UNVEILING SHADOWS

Chapter 3

This felt like a dream. If you told me one month back, scrape that, one week back that I'd be right in front of Blackheads company, I would smirk and walk past you. Not without letting you know how ridiculous you sound. I looked at my dress, once again. Charlotte had forced me to wear something more decent – a blue flay gown that could pass as formal and casual. I took a deep breath, paying less attention to my trembling hands. I hated that I felt this way.

I held my head high and took some steps forward, coming face to face with the transparent skyscraper. I could see my reflection on the wall, and I silently blessed God about that. My hair was secured into a sleek and neat ponytail that cascaded down my back. I had applied just coloured lip gloss as well as some foundation. I wasn't a full fan of make-up, so I had it pretty basic. I paid more attention to my eyes. Those balls were absolutely beautiful. Most times, I got what I wanted with them.

Damn! I looked and felt so beautiful for the first time in a long time. That calmed my nerves a bit and I walked in through the revolving door, gliding through its rotating compartments with "fake confidence." Yes, I called it fake because while my body language said otherwise, I literally wished for the floor to open up and swallow me.

I didn't deserve to be in this kind of environment. There was something scary about the luxury; the sophistication. Something I couldn't place my hands on. I tried as much as possible to avoid looking up but since I couldn't resist, I acted like I was dramatically searching for someone. Whoosh! The towering ceilings and complex chandeliers seemed to be throwing me a welcome. This place was just fuckin beautiful. The floors were polished in expensive marble and it made my heart sink to my stomach even more.

I wasn't meeting just anyone. This was Ethan. Ethan Johnsons!! Oh my God. Why on earth did I decide to go on with this idea? It seemed so easy at first, but the thought of meeting Ethan made me sick. How was I even going to face him again? Wasn't I shameless? I laughed at this thought. Not me sounding like I had always acknowledged that word "shame". I got confused because of the endless and similar corridors, so I asked a lady for directions to Ethan's office.

She did direct me but not without that stare. Lol. I could decode those kinds of stares, anywhere, anytime. I probably didn't dress like "the standard". When I got to his office, his receptionist welcomed me with a warm smile. It made me feel at ease once again. I had to sit for a while because she apparently had to inform him about my presence. Well, I just wanted to get this done and get out.

I didn't even realize that I tapped my heels on the floor repeatedly. I jerked into consciousness when the receptionist beckoned me to go into his office. I thanked her, made for the door, and walked into the "house" they called an office. This office was so big, like I wondered what he needed such space for. The walls caught my attention. They were adorned with tasteful artworks and quotes that were brutally realistic in my opinion. Two stuck to my brain pretty fast:

"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something sometime in your life."

Another one read: "Classy is when you have a lot to say but choose to remain silent in front of fools."

To be pretty honest, I enjoyed the quotes. I believed in punching life hard in the face and getting things done. Deep down, I knew I was a born survivor. Yes! I felt more confident. I could imagine it rising like a dough.

"Miss. Prisca," Ethan called.

I cleared my throat, as I stared back right into his eyes. He was good looking. Most stinking rich guys were, anyways. I had a thing for hair, so it wasn't a surprise how my eyes lingered a bit on his, even when I didn't want to. His hair was perfect; a captivating crown of brown curls. And there was something so interesting about his complexion. Caramel skinned. My eyes traveled down his face. Gosh. How did he move around with such beauty? I inwardly slapped myself.

"Good morning." I greeted and regretted saying that immediately. I'd have said something more confident. Lol. Now wasn't the time for regrets.

"Good morning Prisca. You can sit please. I'll go straight to the point. We both don't have time to waste."

His voice was rich and it complemented the aura he had created without saying much at the start. I knew he would be a little rude, and I was ready to return his energy.

"You are right. We both don't have time to waste." I replied, hating that I had to look at his eyes to show my confidence.

He smirked. That made my heart skip a beat. Was I being awkward?

"I'm not…" Ethan paused at the sudden sound of a rushing tap and I followed his eyes. There was a door just by his left. That was definitely his restroom or probably a bedroom? I couldn't tell. Someone was definitely in there. Even if it was none of my business, I was really curious to know who it was. Perhaps a girl? Did he have a girlfriend?

He cleared his throat, making me stare back at his eyes. This was so uncomfortable. I looked down and up again.

"I'm not the father of your baby, if you're indeed pregnant like you said. You're delusional to think you can wake up one day and impose a random child on not just anyone, but Ethan Johnson. Your guts. They are… impressive."

Whatever confidence I had gathered before now, crumbled in seconds. I laughed out faintly.

"Why…how do you think so? We could…"

"There's no point lying, Miss. Prisca. You don't seem to know the consequences this could leave you with." Whatever plan he had, it was working pretty well because my hands, which were on the table, trembled visibly. He looked at them for a second, causing me to retract as though I'd been burnt. Then he smiled.

"Well, it's valid. You should be scared."

I dropped my shoulders in defeat. I wanted to stand up and shout, lie, do something to save my face, but I was too lazy, more like drained, to muster up such strength.

"You're right. The child isn't yours. I guess I have nothing else to do here again." I said as I stood up abruptly. I could already imagine telling Charlotte how the plan didn't work.

"You are here for the money. Aren't you?"

Ethan said as he effortlessly leaned back in his sleek black swiveling chair. He was definitely enjoying the show.