Alpha's Regret; Chasing Back Eleanor

Chapter 7

Eleanor's Point Of View~

Cheers erupted from the audience with loud screams and clapping, but it wasn't enough to grab my attention. My body froze in position, unable to move, react or even escape eye contact. My hands shook badly as anxiety creeped through my veins and my mind felt like it was stricken. Even on the stage, I couldn't take my eyes off Killian for a second. It's like he's consumed every corner in my mind. I couldn't avoid replaying our past encounters and the unresolved tension that clung between us. My heart became heavy with a mix of emotions.

I feel utterly restless at the moment, my heart beats out of my ribcage and my lungs feel suffocated by the scent of him. This close, it was this close that it filled up my nostrils. Despite my efforts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of panic and rage creeping in.

Taking a moment to collect myself, I tried to calm my racing thoughts as I took deep breaths wanting to compose myself but I couldn't.

Is Killian really the one sitting in front of me?

His eyes lingered on mine, hovering over my features like it was in search of answers to whatever question he had in his mind. Perhaps, he could recognize me as well. Perhaps he could tell that I was Eleanor, can he?

Gazing up at the audience, I forced a smile on my face but then, I felt the urge to leave the stage at once. Seeing Killian at this time had just given me mixed feelings and a rollercoaster of emotions.

The hall suddenly felt suffocating and I yearned for a breath of air. With a decision made, I shifted my face into that of a perfect happy model and turned around on my high heels before making my way backstage.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but sense Killian's gaze following me, a mix of curiosity and intrigue filling inside me.

“Ma'am. You are back already?” Rosa, my manager asked after trotting into the room, her eyes wide as she stared at me with a quizzical expression on her face.

A gasp escaped my lips and my eyes sprang wide like saucers as her question sank in.

Shit! I didn't realize I was supposed to give a speech after walking down the runway.

Ken's presence sure caused a lot of mess.

I couldn't even think straight for a second.

“Urm.. I..” Those stutters rolled off my mouth and I ended up biting my lips since I was short of words. Not a single reasonable explanation came to my head. I was too dazed and troubled to even speak properly. Itching my head, I stared down at my two beautiful stilettos, wishing Killian's sudden appearance was nothing but a dream.

Rosa locked eyes with me, she noticed my gaze and followed it, her expression filled with curiosity. She seemed to be trying to piece together the situation.

Sighing, she walked up to me and held my shoulders, “You remembered this speech was supposed to be made because it's very important. I can't believe you forgot so easily and left the stage. I tried calling you but you didn't hear me.”

Rosa said and paused. Darting her eyes around, she returned them back to me and said, “This is unlike you. You still rehearsed on the speech to deliver recently and it's so surprising that you left the hall like that.. Did you really forget or were you bothered about something?”

Her multiple questions hit me like rocks.

I flicked my eyes open as if her question struck a nerve but I just couldn't bring myself to give her any response. She was right anyways. This was unlike me. It's my first time leaving the stage in that manner.

I always leave after giving a short speech. And today, a special event took place today where highly renowned personnels and foreign agents showed up but then, I foolishly left the hall without giving any speech and it's all thanks to Killian.

I've been looking forward to this event and I still can't believe that this happened.

“Tell me, Miss Raquel, do you need a break? You look like you're worried. Is there something that is troubling you at the moment?” Rosa inquired as she closed the distance between us, her face imprinted with concern.

I let out a deep sigh, the weight of the situation heavy on my shoulders, before finally responding, “I didn't mean to leave the stage in that manner. I felt a little nauseous and I had this splitting throbbing headache. I just couldn't get myself.”

I lied, placing my palm on my forehead and I hoped my vague response would satisfy her curiosity.

Her quizzical expression shifted to that of concern, giving me a slight sense of relief.

Sighing, I took a look at myself in the mirror and all I could see were Killian's emerald eyes in my mind. His entire face flashed across my mind, staring at me with such intensity that made my skin crawl. Even though it was just an illusion, it still gave me those jitters as it appeared like it was real.

Like he was truly here.

His scent lingered in the air, reminding me of his presence.

Swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat, I rubbed my clammy hands, trying hard to control those racing thoughts and anxieties with a phony smile on my face.

“I'm so sorry you had that headache at such an important moment. I guess you need some rest. I want to inform you of Mr Walton and Jay Brookes intentions to see you after the event. They're huge fans of your designs and have come all the way from London to witness this event. You can't avoid seeing them, Miss Raquel,”

Rosa revealed and I managed to nod. Since I failed to give a speech back there, I have to do all I can to see those who had come a long distance just to see me.

“How are you feeling now? Are you feeling any better?” She asked, concerned.

Nodding, I replied, “Just a little..”

“ I advise you to take some painkillers for the headache, it's probably nothing serious right?”

“Yes. Thanks,” I mumbled before digging my fingers into my hair, letting out slow steady breaths.

“I'll be leaving now since I have to discuss a few things with someone very important. I'll be showing up later to check on you, okay?” She said and I nodded as I kept those smiles on my face from faltering.

“Good. Please, take a little rest and use some painkillers. When your presence is needed out there, I'll definitely come to inform you, okay?”

She said lastly before storming out of the room on her heels.

I headed to the restroom to get myself the peace and quiet I yearned from all the pooling thoughts and swans in my head. Reaching the tap, I turned it on and washed my face, trying hard to pull myself together.

“You can do this, Raquel. I believe you can. Just ignore his presence. Act like you've never seen him anywhere.” I muttered to myself as I kept my gaze at my reflection in the mirror. All I saw were damped hair which stuck to my face, dried make-up and a wet face. Grabbing my handkerchief, I dabbed at my face, trying hard to shove every thought about Killian off my mind.

Memories of everything that happened the last few years flooded across my mind, stirring up those rage I had longed buried. Various grenades went off in my head, my blood boiling and my hands balling into fists.

Everyone has moved on but I will definitely seek my revenge against Killian for all he did to me.

Stepping out of the restroom, I headed to the lower floors, wanting to get some fresh air before heading back to the hall.

My gaze flew around the multiple faces outside and just then, my heart throbbed when I sighted Killian once again.

This time, he wasn't staring at me but he was having a conversation with a man around his age.

He nodded frequently as he listened to the man's words, a smile gracing his features. His mop of dirty brown hair fell over his brooding. Deep Emerald eyes that could bore holes into my body. His sharp muscles were strapped in his sophisticated suit which made him appear smart and dashing. Those thick eyebrows hung above his head, and his jaw had embraced scanty beards.

Before I could turn to leave, his eyes met mine, holding me in their grasp.

It was at that moment, my heart and my peaceful state crashed into a bazillion pieces.