Chapter 5
966 Words
In the New Moon City University Art Museum, a modern art exhibition exclusively sponsored by the Warren
Group was in full swing.
As a volunteer from the Art Department, I wore a uniform white shirt, weaving through the elegantly dressed
guests, carefully explaining the elusive concepts of art to them.
My nerves had been stretched tight all evening because deep down, I knew he would come.
Alexander Warren, as the most significant sponsor of tonight's exhibition, naturally became the center of everyone's attention.
Desperately, I tried to blend into the crowd, keeping my head down and focusing solely on the artwork before me.
However, that gaze, like a ghost that follows like a shadow, was as precise as a spotlight. No matter where I hid, it found me.
Finally, during a brief pause as I guided a group of guests to the next gallery, he blocked my path in the dimly lit corridor connecting the two galleries.
He emerged silently, like a phantom materializing from the shadows, standing directly in my way.
"Mr. Warren," I stopped, my heart pounding uncontrollably.
"In the restaurant that day," he began without preamble, his voice deep and steady but carrying an undeniable pressure, "why didn’t you come up and greet me when you saw me?"
My mind raced, scrambling for an excuse. "Perhaps I didn’t see clearly. I wasn’t sure it was you."
"Is that so?" He took a step closer, his shadow completely enveloping me.
I caught the familiar scent on him, a blend of sandalwood and intrigue.
"Do you see clearly now?"
I was forced to look up and meet his inscrutable eyes. In his pupils, I saw a tiny, panicked reflection of myself.
"That young man," he suddenly changed the subject, his eyes sharpening, "is he your boyfriend?"
"We’re just friends," the lie slipped out instinctively.
I didn’t know why I lied—perhaps it was an innate sense of self-preservation.
I didn’t want him to know how important Liam was to me because I had a hunch that he would destroy
anything I cared about.
Alexander stared at me silently, the faint smirk on his lips seemingly mocking my words as if to say he didn’t
believe me at all.
After that confrontation, a strong wave of rebellious emotions mixed with fear and anger surged in my heart.
Why should I fear him? Who I choose to be with is my own decision.
To prove this point—to him and to myself
I made a bold decision. I invited Liam to attend the annual grand fireworks show at Seaside Park that weekend.
Liam was as delighted as a child when he got my invitation. He had no idea how many complex and hidden motives lay behind my action.
On that Saturday night, I spent a long time carefully dressing up. I wore a light red maxi dress paired with a white tweed jacket. I curled my long hair and applied a delicate makeup look.
When I saw myself in the mirror, I saw an attractive, confident, and vibrant girl. This was the real me not the trembling shadow I became in front of Alexander.
Liam waited for me downstairs at my apartment. When he saw me, his eyes lit up instantly. "Elia," he genuinely praised, "you’re beautiful tonight."
"Because I’m meeting you," I said with a smile, for the first time taking his arm. "So I had to dress up nicely."
He laughed heartily and held my hand tightly. Together, we happily headed toward the Seaside Park for the fireworks show.
As night fell, the sea breeze carried a hint of chill, but the lively crowd and the forthcoming celebratory event
made everything warm and filled with anticipation.
We wove through the bustling crowd, bought two cotton candies, and, like any ordinary couple in love, shared
in each other’s sweetness.
Then, my smile froze.
Not far away in the crowd, I saw a familiar figure.
Alexander Warren stood there alongside a voluptuous woman I recognized as his second exwife. They seemed
to be waiting for the fireworks to start as well.
My heart sank heavily. Once again, it was this scenario. He, like a ghost that follows like a shadow, always
appeared during my happiest moments, reminding me that there was no escape.
"What’s wrong?" Liam noticed my distraction.
"Nothing," I quickly snapped out of it, forcing a smile. "Let’s go over there. The view is clearer."
Instinctively, I wanted to pull Liam away, but it was too late.
"Boom
—" The first firework suddenly exploded in the night sky, blooming into a giant golden dandelion. Cheers of delight erupted all around.
We were deeply mesmerized by the magnificent scene, temporarily forgetting everything else.
Liam turned to me, and in the flickering light of the fireworks, his eyes were particularly gentle and affectionate.
He looked at me and softly said, "Elia, I…"
He didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he leaned down and kissed me tenderly on the lips.
It was our first kiss.
His lips were soft and warm, carrying the sweetness of cotton candy.
The kiss was innocent, pure, and full of hope.
I closed my eyes, almost losing myself in the beauty of the moment.
But in the very next second, a strong force suddenly pushed Liam away from me.
Stunned, I opened my eyes.
Alexander Warren was standing before us, though I had no idea when he had appeared.
His handsome face, under the dazzling fireworks, was chillingly frosted.
He didn’t even spare a glance at Liam, who staggered backward. His fiery eyes were locked onto me as
though he intended to devour me.
The surrounding noise and the dazzling fireworks faded into a silent, icy backdrop.
The world was reduced to nothing but his eyes, filled with an insane possessiveness.
- Writer
