We stopped in front of a building which looked like a small hostel to me. But a kindergarten version of hostel. It had small trees with colourful benches under them. It was a single story building and there was a sand pit, slides and swings. Everything, including the building, was painted in bright colours making the surrounding even more cheerful.
When I saw the board which this building held, I wanted to ask Ethan why we were there, but my excitement to go inside was higher than my suspicion.
Seeing me smile cheekily, Ethan said,
"You are happier than I thought you'd be."
"You bet I am. I love children!"
"Seconded."
Ethan smiled and said as we walked through the main gates.
"So, are you planning to adopt a child?"
I asked.
He didn't got offended and answered patiently,
"No. Not yet at least. Why do you ask?"
"Then what are we doing in an orphanage?"
"We are here because we got invited to a birthday party."
"Ethan, you got invited. They don't even know me."
"Believe me, you are as invited as me. Last time when I was here, I told them about the accident, and how you created a scene in the cafe-"
"You mean how YOU purposely wanted to kick me out of the cafe?"
"Yeah. That. So when I told them how heroic you were, they asked me to bring you along next time."
This is one interesting bunch of children....
"By the way, you never told me why you wanted me out of that cafe."
"You were distracting me."
"No I was not! And for the record, you didn't even look up."
"I paid sixty thousand dollars to a wrong person because you kept smiling way.."
"What?!"
I couldn't help but laugh. If only I knew about this earlier, I'd have never stopped bragging about it.
"But still Ethan, what you did was wrong.."
"I know, but, think about it this way. If I wouldn't have done that, then we wouldn't have talked that day."
"This silver lining of yours, isn't silver at all. I would have still helped you after your accident. We would have talked then..."
" But that way, it wouldn't have been half that amusing."
He do was correct to some extent, but I couldn't agree with him as that would have encouraged his behavior. So I rolled my eyes.
We walked inside the building and asked where the party was being held. A woman gave us the room no. And Ethan signed a few checks as donation and for the presents they bought on behalf of Ethan for the children. Feeling I should know more about what I'll be facing, I asked Ethan more about that place.
" So who are our hosts today?"
" Cindy and Jade, and Ezra and Michael. Cindy and Jade are identical twins and Ezra and Michael are non identical twins. They are turning seven."
"Is today their actual birthday, or like a common celebration?"
"A common one. Here the celebrations are different. Children of same age, share the same birthday. Like, all the children turning six have one birthdate, while all the children turning seven have a different birthdate. This way, the organizers can choose decorations popular in that age group."
We took a few turn and reached a room with double doors. The joyous laughter of everyone inside the room was making me nervous. Before stepping inside, Ethan looked at me with a soft smile.
"Nervous?"
"Yeah. A little."
"Don't be. They like everyone."
He gave me a few moments to calm my nerves and then pushed the doors open at once. There was pin drop silence till two girls, whom I suppose were Cindy and Jade, started running towards us while screaming in unison.
"Ethan! You made it!"
Both of them hugged Ethan. Barely reaching his waist. They were followed by rest of the children and a few adults, leaded by two little boys, which should be Ezra and Michael.
Cindy and Jade finally left Ethan and peaked behind him to see me. One of them asked,
"My name is Cindy. What's yours?"
"I'm Grace. I-"
"You are the girl who saved Ethan from that accident! You are a hero!"
"I won't call it saving, I just-"
"Group hug!"
Cindy declared and the entire group of children raced towards me. Ethan smiled at me from a distance as the birthday girls pulled me towards their cake.
Ethan was right. These children like everyone. Only a couple of hours have passed and I feel like I've known them forever. Cindy and Jade are very active while Ezra and Michael mostly keep to themselves. I also met a five year old, red headed girl named Grace. Don't judge me, but Grace was the cutest among all these children, with her full lips, blue eyes and freckled skin. However, she only talked to one brunnet boy, who appeared around ten, but I don't remember his name.
After all the party games were over, everyone took a piece of cake and went outside to relax under the trees. Ethan chose the most secluded one for us.
"I hope you enjoyed being here?"
"I loved being here. These kids were great! Could you believe they actually let me have the first piece of their cake? This was the best bunch of children I've ever met."
"Glad to hear that. I've never seen you this excited though."
"I've missed many things as a child. And a birthday party with more than ten people was one of them."
"Just ten? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. But it's okay. Small parties have their own charm you know."
We smiled and observe the children who were done with their treats, and were now playing in sand and on slides.
I know this wasn't the right time, but I had to ask this question, so I did.
"How's Jason?"
Ethan tried sounding indifferent. He sure was calmer than yesterday, but was angry enough to kick Jason out of his house.
"Jason isn't home. He has a habit of leaving without any notice when he has to clear his head."
"Oh."
That was all I could say. I cursed myself under my breath, for the decision of bringing this up now. But Ethan soon lightened the mood. He pointed out children and told me about their hobbies.
After a few minutes of talk, it was time to go. We stopped at a fast food joint and munched on some really unhealthy but delicious food. I asked Ethan about his 'scheduled diet' , about which I learned from his housekeepers. He said he barely follows it, and told me how he'd stop by his favorite restaurant or even drive through, after those so called planned meals.
I love this carefree side of Ethan. I mean, not LOVE kind of love. Just, love kind of love.
I'm not sure if I'm making any sense right now.
Our next stop was equally confusing for me.
"Ethan, why are we here?"
"We are shopping."
"And why exactly are we going to shop for Indian outfits?"
I said looking at the fancy building in front of us.
"Because we are going to attend an Indian wedding."
Did he just say we?
"Oh no, not gonna happen."
"Why not? It's a Roux wedding. You'll like it."
"Roux? As in the airlines people? Isn't that French? And didn't I tell you I won't be involved in anything michelin star?!"
"It's nothing too huge. Just a small get together kind of thing at their place. I've missed all other ceremonies, I have to attend this one."
"So drop me at my place and attend whatever they ask you to. I'm not coming! I don't know anyone there."
"Neither do I. Believe it or not, but I'm not a people's person. If you won't go, I won't go either."
"Ethan, you're a business tycoon! You don't need me to attend a wedding reception."
"Maybe I don't. But I've made my mind and we're going together."
"And what are you gonna do for that? Force me? Blackmail me? Torture-"
"Okay now. Let's take it easy. I'm just going to ask you nicely."
I stood their facing him, crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Okay then. Go on. Ask."
Ethan cleared his throat, clicked his fingers and immediately a person rushed in our direction with a bouquet of lavender roses. He handed the bouquet to Ethan and went away.
"Going a bit over the top, aren't we?"
I joked, but he didn't got distracted and continued.
"Grace, it's not that I can't, it's just that I won't, because without you, nothing is worth anything anymore. Will you come to the Roux reception with me?"
It's a bit too corny, a bit too sweet, and something you won't expect from a person who is in the race of youngest billionaires. But I love every single part of it. Ethan kept looking at me with hopeful eyes and a smile soon crept on my face, as I said,
"You better not make me regret this."
We went inside and were escorted to different sections.
I chose a white outfit, which I'm told is called a lehenga. It was beautiful and gave me some royal vibes with the cape like thing on one of my shoulder. The saleslady tied a heavy jeweled choker necklace around my neck, before I could complain about the marks present there. She sent two women to do my hair and makeup, and went outside to make a call.
After I was done, there was a knock at the door and I turned to see Ethan. I immediately understood, to whom that lady made a call.
Yeah, Ethan and I are matching outfits and we are both looking great.
As I approached him, he didn't say anything just kept looking at me with some sort of mischief in his eyes.
The night sky had taken over, by the time we walked outside. There was a Rolls Royce Phantom Vlll waiting for us there. He opened the backdoor and extended his hand to help me get in, and then sat beside me.
Ethan told me about the wedding in detail during our journey, and I had a feeling that going there would be an experience, no less than a world tour.
This was Ethan's best friend, Reyansh's sister's wedding. Angela, that is Reyansh's sister, wanted both of her family traditions to be involved. So she first has a French inspired wedding, like her dad wanted. And then an Indian wedding, like her mom wanted. Her now husband, Chris Hemming, who is the owner of his family's real estate business, had no problem with this. We are going to attend the last event of their Indian wedding.
As we neared our destination, I asked Ethan a question I wanted to ask him at the beginning of our ride.
"Ethan. Do you know flowers are used to express thoughts?"
"Yes.."
"And that each flower conveys a specific message?"
"Yes.."
"Do you know what lavender roses mean?"
He smirked as he answered.
"Maybe...."
I wanted to slap him so hard right now. So he's enchanted by me now? If only the driver wasn't there, I would have put an end to his corny thoughts.
When we reached the Roux property, I was dumbfound by looking at it. It appeared like a sixteenth century Castle with huge grey stoned walls and slanting black roof. Beautiful flowers were covering the entire walls surrounding their property.
They surely know how to boast their wealth.
Everything was peaceful till I saw the entrance gate of their house.
"Ethan, are those reports?"
"Yeah. But don't worry, they won't be able to take pictures."
"They better don't. Or else dad's gonna ground me forever if he sees me with you."
Hell! Did I just say that?!
"He has a theory that being spotted with famous people isn't good for my safety."
I added quickly, trying to avoid the awkwardness, but my words have done their job.
Ethan wasn't hurt. And definitely not angry. He was just lost in thoughts. So lost that I had to call his name when we got inside.
The Roux have no idea what a small party should look like. There are at least two hundred people here, but that's not a problem. The palace like roux property is taking the load easily. We met Eugene and Raina Roux. The bride's parents. Then we met Angela and Chris, and I'll be very honest, I didn't like the way she was openly flirting with Ethan. Chris and Ethan appeared okay with it but I was not. In short, I didn't like her.
After meeting a few more people, Ethan and I took a corner, which wasn't too too isolated. He kept telling me about other important people in that room, but I was too mad to listen to anything.
"Grace, is something wrong?"
"No."
Obviously there's something wrong. But I'm not going to make it easy for you this time.
"Do you want to leave?"
Ethan asked lowering his voice.
"Please."
I said in a monotonous tone.
"Okay. Just let me notify the driver and we'll leave in a minute."
As Ethan took out his phone, a calm and confident voice spoke from behind us.
"Hope you weren't thinking of leaving without seeing me."
We turned around to see a guy, about as old as Ethan. His hairs were black with the slightest highlight of crimson at the ends and were swept backwards. He was slightly more built than Ethan and his facial features were sharp while Ethan's were smooth. He had a cryptic glow in his eyes.
When did everyone around me start getting so good looking?
I looked at Ethan and saw him smiling as this guy approached us. They shook their hand simultaneously giving each other a partial hug.
The guy started to speak in a friendly manner,
"You met everyone? I hope maa wasn't too rough with you this time."
"Nah, she was okay. But I doubt I'll be spared if I skip these functions next time."
"Like I'll even allow you that. So? Are you going to introduce me to your stunning company or not?"
"Sure. Grace, meet Reyansh Roux. My childhood friend, a private detective, and heir of the Roux abundance. And Reyansh, this is-"
"Grace Holland. Daughter of Steve and Rachel Holland. And, an excellent student in literature."
Reyansh completed his sentence by giving me a wink.
Ethan unconsciously raised his eyebrows looking at him.
If that's even a hint of jealousy, I'm willing to give Ethan the taste of his own medicine. So I intruded,
"A private detective? That sounds so fascinating."
"It's good to see you are interested in the right part. People generally notice the Roux-"
"Reyansh! There you are!"
Reyansh was interrupted by a voice. He closed his eyes as if asking for strength while Ethan just smirked at him. Reyansh plastered the most faked smile I've ever seen and turned around to face the owner of this voice. I was equally shocked to see her. It was Nadia Normandy, looking as sensual as ever. Noah would have probably had a heart stroke if he was here. I too was a fan of her, until now.
"Reyansh, where have you been?"
She said leaning, more like sleeping on him while he tried to push her away. And just in case you're wondering, no, she wasn't drunk.
"I saw Ethan and thought I should say Hi."
"Oh? And what were you talking about?"
She said, narrowing her eyes at me.
Ethan chuckled and answered.
"I was just asking where's Watson."
She immediately let go of Reyansh's hand and answered in a panicked tone,
"Is he here?"
A mischievous smile spread across Reyansh's face as he answered,
"Why not? He's a family member after all. We were actually going to look around for him. Would you like to join us?"
"I just remembered Angela was asking for me. I'll see you later."
And she sprinted away with lightening speed.
Who is this Watson?
Before I could actually ask, some business associate of Ethan, pulled him away to join his company.
I know he didn't had a choice here, but I'm just so mad at him right now, and I don't even know why.
I crossed my arms, hugging myself and stared at the floor, trying to empty my mind, when Reyansh extended his hand towards me.
"C'mon, let's get out of here."
"I'm sorry. But I'd like to wait for Ethan."
"I understand what you might be thinking right now, but I assure you it's nothing like that. We're just going to give Ethan a little lesson."
"What kind of lesson?"
"He has to understand that some deserve more attention than others, and if he won't work hard enough, others will. So, what do you say?"
I looked at Ethan and found him stealing glances towards us while he was talking. Maybe I did this just because I was angry, but making sure Ethan is looking at me while I'm doing this, I placed my hand in Reyansh's, and we walked away.
"Where are we going?"
I asked as we went through a completely unknown corridor.
"We are going to meet Watson."
We went to the lawn and Reyansh whistled, keeping one finger inside his mouth and a Coco brown golden retriever ran towards us.
Yes people, that's Watson. And he's the most adorable dog I've ever met. He's very calm and amenable. Fit for royalty, if you ask me.
"I wish I could stay and brush his fur." I said ruffling Watson's fur, which was soft, smooth, and smelled like honey.
"You won't be able to do that."
"I don't think it'd be that hard."
"No, I meant, Ethan would be here soon."
I almost rolled my eyes to that.
"You sound too certain."
"I am. Ethan isn't someone to play around. If he's doing something, he's dead serious about it."
"Well, he never said anything to me."
"Are you sure about that? From where I'm watching, he has made it obvious enough for anyone to understand."
I didn't argue with him. I know he's right. I know Ethan genuinely cares for me and he has proved that on more than one occasion, and here I am. Acting like a kid, trying to hurt him just because he was doing his job. I'm such a bad person.
Then he came.
"I see you've met the celebrity already. Did he do something wrong?"
Ethan said walking towards us with a smile, which killed me further.
"Nah. He was good boy, weren't you buddy?"
Watson barked once and straightened his posture, as Reyansh turned to face Ethan.
"I'm sorry, but we should be going now."
Ethan said as he lend his hand out for me to hold. I quietly took his hand and continued looking downwards.
"It's fine. We'll catch up later. Thanks for the save earlier."
"Anytime."
We said our goodbyes and went outside.
Ethan had ordered his driver to leave as he'll be driving me home himself.
"Grace, should we stop by somewhere and grab some-"
"Can we go home Ethan? Please?"
Ethan must be a bit taken aback by this, but he nodded and started driving.
I didn't say anything the entire journey back home. I was fishing for words inside my head for a confession Ethan deserved. How to say, 'sorry I acted like a jerk, but that was because I was jealous and I love you' in a sincere way?
By the time we stopped in front of my house, my heart was hammering uncontrollably inside me. I wanted to say so many things but I couldn't say a word.
He got outside and opened the door for me. He lend me a hand as I got outside but didn't let go and started to speak.
"Grace, I'm so sorry to upset you. I should have known it was a bad idea. You said you weren't comfortable, but I forced you. Not only that but I left you to meet others. I promise I'd never do that again-"
My brain was a frozen dessert at that moment. I couldn't process anything. So I thought a little and concluded, that sometimes, actions are louder than words.
Ethan still held one hand of mine in his and rubbed his thumb at the back of it. He was looking at my hand as he spoke, and I used this to my advantage.
I put my free hand on his chest, tiptoed and delivered a soft kiss to his lips.
It took him few moments to process this, then he lift my hand that he had been holding and placed it on his shoulder and stroked my cheek, while his other hand wrapped around my waist in a smooth motion, as he kissed me back.
What I felt at that moment is undescribable. The kiss wasn't hungry or deep, it was tender and slow. It conveyed everything both of us failed to say.
Ethan ended the kiss and looked down at me with a strange sparkle in his eyes. The most satisfied, yet playful smile dance across his lips. We still didn't say anything and walked towards my house, hand in hand.
We've almost reached the door, when it opened to reveal mom and dad.
"Mom, your back!"
I said as I walked briskly towards her to give her a hug.
"And you look beautiful in that dress."
Mom said smoothening my dress in a flaunting manner.
After a long hug, I found dad and Ethan standing still, facing each other. Ethan appeared calm and collected, while Dad suddenly became very territorial and tried to oversize Ethan. I thought I'd have to meddle, but Ethan took the initiative.
"Ethan Reyes. I'm sorry if I kept your daughter away for too long sir."
"Steve Holland. And you certainly did keep my daughter away for too long."
The corner of Ethan's lips curved up as he answered.
"My apologies sir, but I assure you she was safe the entire time."
Mom realized that they'll be having a long conversation so she asked me to come inside. While we were going in, mom wispered to me,
"I like him."
"Me too."
I wispered back.
"I heard that."
Dad shouted from outside.
I turned to see a wide grin on Ethan's face as he and dad looked at me and Mom. Dad looked furious in a funny way.
I went to my room and changed. I was still smiling like crazy, remembering today's events. I automatically started thinking about tomorrow. I then realized whom I'll have to face the next day.
Jason.