The Faded Rose

Chapter 4

"What's wrong?" Nicholas questioned dropping his hands from my waist. 

"Nothing" I shrugged, missing the warmth that his arms brought. I was not keen on telling him about why I had this reaction to my father as that would raise a lot of questions that I was not willing to divulge in.

"Let's go," I said throwing a subtle glance at my father's back. He looked at me sensing that there was more to my reaction than I was letting on however without voicing his doubts, he wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me closer to his body giving me the comfort that I needed.

We walked inside the ballroom. There were about two hundred guests under the glittering centrepiece of a magnificent chandelier. The ballroom was exquisite in its decoration with a lovely patio to complement the luxirious experience. 

Nicholas grabbed attention as soon as we set foot in the ballroom. Men wanting to associate themselves with him while women eyeing him for his good looks and money. 

A smartly dressed man in his early 50s approached us. "Hello son," he said patting Nicholas' back. 

"Hello Seb! How are you doing? Where is Addy?" Nicholas greeted him with a small smile on his face. His smile was bewitching. I don't remember seeing him smile in the short while that I have known him. A permanent frown always seemed to be plastered on his face. 

"Addy is near the patio talking to one of her business associates."

Sensing my stare, Nicholas turned towards me. "This is Mr Sebastian Smith, the owner of Smith & Co." My eyes widened. Smith & Co. was the largest fashion house having branches everywhere in the world. Even celebrities had to book an appointment with Addelaide, the famous fashion designer of Smith & Co, months ahead. 

"Addy would be Addelaide, the famous fashion designer?" I asked eagerly. She was my idol. She started off with nothing, building everything from scratch to get where she is now. 

Mr Smith looked at me. "Who is this young lady?"

I stretched out my hands towards Mr Smith. "I am Hayley Preston. It's a pleasure meeting you Mr Smith."

Shaking my hands, "Call me Sebastian and yes Addy is Addelaide, she is my wife." He replied answering my question. It was not shocking since Addelaide maintained a very private life and nothing about her family was there in the public domain.

"You are a true beauty," Sebastian complimented me.

"Thank you," I blushed.

"Dear.. Ohh Hey Nicholas'" Addelaide engulfed Nicholas into a motherly hug.

"Who would this young lady be?" Addelaide asked. 

Before either of us could reply, "She is Nicholas' date," Sebastian winked at us.

"That's wonderful," she exclaimed clearly excited. "You have to bring her home for dinner."

"I will." Nicholas promised looking at me with some emotions swirling in his grey eyes. I looked at him stunned. I was under the presumption that this was a one time thing however I didn't contradict him not wanting a squabble with him.  

I was still staring at Nicholas trying to understand what was going on inside his head. He is aloof, detached and always has a blank look on his face, his eyes betraying no emotions. I knew that it hadn't been a long since I had known him, hell I didn't know anything about him. However I feel butterflies when I am next to him, I feel a sense of belongingness by his side. I hadn't felt this in a long time. 

"Hayley?" Sebastian called.

"Huh?" Lost in my thoughts I didn't hear anything that Sebastian said. Catching me staring at Nicholas, Sebastian gave me a knowing look. My cheeks turned red and I looked down embarassed.

"Hold on to her tight Nicholas. She is a true gem," Sebastian stated with a serious look on his face.

Someone called out his name, saying their goodbyes, they took their leave and walked away. 

"Why don't you go mix with the other ladies, I have to talk to a few people. I will come find you in 15-20 minutes." Nicholas said looking at me. 

"Okay, I will be there by the buffet counter checking the eating arrangements. I want to check if everything is running smoothly." Nicholas nodded and walked towards the bar where a few men were standing probably discussing business. 

"Hello dear daughter," An icy voice called out. I recognised that voice immediately.

I turned around facing the man that I was hoping not to run into. 

"Hello father," I replied. My shoulders tensed, my eyes darting around the room hoping no one watched our exchange. 

"I have to go check the catering so please excuse me," I asserted, wanting to get away from him. 

"Avoiding me, are you? You seem to be doing quite well for yourself," He said pointing at the dishes on the buffet counter.

"No thanks to you." My eyes blazed with anger. His words bringing back the memories that I didn't want to think about. I turned around and walked away. A small tear drop trickled down my cheek, I quickly wiped it away. My father always seems to get to me. I trudged towards the restroom which I found empty. I looked at myself in the mirror. My mascara had smudged a little at the corner of my eyes. I quickly fixed my makeup and left. 

The restroom was located a little further away from where The Gala was held. I tried to find my way back when a man in a suit collided with me. He wrapped his hands around my waist. 

"Where are you going beautiful? Let's have some fun." I could smell alcohol on him. He was drunk. I tried to push him away. Realising what I was trying to do, he tightened his grip around me. He pushed me against the wall trailing his lips down my neck.

"Please don't.. Let me go." I struggled against him."HELP! HELP!" I screamed from the top of my lungs. "SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!" I screamed as I continued to struggle against him.

"Quit fighting me or this will become painful for you," He growled in my ears. He kissed me hard. I bit his lips drawing blood. He cried out in pain. Caught off guard, his grip around me loosened. I pushed him away and started running. He caught up with me, he pushed me down and climbed on top of me.

"Please don't.. Please let me go," I cried, tears running down my face. 

Suddenly, I felt his weight lifted. Someone had pulled him off me. I saw the person who saved me repeatedly punching him through my blurred vision. 

It was Nicholas.

****

If you enjoyed the chapter and want to see more then please Vote. Let me know what you think of this chapter.

SGnGigi