Chapter 4

1561 Words
(The charity Event) (Ava's Pov) Stepping into the hall, I couldn't help but take in the Deco and structures. It was like walking into paradise itself. All eyes turn to Vance and me, feeling nervous, I squeeze his hand tightly. "Relaxed," he said, now turning to face me. This was too much, I was never used to being popular or being stared especially by judging eyes and strangers "Ava, look at me" Vance whispered, his hand guiding my chin to stare at him. "Think of them as customers in your shop to buy cake or bread" I stared at him now, my anxiety a little bit calm "Customers?" I whispered "Yes, Customers who can't resist your cake 'cause it tastes so damn good" he added, whatever he was trying to do to calm me down was working. "They are nothing but mere customers buying bread" I murmured as Vance guided me inside. Vance grabbed two glasses of champagne from a waiter and handed one to them. His eyes scanned the room as every eye who walked past greeted him with a smile and nodded, especially the ladies who were shamefully flirty with their eyes. I rolled my eyes, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, Vance stood up, "if you don't mind excuse me for a minute" he said, walking away, heading toward a crowd of ladies. "Is he for real?" I said to myself. I observed as Vance effortlessly charmed the group of ladies, his smile shining brightly and his words flowing. It was as if he had been born for this kind of attention. The ladies giggled and batted their eyelashes, clearly smitten by his charm. A pang of jealousy gnawed at my gut. I knew Vance was an attractive man, but seeing him so comfortable in this environment made me question my worth. Suddenly, I felt like an outsider, the one who didn't belong. As I sipped my champagne, I attempted to blend into the background, avoiding eye contact with anyone. I watched as Vance conversed with the elegant and sophisticated crowd, his gestures and expressions captivating his audience. It was clear he was in his element. Feeling a mix of insecurity and frustration, I took a deep breath and reminded myself of Vance's words. They were just customers, people passing through my life momentarily. I had no reason to feel inferior or judged by these strangers. "Aren't you lonely" A voice whispered behind me Turning to stare at him, I couldn't help but appreciate how handsome he was. "Ehm hello" I responded, but he just smiled, do I look funny or did I say something funny? "What's Funny," I asked "Nothing, the expression on your face made me laugh" he chipped in, laughing, I smiled back. "Am Ethan by the way" he said, stretching his hand for a shake. At first, I was reluctant, should I shake his hand or avoid him, he wasn't Vance's friend or family so that wouldn't be an issue. "Are you okay" he questioned concern evident in his face. "Yes, just contemplating if I should shake you or not," I told him, his eyes were filled with confusion as he stared at me. "Okay" He slowly said I stared at him, I probably looked weird, and without thinking I grabbed his hand for a shake. Smiling. He smiled back, handing me another glass of Champagne. "Thank you," I said "Are you alone or your date is around the corner?" he asked curiously I glanced at where Vance stood, smiling and chatting away. "Around the corner" I turn to face Ethan. "What brings you to Kelvin Wells's charity event" he questioned. "Sorry, who?" I tried to make out the name, now realizing how stupid and embarrassing I looked, I said nothing gulping my champagne. "Am just a plus one, I don't know much about charity Events and Kelvin Wells, whosoever he is" I answered He smiled, Impressed by my answer. "Honesty must have been your policy" he teased "Why say that" I questioned "You have been oddly Truthful to me since I approached you, it is not common, especially for ladies who attend this ball all pretending to be interested but came here for the men and to be noticed" he informed me. I don't know if I should be grateful, I have been lying since I arrived trying to conceal the truth and belong all for that crazy jerk. I smiled, "why are you here at the charity event, do you know the host" I asked trying to change the topic "A friend forced me, Apparently I had to do it or go on a date with his cousin," he said "So you rather be here" I stared at him confused. Ethan leaned closer. "She's not a beauty like you," he said. I chuckled, isn't he the romantic type, how long has it been since a guy said something sweet about me? "Stop teasing, please" I turned to hide my face cause it was all red from blushing too much. "But it's the truth, you have such stunning eyes, it very alluring" He added I stared at him dumbfounded, my heart beating so fast in my chest. "How many ladies have you said that to tonight" I questioned, trying not to fall for his tricky word. I was too vulnerable at this moment. "Excuse me" "Yes how many ladies have you told these exact words to, I guess I must have looked easy for you, let's try the Lonely Girl" My voice laced with annoyance. "Come on, Are you for real, I was telling the truth, you do have stunning eyes and look pretty too" He kept saying I rolled my eyes and took a step back, feeling defensive. "Sorry, but I've had my fair share of smooth talkers. I'm not interested in being another conquest for you." Ethan looked genuinely taken aback. "Woah, hold on. I'm not trying to be a smooth talker or play games with you. I simply thought you looked beautiful and wanted to pay you a compliment." He paused, searching my eyes for sincerity. "But if it's uncomfortable for you, I apologize." I sighed, biting my lower lips suddenly feeling a pang of guilt for assuming the worst in him. "I'm sorry too. I just... I've had some bad experiences and it's made me skeptical. It's not fair for me to jump to conclusions like that." Ethan nodded understandingly. "I get it. We all have baggage. But not everyone is the same, you know? Sometimes it's worth giving someone a chance." I contemplated his words, realizing that I had been quick to judge him solely because of my insecurities. "You're right. I shouldn't let my past experiences taint my view of everyone. Thank you, Ethan, for reminding me of that." He smiled warmly. "You're welcome. And thank you for giving me a second chance. So, do you maybe want to go somewhere a bit quieter, away from the crowd?" I hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I'd like that. Let's go." As we walked away from the glamour and noise of the event, I couldn't help but notice Vance's gaze fixated on me. Brushing it off, I walk away. Ethan was funnier than I expected, sitting outside the garden was far better than trying to belong, with Vance acting like I didn't exist. "Your boyfriend won't be pissed if he can't find you inside," Ethan asked, worried If he only searched at first, Vance was probably busy, making some ladies giggle like fools in there, he would barely notice am gone. "He seems occupied" I chipped in He stared at me for a while before speaking. "Trouble in paradise or what" My gaze shifted from my feet to his face, "why say that, does it look so" I inquired. "No, you seem more relaxed, that's what most people in a relationship do whenever it's Rocky," he said I laugh, "Is that coming from your instinct or a relationship expert" I questioned, before he could answer my phone chimed. I stared at the message, it was Vance, and judging by the text he sent he seemed pissed. I stood up. "Wait, you are leaving so soon" "I have to go, I had a nice time chatting with you but am needed" I simply told him, turning my back to walk away. "You don't have to force yourself to be in a relationship that is not beneficial to you." He added before I could walk away A small smile formed at the corner of my lips, whoever said it wasn't beneficial, It was 5 million dollars beneficial to Me. "That's for me to decide" I turn to tell him walking away. Stepping into the hallway of the event, a hand pulled me into the storeroom. Now staring at the figure I called out his name. "Vance" Vance caged me between his grips, covering my mouth to avoid more sound. Standing there, gazing into his eyes felt eternal, my heart beat racing faster than I could imagine I suddenly placed my hand on his chest areas. Feeling the heartbeat, he shrugged but remained still. "It Beating faster" I whispered as he let go of his hand from my mouth, His face a few inches from mine, gazing at his lips, I leaned closer, closing the space between us. I kissed him…
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