Ethan had felt someone's gaze on him for a long time, but decided to ignore it, as this wasn't the first time people – both men and women, would stare at him. He was used to the weight of people's gaze upon him. But this particular person scrutiny unsettled him– a woman. Which felt really weird, as he's usually the one to make people uncomfortable in his gaze, but strangely enough, he felt uncomfortable with the way she was looking at him. But still, he chose to ignore her.
However, he felt it again–her gaze. He just couldn't ignore it anymore, he turned towards her direction and gave her a cold, piercing stare. He swept his eyes over her, his gaze lingering for few seconds, scrutinizing her, searching for familiarity. Since her face didn't ring a bell, he thought she wasn't anyone significant.
He moved on, as if dismissing her presence and then decided to change his destination. Initially, he planned on going to his grandmother's study – a sanctuary from the ballroom's chaos, which was on the same floor as the ballroom. As he was certain that's the only room no one could enter and he could finally be away from these people and this celebration in which he still hasn't found it's significance. He would have gone to his own study, but his study was upstairs, on the same floor as his bedroom–the second floor.
It's either he uses the stairs or the elevator to reach his study. But either way, he'd be seen by others, so he chose his grandmother's study instead. However, after his brief look at that woman, he changed his destination and decided to go to the balcony instead for a smoke.
******
Ava, who was still following him, not wanting to back out, saw him heading towards a french door or something. She had no idea about what was behind the closed door, but decided to continue following him anyways.
He pushed open the french doors, stepping into the tranquil night air. She went inside few seconds after him and was really mesmerized by the scene before her.
The balcony, accessible through French doors, overlooks a lush garden, offering serene views and tranquil ambiance. Its honey-hued stone railing features intricate floral carvings, complemented by delicate ironwork vines. Polished limestone flooring and plush seating areas invite relaxation. Above, a wisteria-adorned pergola provides shade, while crystal lanterns cast a warm glow at dusk, with blooming flowers unfolding below, overlooking a tapestry of vibrant gardens.
Ava was busy with admiring the balcony that she didn't realize that her target was nowhere to be found. Just as she entered into the balcony completely, she felt a tight grip on her left wrist. Then the next thing she knew, her back was pressed against her attacker's front body, with his other hand covering her mouth.
Ethan closed the door with his right leg. Then he whispered in a low, husky voice, "Who are you?"
Jeez. What Ava felt couldn't be described in words. But one thing is certain, his voice sent shivers down her spine. The second time this is happening since she arrived at the ball. How on earth was this man able to make her to feel the same thing with everything he does?
She was lost, so lost in her thought, that Ethan almost believed that she was mute. No one had the right to keep him waiting for so long. And no one in their right sense would even think of doing that. But lucky her, she's a woman. He certainly can't hurt her, if it was a man, then he could punish him in his style.
Since he couldn't hurt her, he had to do something in order for her to speak. He then tightened his grip on her wrist which broke the reverie of the daydreamer-Ava, who was so lost in her dream.
Ava winced in pain and then tried to say something, but it came out muffled because of his hand which was still covering her mouth. He removed his hands from both her hand and her mouth, and did something in which he equally hates with being kept waiting – repeating himself.
"Who are you?" He asked again, in the same tone as he did earlier, as he took few steps back, rested on the railings, and brought out his cigarette and a lighter, but he didn't lit the cigarette yet. Ava, knowing not to annoy or anger this man, who looked like he'd erupt anytime soon, decided to reply him this time. But she just couldn't take her eyes away from the cigarette. She had no idea he was a smoker. She opened her mouth to introduce herself, but instead;
"Smoking is bad for your lungs"
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Have a nice day dear readers
.....Purplenim......