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CHAPTER I - EYE FOR AN EYE.

content warning(s): mentions of abuse.

chapter one

"an eye for an eye, a life for a life. i'll see you in hell, on the other side."

eye for an eye by rina sawayama.

January, 2022

ANIKA DUPONT had enough of her parents. That much was obvious. There wasn't one final straw. It was all a final straw. Anika was a trophy. A prize to be looked at. Valerie Dupont cursed at her whenever she didn't do anything right. All Anika did was please them which of course, wasn't enough. Maurice Dupont couldn't have given a shit about Anika's mental health. It was like this since she was a child. Anika didn't have a childhood. She didn't have a normal one anyway. As Anika Dupont grew up, she slowly realized that her parents were liars and cheats. They abused her emotionally and mentally until she was nothing but a bug under their shoe. A piece of glass they could break whenever they wanted to. Anika was strong enough not to cry. No matter how much she wanted to. To her parents, sadness was a weakness. There wasn't time for sadness in the Dupont family according to Valerie and Maurice.

Anika Dupont needed a plan. She had a plan to expose them. Anika wanted to expose them to everyone in Paris. Most importantly, those at the High Table. They had the High Table thinking they were decent people. They lied to get on the High Tables good side. Yes, the High Table was probably just as crooked, but they could kill her parents if they wanted to. They could put an Excommunicado on their heads and they'd be done for. The best part was, Anika would be left alone. She was the victim. Valerie and Maurice had betrayed her and she'd prove that to the High Table too. Anika Dupont would make the Dupont's name great again. Without the complete and utter lies. Her parents had dirtied their good name, and she needed to make it clean.

Anika needed to contact the Marquis de Gramont. Anika knew he worked under the High Table. She knew that he was an assassin for the High Table previously. This was before he earned his rightful place as the Marquis. The Marquis had always been well known in the assassin business. She had heard that his childhood wasn't exactly the best (it was nice that they had something in common) and Anika didn't know much about his parents. All she knew now was that they were dead and had been for a long time. Anika needed his help to take down her parents. There was no way she could do it without help. Plus, seeing as he worked for the High Table, he proved to be a wonderful asset.

Anika knew him to be quite the brutal killer. He knew what he was doing. He knew how to do his job very well. The only problem was, she didn't know how to reach him. The only thing she needed to figure out was how to get in contact with him. Part of her wanted to find out from her parents, but then she thought of something else. The Harbinger. Anika knew Harbinger worked for the Marquis. The best part was that she knew how to get in contact with him. If she could get in contact with The Harbinger, she could get in contact with the Marquis.

This Continental in Paris was lavish, and in simple words, fancy. Anika didn't feel like she belonged. First off, she wasn't an assassin. Second, they knew she was the Dupont's daughter. But she wasn't in danger here. If anything, she was welcomed there. It still put her on edge though. As she approached the concierge, Anika stuck her hand in her dark red coat pocket and pulled out a gold coin. It wasn't just the usual gold coin you handed out as payment. It was specifically for The Harbinger. The coin had two shot guns in the form of an X, with a knife in the middle of them. Anika had snuck into her father's office and unlocked his desk drawer for it. He had enough. He wasn't going to miss one. "Bonjour."

Placing it on the marble counter, the concierge looked up at Anika with a simple eyebrow raise as she took a glance at the coin. "Bonjour. Welcome to the Paris Continental. How may I help you today?"

Anika cleared her throat, sliding the coin closer to the woman. She gave the woman a blank look as she answered. "Is he in?"

The concierge slid the coin off the counter with a curt nod. "Oui, Mademoiselle Dupont. Let me take you to his office."

The woman walked out from behind the counter and Anika followed behind her. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she kept in time with the concierge's footsteps. The walk seemed to go on forever. The elevator stopped at the bottom floor of the Continental. In the basement to be more specific. The floor was dark and dingy. Anika realized it was somewhat creepy too. As the woman led her to a door, she turned to face Anika. "I must warn you, he's a man of few words. He might not give you the answers you want."

Anika cleared her throat. She nodded towards the door. "I understand. I don't need many answers. Just one."

The woman sighed and nodded. As she opened the door, she held it open for Anika. "Anika Dupont for you, sir."

Anika heard his deep voice from the room. "Let her in, please."

She nodded, looking back at Anika. "Please, go on in."

Anika slowly walked into the room and approached the man. She had never seen his face before, but he didn't look intimidating, per say. Just very, very wise with age. There was a large scar on the left side of his face, his hair was completely gray. And he was missing his ring finger. Interesting. Anika heard the door shut behind her. The Harbinger gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. "You can sit."

Anika quickly took a seat in front of his desk and crossed her one leg over the other. She got straight to the point. "Do you still work for the Marquis?"

The Harbinger moved forward in his seat, putting his arms on the table. "Last I checked, yes."

Anika sat up straight with a small nod. "I need to meet with him. I know he's a busy man and I know he probably wouldn't want to meet with someone like me—"

Anika paused as The Harbinger held up his hand. He spoke after her. "You are a Dupont, Anika. Of course, he wouldn't want to meet with somebody like you."

Anika scoffed. "I am nothing like my family. My parents are awful people, and they aren't as perfect as everyone sees them. I'm sure you know this. They've used me for their own gain. I am a mascot for my parents. They used the innocence of my youth to show everybody of the world how "perfect" of a family we are. I noticed it too late, but I still noticed it and I'm done. They don't even see me as a daughter. All they see me as is a pawn in their game. You can tell him that."

The Harbinger just looked at her. He studied her for a few moments. He could sense real anger when he heard it. She was one angry woman. "What do you need, Miss Dupont?"

"I need to speak to him. I need his help to expose my parents for who they are. I've had enough of being under their thumb." Anika sighed angrily. "I don't know how to get in contact with him, so I thought I'd go to you. It's easier to meet with you than it is to meet with him."

The Harbinger nodded. "I see." He thought for a moment. "I'll see what I can do. I can't promise you anything, but I know that he despises your parents. He'd want to see them ruined." The Harbinger tapped the table a few times before speaking again. "I'll contact you in a few days with an update."

Anika was relived. She gave him a small smile. "Merci. Thank you."

Anika stood up from her seat and as she turned to leave, The Harbinger spoke. "If you ever need my help with this, I'll gladly oblige. You're not the only one who hates your parents."

Anika put her hand on the door handle and walked out. After she closed the door behind her, she smiled to herself as she walked to the elevators. This was going perfectly so far.

___________

THE days went by slowly as Anika Dupont waited for a call or a message from The Harbinger. Anything. She was getting impatient with how long it was taking but she told herself she'd get something soon. The voice of her mother echoed in the hallways as she called for Anika. "There's a letter for you down here, Anika! Come open it before I open it for you."

Anika sneered at the voice of her mother, but she made her way downstairs as quickly as possible. Anika approached her mother who held the letter out for her. As she was about to take it, her mother yanked it away. "Who is this from?"

Anika had been deceiving her mother for as long as she could remember. She knew she could act as innocent as she wanted to. Anika shrugged. "I'm not sure, mother. It could be from anyone."

Valerie Dupont held the letter back to her and Anika took it. "Fine."

"Thank you, mother." Anika took the letter and she turned to leave. Anika ripped the letter open with her nail as she walked up the stairs, quickly wanting to read the contents inside of it. As she made it to the door of her room, she unfolded the letter and started reading.

Miss. Dupont.

He'll meet with you. In an hour. At The Louvre. Don't be late. He isn't fond of tardiness.

Good luck.

Sincerely, The Harbinger.

Anika looked up from the letter and quickly entered her room. She was in comfy sweats and she was going to The Louvre to meet the Marquis. She wasn't going to be dressed the way she was now. Anika just hoped her parents wouldn't question her too much before she left. The outfit she wore wasn't extravagant. It was just a simple white turtleneck and plain black pants. It was wintertime in Paris, and she didn't feel like freezing.

Anika stuffed the letter in her dark red jacket pocket as she put it over her arm. She couldn't hear her parents, but she wasn't afraid of them anymore. She was a 26-year-old woman, and she could do what she pleased. She wasn't going to be jailed by them any longer. Anika walked downstairs, towards the front door as she put on her coat, gloves and scarf. Including her shoes. Anika left the house and told her driver to bring the car around without warning her parents. He obliged and left.

Anika looked out the window as the car drove on the road. Paris was quite beautiful during the winter with all the snow. It felt like a complete fairy tale for her. For years, Valerie Dupont said the snow was ugly, but Anika thought the opposite. It was lovely. The last time Anika visited the Louvre was the month before for a charity auction with her parents. Another event where they could show her off which meant she didn't have a chance to look around. She was at her mother and father's side all night. Speaking of which, it was the first time she laid eyes the Marquis de Gramont. She couldn't talk to him, of course, but she knew who he was. He was the star of the show with his outrages but dazzling sparkling suit.

The car stopped in front of the entrance of the Louvre. The museum was closed which was why it was the perfect meeting place. This was the Marquis. If he wanted to have the Louvre to himself for the day, he could. Anika looked at the driver. "Je ne devrais pas être plus d'une heure. Sortez déjeuner en attendant, si vous le souhaitez. Je suis sûr que je n'aurai pas besoin d'un chauffeur d'escapade." (I shouldn't be more than an hour. Go out for lunch in the meantime, if you'd like. I'm sure I won't need a getaway driver.)

The driver gave her a nod. "Merci, Mademoiselle."

Anika sent him a small smile as she stepped out of the car. She heard the car drive away behind her as she walked towards the entrance of the museum. There were guards in gray suits standing in front of the door, with pins on their lapels. These were pins that the Marquis' bodyguards all had, including him. Her blonde hair blew in her face as she walked towards them. She really needed to get a haircut. Before she could get a word in, one of the guards held up his hand for which she stopped. "I'm sorry but the Louvre is closed today, miss."

Anika breathed out through her nose, quite amused. "I'm here to meet with the Marquis de Gramont. He's expecting me and I know for a fact that he doesn't like when people are late. I'm sure you don't want me to tell him that you were the only who made me late, do you? I even have a letter from the Harbinger if you need more proof of my words." She raised a brow.

The guard looked at her with a blank look on his face. He was about to open his mouth to speak before someone else spoke up behind her. "Is there a problem here?"

Anika turned around and it was yet another guard. This one looked more important with the way he held himself though. "I'm Anika Dupont. Your guard here won't let me in."

"My apologies, Mademoiselle." He surprisingly gave her a small smile. "I'm the Marquis Second-In-Command. He is expecting you." Chidi looked over at the guard behind her with a frown, his voice harsh. "Move out of the way."

The guard nodded. "Sorry, sir. I didn't know." The guard opened the door for her. Chidi stepped in front first and walked inside.

Anika smiled at the guard. "Thank you."

Anika followed beside the Second-In-Command as he led her to the Marquis. Anika couldn't help but look around at the beauty in front of her. The paintings were grand, and she immediately fell in love with the place. The museum was wide with windows where you could see outside. The natural light made it even more beautiful in a way. As they turned a corner, Anika spotted who she'd been wanting to see for the past couple of days in all his glory. He sat on a couch, exuding with power and riches. His stark black suit completely popped more with the white couch he was sitting on. The Marquis studied the painting in front of him and what really stood out to her was the ring on his finger.

Anika prepared herself to be completely shooed off when she got there. A woman wanting to get revenge on her parents and wanting his help seemed like something he'd be used to. He'd probably be over it by now. Anika wasn't nervous. She was anything but nervous. She was excited instead. Letting in a small breath, Anika and Chidi had stopped in front of him. It was completely silent for a moment before he spoke with such ease without looking at her.

His accent hit her ears. He didn't seem too happy about her presence. "I never really paid attention to the details of a painting when I was younger. In fact, I simply didn't care much for them. Now, as I'm older, I realize how simply foolish that was. Paintings hold many details. They show how an artist was feeling at the time of the creation. I know it sounds silly but it's true." For the first time, the Marquis looked at her. "What do you think?'

Anika looked at him for a few seconds with curiosity before looking at the painting in front of her. She turned to get a better look at it, facing towards it. "It's colourful, but there are some dark parts to it. Is there an emotion that is between both happy and sad? I'd say that's what this painting looks like. But then again, I've never been much of an art expert."

The Marquis hummed. "No. Neither have I." He titled his head as he looked at her with curiosity as she gazed at the painting. "How can I help you, Mademoiselle Dupont?"

Anika turned around to face him. "Harbinger didn't tell you?"

He almost chuckled at her question. "I would prefer to hear it from you." The Marquis gazed at her with curiosity. He nodded at the spot beside him. "Sit, please."

Anika slowly walked towards the couch and sat beside him. Anika couldn't help but watch him encase he did anything she didn't like. He scooted over more so she had space. "I assume you're familiar with my parents?"

The Marquis nodded, glaring at the painting in front of him. Of course, he knew her parents. He hated them with everything he had. "Of course, I am." He scoffed with anger. "How could I not be?"

Anika turned her head to look at him with her brow raised in question. "What do you mean?"

The Marquis thought for a minute before answering her. "Your parents have tried to take my spot as Marquis many, many times. Way too many times. They almost succeeded once too." He looked at Anika and her blonde hair and noticed how perfect it was. Anika Dupont was a respectful woman, he could tell. He could also tell that she was nothing like her family. The Harbinger was correct. "My Harbinger tells me you're different from your parents. How is that, exactly?"

Anika sighed, shaking her head. "It's a long story."

The Marquis tilted his head to the side. "We have time. Tell me."

Anika looked towards him. That wasn't a question and more of a demand. Anika looked back at the painting in front of her with a scoff. "Ever since I was younger, they've only ever saw me as one thing. Someone they could shape and mold to the epitome of perfection. I wasn't even a human to them. I was more of something they could show off to prove how perfect they were when we are anything but that. Essentially, they've used me for their own gain. Treated me like I was nothing. Between the emotional and physical abuse, I couldn't do it anymore." She now glared at the painting in front of her. "I can't do it anymore."

The Marquis studied her as she looked towards him. "I have had enough of being used by them. It ends here and now. You're going to help me."

The Marquis looked at her once more and snapped his fingers. The guards cleared away quickly, walking away from the two of them. Anika looked around as they left. He really said jump, and they said how high. He leaned forward with his hands folded in front of him. He looked up at the painting as he addressed her. "Hm, I understand your frustration. Would you like to know something?"

Anika nodded as she stared at him. The Marquis smirked at her which surprised her. That was probably as close to a smile as she'd ever get from him. He looked pleased, in a way? Which was a good thing. At least he wasn't angry at her boldness. The Marquis chuckled quietly and shook his head. "Most people beg on their knees for my help, but you demand it instead. I like that very much."

Anika smirked at him. "Well, I am not most people."

The Marquis hummed. "What would you like me to do for you, Mademoiselle?"

"I need you to help me make the plan. To expose them. They even fooled the High Table into thinking they are good and decent people." Anika's voice turned into anger. "I want the world to know about what they did to me. And when the world finds out, I am going to kill them. And I will make the Dupont family name into something better. Into something people can look up to for help. I will erase everything that my parents have done. Then, their names will be forgotten."

The Marquis applauded her for that. She seemed like a strong woman and her cause sounded very convincing. Anika Dupont knew what she wanted, and he liked that. A lot. "I'll help you. I despise your parents just like you do. Where exactly would you like to start?"

Anika cleared her throat. "I'll still play the dutiful and loving daughter that they want me to be." As much as she hated doing so, she'd do it for the cause. "I can spy on them and bring as many updates to you as I can. I wish to expose everything. You're a powerful man, Marquis. I know this too be true. Everybody is afraid of you, and you seem like you would know how to plan something like this."

"If I have the right information to do so. Yes." He thought for a moment. "I have people who will help us. The Harbinger for one. He already said he would do anything he could." The Marquis had one question on his mind. "When do you plan on doing this?"

"There is a New Years Eve party we plan every year. Usually everybody is there." The Dupont's like to show off. A lot. "And I mean everybody. Even members of the High Table will be there. So, we'll do it there. It is always broadcasted every year because they like to boast. It would be perfect." Anika sighed.

The Marquis nodded in agreement. She seemed to have everything figured out. "I will keep in contact with you, Mademoiselle Dupont. I will have Harbinger send you letters because if they come front me, people will get interested. They'll stick their nose in business that doesn't concern them. That isn't something you or I want." Anika knew what that meant. It probably meant he'd have to kill people if they found out. For him and her. And no one could do anything about it. "We'll meet at the end of every week. Say, Friday's? How much are you involved in what your parents do?"

"Everything. They drag me to every meeting. To every function. Trust me, they still need me to be as perfect as always." Anika clenched her jaw.

"How long has this happened for, Mademoiselle Dupont? From what age?" The Marquis looked at her with interest. He wanted to know everything that has happened, he wanted to know everything about her. Everything.

"No younger then 9. Maybe 10." Anika lowered her brows in sadness. "They have taken everything that I have ever loved and they've taken advantage of me. Sometimes I hate how naive and innocent I was but I'm done with that now. I am not going to be the perfect little girl anymore. I'm going rouge."

The Marquis was excited. The definition of the word. He could tell she was going to be powerful. And maybe he could be powerful along side her. They'd be unstoppable. "I am glad you came to me with this, and not anyone else. I'm very glad we want the same thing."

Anika's phone rung and it echoed through the empty museum. "It's my mother." Anika bit her lip, answering the phone as she stood up from the couch. "Oui?"

"Où es-tu, Anika?" (Where are you, Anika?) Valerie Dupont demanded an answer from the other side.

Anika looked at the Marquis who could obviously hear her mother. The harshness coming from the woman's voice made him angry, annoyed. He stood up beside her. He held out his hand, gesturing to the phone, whispering. "Give it to me."

Anika rapidly shook her head, no. She had to respond before her mother got even more upset. Anika felt a hand on her arm. The Marquis looked at her with a blank stare. His voice still quiet. "Trust me."

Anika looked at him and to the phone at her ear and back to him. She held the phone out for him and he took it from her, placing it to his ear. "Bonjour."

There was a pause on the other side. "Qui est-ce?" (Who is this?)

The Marquis cleared his throat. He put a hand on his hip, standing up straight. "Le Marquis de Gramont, madame. Je suis désolé de vous avoir enlevé votre fille ce soir, Madame. Je l'ai simplement invitée à déjeuner. Nous appellerons son chauffeur pour qu'il vienne la chercher. Encore une fois, je m'excuse." (The Marquis de Gramont, ma'am. I am sorry to have taken your daughter away from you this evening. I simply invited her out for lunch. We shall call her driver to pick her up. Again, I apologize.)

This seemed to have stunned her mother. The Marquis taking her daughter out to lunch? Valerie Dupont didn't expect this. "Erm, C'est bien, Marquis. Merci de me l'avoir dit. Et dis à ma fille que je l'attends quand elle rentrera à la maison. Merci. Et s'il vous plaît, ne vous excusez pas. Si c'était quelqu'un d'autre, je ne l'aurais pas permis mais je peux faire une exception." (That is alright, Marquis. Thank you for letting me know. And tell my daughter I will be expecting her when she gets home. Thank you. And please, do not apologize. If it was anyone else, I would not have allowed it but I can make an exception.)

The Marquis almost scoffed but held back. "Bien sûr. Au revoir, Madame." (Of course. Goodbye, Madame.)

He hung up the phone and handed it back to her. Anika took it and looked at it for a moment before looking at the Marquis. "Thank you. I'm sure she would have wrung my neck if it wasn't for you." She paused for a moment. "I really must go. My mother gets impatient if I am late. Like you, in a way. But more frightening."

The Marquis gave her a small smile. "Nonsense. The sound of shock in your mother's voice was pleasing to hear. Let me put my number in your phone, yes?"

"Oh, uh, sure." Anika handed him her phone with a small smile.

After a few moments of typing in this number, he handed it back to her. "Until next week, Anika. I will have Chidi escort you out of the building." He held out his hand. "I look forward to seeing you again."

Anika took his hand and shook it. He then placed a small kiss on the back of her hand. The action made her cheeks hot. "Should I message you with information?"

The Marquis thought for a few moments. "We will wait until the end of the week. If you need anything at all, contact me immediately. I've put Harbinger in your contacts as well. For emergency circumstances."

Anika nodded and gave him a smile. As Chidi approached her, he gestured for her to go first. Anika nodded her head as a goodbye to the Marquis. Chidi walked towards his boss who was looking at the painting with his hands on his hips. "Make sure she gets in her car safely, yes? And I want you to watch her house. I don't trust her parents and I would like to make sure she stays safe. Keep an eye for anything curious. Especially if it seems that a hand has been laid on her. I will kill them myself if I have to."

Chidi raised a brow at his boss. "Have you become attached already?"

The Marquis sighed with the shake of his head. "She's a good woman. Very smart. She's interesting to me." He looked at Anika as she waited for his Second-In-Command. "Go. Her mother gets more angry by the minute she isn't home on time."

Chidi gave him a nod. "Of course, sir." He then turned around and walked towards Anika. "Come on, little lady. Let's get you back to your driver."

"Thank you." Anika smiled at him. "You don't have to walk me out."

"He wants to make sure you get out safe. Frankly, so do I." They approached the exit of the Louvre. Chidi opened the door for her as she walked outside. "Hey, blondie?"

Anika chuckled with amusement, and she turned around on her heel to look at him. "Oui?"

Chidi sent her a curt nod. "Stay safe, alright? I hope you get home alright."

Anika smiled once again. "Thank you. Bye, Chidi."

Anika chuckled again as she turned around to walk to her car. She entered the back seat. She put her seatbelt on and smiled at her driver. "Did you have a good lunch?"

"Oui, madam. Is there anywhere else you would like to go?"

Anika shook her head. "Non. Just straight home, s'il vous plait."

As the car drove away, Anika watched as the Louvre got out of her sight. She smiled to herself. It was all going according to plan. Soon enough, her parents would be dead, and she was happy about it. She was just glad she had the Marquis on her side.

next chapter...

#marquis de gramont fanfic #marquis de gramont x original female character #marquis de gramont #john wick #john wick 4 #bill skarsgard #anya taylor joy

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