rather thick folder.​

 

[Leia Baros]

Leia was in the midst of getting some of her work done when she heard the door creak open. Instantly Leia lifted her head to see whom it was. To her surprise it was someone she had never seen before. But that didn't stop Leia from immediately becoming grouchy by the young woman's presence. Leia was pretty far in her pregnancy by this point, and almost regretting that she had ever gotten into this agreement with Collineus. Not all the money in the world could make her happy about this. First of all, she was sick all the time. Pretty much every time she felt like doing something, the baby wound up making her sick, or giving her some terrible backache or something. Leia's had to miss countless days of work. All of which Collineus weirdly pardoned, but the other employee's at the office were really uptight about. They thought it was unfair. Leia figured that Collineus was being this way because she was giving him a daughter. He went to every appointment with her, so he was really into this. But the moment it was announced that the baby was a girl, she was pretty sure a huge weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. Leia could tell that he was happy. But lately it seemed like his happiness had become more of a fondness for both Leia and the baby. Leia figured that once she had the kid, she could nip that in the bud though. Love made things very complicated. Leia had seen it, and she was not going to go there. The young woman handed over some documents to Leia who eyed her suspiciously. Was she the young girl that Collineus had brought to work here the other day. She looked a bit too naive to be working here.

"So...you're the one moping after a half-breed." Leia commented, remembering that she had been dumped. An almost cruel smirk formed on her lips as she decided to let her anger out on this poor girl. "Everyone so far as just seemed to coddle you over it, but I feel like we should all be honest here. I'm pretty sure the biggest reason he dumped you, was because you're clingy...and kind of plain looking." Leia had to fight back laughter when the girl gave her a look of horror. Leia had heard she was this meek little Hufflepuff, who was really to sweet to fight back. So her reaction to be as horrified as it was, didn't shock Leia one bit. Leia got up from her seat, and although she wasn't able to move around as easily as she used to be, she was sure going to try. "Face it, you're nothing more than dust in this guys eye no-excuse me?!" Leia was going to continue ebbing away at her until this girl was over this guy and realized that she needed a reality check, but instead, the girl must have grown a backbone all of a sudden. Leia had never been spoken to in such a rude manner before. Without even hesitating, she reached out and slapped the girl across the face. "How dare you talk to me like that...you little....little....ow." Leia had fully intended to say more and do more to the rude young woman, but a very painful cramp....or contraction even took over her. Which was somewhat alarming because the baby wasn't due yet at all. Leia went to intercom thing and explained what was happening to another one of Collineus' assistants and asked for Collineus to come down here. ​

 

[Ostensia Metzger]

Ostensia wasn't a huge fan of this job. It forced her to be copped up inside of some dreary building all day. If Ostensia was going to be forced to be inside all the time, she at least wished that they could decorate the place with plants or colors. "Then again, Collineus doesn't seem to be a man that cares much for colors, plants, or even happiness." Ostensia rolled her blue eyes softly and finally came up to the door of the woman named Leia. Ostensia knocked a few times before opening the door and entering the through the door. "Collineus told me to bring these to you and have you help me with the balances." Ostensia carefully handed over to the woman, who looked as if she was going to be having a baby soon. Was she the woman that Collineus had been with instead of his wife? Ostensia was expecting some response related to the balances thing, but instead she was greeted quite harshly in some other way. Insulting her over the fact that she was moping over Damian. But on top of that she used the rudest term Ostensia had ever heard of. "Don't call him that...." The blonde replied softly. There was nothing kind about what she had just said. Yes Damian might have broke her heart, but she would never be so cruel to him. The woman didn't cease her cruel words there either. Her insults continued, and it was beginning to upset Ostensia. Of course she knew she wasn't the prettiest, nor was she all that good by herself, but that didn't mean one needed to be rude to her about it. Ostensia was tired of this kind of stuff. Narrowing her eyes, Ostensia decided to stand up for herself and for Damian, because this wasn't right.

"Stop it! I haven't done anything to you! I hate people like you...who think they're precious gems or something just because you're pure or you have more money. You know what you and people like you are...you're..a..a....nothing but a b*tch!" Ostensia had never really said something so awful before, it felt like poison in her mouth, but she was tired of people treating her a certain way. To her surprise though, this woman refused to put up with her fighting back. Leia's hand make contact with Ostensia's face roughly, and Ostensia yelped. Ostensia brought a hand up to her cheek and fought back some tears. That really hurt. Ostensia could hear that the woman was still talking to her, but she was in too much shock to listen. But then she noticed that Leia seemed to be in a lot of pain. Now Ostensia did have something against her, and didn't like her attitude much, but she found it hard to not want to help her. "Are you okay?" Ostensia ignored her own pain for a moment to see if the woman was okay, she was much to kind to ignore her suffering. Ostensia knew that once her uncle arrived in the room however, that she was in trouble. "Uncle Collineus! I'm sorry! It was an accident...I never meant for-" Ostensia wasn't sure why she was apologizing, but she felt like this was all her fault, and all she wanted was some mercy in case he got mad. His secretary was in a lot of pain because she had gotten upset at her, what if something was wrong with the baby or something now? Ostensia felt horrible, and she was worried that Collineus was going to do something to her because of what she had done. ​

 

[Collineus Cardosi]

Collineus was not regretting hiring his niece when it came to working for him. She seemed like she was doing well enough to be taking his orders. However he was completely unaware of the fact that Leia and Ostensia did not get along. At all. Collineus shrugged and he looked down at his paperwork before he thought about paying Leia a little visit. She might need something from him. He had showered her with everything in the world, and he was willing to do it over and over again. As soon as he saw that the baby was a girl, he was very relieved, enough to the point where he told Asparuh and them the news, and that they were pleased with his announcement, at last. The daughter’s future husband would be pleased, one day. The age difference was definitely an issue, but they could make it work. Age was merely a number after all. He was sure that his future daughter, Serena Cardosi, would be pleased to know that her future husband would be a powerful pure-blood, that would rule one mighty family that Collineus owed everything to. He often dealt with other businesses on occasion, even the one shady one that was run by a skinny man about his age. Collineus looked down at the floor as he walked further away from his office, and toward Leia’s. He had given her a rather large office, one that they had done countless things in. He did play favorites, and it was no secret that she was definitely his favorite. She risked her body to do what he pleased, and he was very thankful for that, or else he could have lost everything that he had worked for. He would only hope that nothing went wrong before the birth, and only then he would be as happy as a Death Eater going on an Auror rampage during the second war.

The moment he walked into the office, he was a little confused at the fact that Leia was hitting his niece. The tiniest bit of him that actually cared for her showed just a fair bit. No one could hit someone that he helped raise, and one of his own blood, but not bloodline. However his concern for Ostensia melted away into nothing as soon as he noticed that Leia was in a great deal of pain. He did not even notice the assistant that had tried to stop him in the hall just moments ago. Could there be something wrong with his baby? And he had to make sure that his daughter was okay too! Wait, did he just refer to Leia as his baby? He had no time to think of it now. He hurriedly rushed to her side, before he pointed, his voice as cold as the Arctic circle, "Ostensia, go. I will be sending you on an assignment to Greece after all of this. If my daughter is harmed because of you, that half-breed and what he did to you will be the least of your concerns." So, he probably just threatened to kill Ostensia just then. However his main concern right now was Leia. He had to get her to Saint Mungo’s. Looking down at her stomach, and then at the floor, it was very possible that the stress just triggered an early birth. The baby was eight months along, so she should be fine outside of the womb. "Get your things, Leia. I am taking you to the hospital. I think you are going into labor." It was just a guess, but it was better safe than sorry. He wrapped his arm around her, and prepared to leave as soon as she was ready.​

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Fin​