Author's Note:

Hello guys, and here is my next chapter as I promised. And again, the warning stands as the last chapter so I guess you can excuse the typos(for now) but I appreciate any criticism or any kind of advice. It helps me get better. ️

The next update will be on:

"|Thursday|"

That's it, I hope you are enjoying the story so far😉

Enjoy!

Chapter 7

"Mike Ollistair! It is such an honour! You look do dashing tonight!" The reporter gawked as she presented herself in front of him. Mike gave his most brilliant smile and winked.

"Why thank you. You look stunning in that dress too." She blushed te shade of her gown. Then the other reporters started making their way to the Vice President who was responsible for the grand party.

"Mr. Kabra! I can't believe I am meeting you in person!" Another reporter exclaimed.

"And also the fact that you organized such a grand party. Can I ask what you are wearing today? And oh, where is your top―"

"IAN!" His voice thundered and all the reporters turned their heads to meet a smirking Ian. He walked with such confidence and authority, every woman sighed.

"Mr. Ian Kabra, what is it that you are wearing today? It's such a great honour to meet you! I can't believe it!" She was squealing and so were other female reporters.

"Thank you, I don't think I would be so without the help of my many friends here." It was a shocking change to listen to the now humble Ian.

Vikram had given a signal to his son that the camera failed to catch, with Ian giving the faintest of nods.

He excused himself and followed the eccentric man and stopped near the excluded corner of the grand ball room, standing against the large glass windows as calmly as he looked although he felt far from it.

"How are you?" The mask of the proud man fell and concern filled his face. Ian flashed a weak smile.

It was useless, his father would know, his lies were penetrable by him, Natalie and her. But he couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Why did you send Dan to me?" Ian asked.

"You would think," he said with a chuckle, "but in fact, he came to me on his own accord. Now, he didn't tell me the reason why he had to speak with you, but I can guess…unless of course, you would rather just tell me instead."

"There's nothing to say."

Vikram nodded. "Of course there isn't."

Bristling with irritation, Ian folded his arms across his chest and said, "What do you want me to do, sir?"

"Ian, don't you see it by now? It's not what I want you to do. It's about what you want to do." He stared out across the floor and smiled gently. "The last time we talked you seemed much more adamant, but now, I can't help but notice you look somewhat weary. Are you regretting the choices you have made?"

The zing of guilt pulsed through his body. Like the many nights before, her hurt expression flashed in his mind. Feeling his heart wrench, Ian turned around and looked out at the cool night sky to avoid his father's gaze. He shouldn't feel regret. He shouldn't feel guilty, but it was all he could think about.

The minute Daniel had walked out that day, Ian finally understood the consequences of his actions. He was so focused on releasing his frustration and torment that he failed to see what it was doing to her. Ian had thought he lost the capability to care about how she would feel, but that was so far from the truth. From the beginning, he chose to ignore the war within himself every time he lashed out at her. He chose to ignore the dull pain in his heart whenever he saw her flinch. He chose to ignore the desire to brush away her fallen tears because she deserved his cruelty…didn't she?

She never once looked back when she left. She never provided any explanation as to why she had lied to him. She never consoled him at the time when he needed her most. So why? Why did he care? Why did he give a damn about how she felt? Why did he think about her all night and day? Why did he lose sleep, wondering if he had done wrong? Why did he reminisce about their past? Why did he still lo—?

He clenched his teeth together. No, not this—not now.

"Ian," the Vice president began in a soft murmur, "tonight is supposed to be a celebration and I don't want to leave you in a darker mood than you already are. But let me just say one thing before I go." He turned to him with a kind expression. "Instead of thinking about how you should feel, focus on how you do feel and let those feelings guide you. They'll lead the way." Then with one tiny smile of reassurance, Vice President Vikram left his student to his now even more troubled thoughts.

Sighing at his retreating back, Ian leaned back against the pane and closed his eyes. He didn't think it was possible to be any more confused than he already was, but alas here he stood with more questions than answers. But just when he thought he was finally going to get some peace from this exhausting predicament, a familiar voice suddenly said, "He's right, you know."

Ian frowned, squeezing his eyes tighter. "Eavesdropping is not a favorable quality, Natalie."

She simply shrugged and replied, "I overheard. I wasn't purposefully trying to hear." She held out a drink and stood beside her brother in the elegant white gown the hugged her curves. "Although, he does have a point."

Ian opened his eyes and accepted the beverage, eyes locked on the bubbling champagne. "A point I can't follow, Natalie," he said in a low voice.

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm not too sure what I'm feeling right now."

Natalie stared out at the people on the floor with a thoughtful look, providing no more words.

Ian brought the glass to his lips and swallowed as a comfortable silence settled between the two of them. It was hard trying not to rationalize how he felt. He didn't want to risk letting his feelings take the forefront because he was unsure of what they would push him to do. Stability and composure were the two standards he stood by and they always called for strict thinking and planning before any actions could be taken. His heart, on the other hand, was not as predictable.

But his father's words must have somehow resonated with the young detective because an odd sense of serenity suddenly washed over him, numbing his mind from the usual dark and plaguing thoughts. In that one moment, Ian just felt the world around him, as if his desperate search for a solution was put on pause. It was a peace he failed to achieve and one he wasn't willing to forgo just yet.

And it was with this peace that Ian was able to watch her enter the room without trying to suppress the warm beating of his heart. The colors in the background slowly melted together until only she stood clear. In a dress of blue silk, she made her way through the crowd with a small smile at the corner of her lips. His eyes were riveted to the gentle sway of her body as the gown rippled around her like cool water. The dress did not cling to her body, but flowed over her skin in a sweet caress. Her hair was elegantly held up in a loose bun with flame tendrils curling around her face so that all spectators could see the brightness of her eyes.n

Ian could feel the gravitating pull she had on him. His feet were already itching to close the distance between them. He couldn't help but stare at her, as if willing her to look at him. Fate must have heard his silent plea because she raised her head and locked eyes with his own. Feeling his heart thud to a halt, Ian could do nothing as he watched her smile fade to be replaced by an expression he didn't quite understand.

But what was more baffling was her refusal to look away. He had expected her to ignore him, maybe even glare at him. Yet instead, she picked up her feet and slowly made her way towards him, eyes glowing with determination.

Natalie stiffened. This couldn't be good. As much as she wanted the two to talk it out, a place full of witnesses was the last thing they needed. But surprisingly enough, Ian seemed to be expectant. He actually straightened up, as if welcoming her approach.

But just as she was just a few feet away, Julie appeared from out of nowhere and grabbed her hand. Amy turned to her in surprise. She bowed low in greeting, asking an unheard question that had Julie smiling. She responded with a quick answer and then suddenly nodded her head at the entrance. Amy bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes furrowed in thought, but Julie didn't give her much time to decide before she managed to pull her in the opposite direction and away from a highly suspicious Ian.

xxx

Trailingafter her, Amy said nothing as Julie led her down the empty hall. Their heels thumped against the thick rug in rhythm like a drum beat that pounded in her chest. Somewhat uneasy, she asked in a quiet voice, "Miss Jukie, is something wrong?"

She turned around and flashed her teeth. "Nothing! Everything's fine. I know it's a little weird to ask you to come with me, but girlfriends accompany each other to the restroom right?"

"Well yes," Amy agreed. "But you look a little nervous."

Julie approached the door at the end of the corridor and held it open. Amy silently walked through and felt her jaw drop to the floor. She couldn't decide if this was a bathroom or spa. It was so spacious! A golden tub in one corner, a glass shower in the other, a door that led to a personal sauna, and two ceramic sinks made up the best bathroom that she had ever seen.

Placing her clutch onto the sparkling counter in front of the vanity mirror, Julie rummaged through her purse and took out a lipstick. She looked into the mirror and smiled at Amy. "That gown looks really pretty on you."

"Thank you, Miss Julie. As is yours. That's a lovely shawl you're wearing."

She touched the purple fabric around her neck and laughed. "It was a gift actually. I didn't think it would go with my dress, but I haven't worn it in a while so I thought it was well worth the risk."

"It's pretty," Amy commented as she stood beside her.

"You're really sweet. No wonder Ian is so fond of you."

Blinking in surprise at the change in topic, Amy looked down at her hands and said nothing.

"Amy, there's no need to deny it. I mean, anyone with eyes can see the connection between you two. You should be proud of it. Not many people can boast about having such a close relationship with someone as difficult as Ian. And here you are, a woman who clearly has a past with him. You must go way back."

"Is there something you would like to know, Miss Julie?"

"I'm sorry?"

"There's a reason why you called me in here. Instead of prolonging the awkwardness of this conversation, why don't you make this easier for the both of us and just ask whatever it is you need to ask?"

Julie stared into her hard eyes through the mirror. Slowly, she put the lipstick down onto the counter and turned to face her, murmuring, "You like to jump the gun, don't you?"

"I like to get to the point."

"Very well," she replied with as she leaned back onto her hands. "Then let me ask: How do you feel about Ian?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because I need to know exactly what I'm up against to prevent anything from ruining what Ian and I have."

"Am I such a threat?"

Julie bristled at the sound of her calm voice. It irritated her like no other, but forcing her mouth to move, she said, "No, more like a nuisance."

"Then you shouldn't have to worry about me, Miss Julie. If what you both share is so grand, then I shouldn't have so much of an effect, should I?"

She let out a soft laugh and turned back to the mirror. Brushing a strand of hair from her gleaming eyes, she murmured, "You're right. Ian and I have built a special relationship over the last two years while you've been away. I don't know what happened between the two of you, but I will not let you get in the way of what I've worked at for so long."

Julie breathe out gently. "Besides, it's not like we're not serious." Then with a gentle tug of her hand, the shawl around her neck fell onto the counter. Touching a hand to her slender neck, she faced Amy and smiled. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Amy couldn't speak. The blood was roaring through her ears like rapids until all she could hear was the heavy pounding of her heart. Her fingers twitched to touch its cool center, but they were digging painfully into the palm of her hand instead. Her mouth went completely dry. Her lungs wouldn't move and even though she felt like she was dying from within, her eyes still couldn't look away.

Julie smile. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Ian really does have such good taste."

She placed her palms onto the cool marble, trying to find some anchor from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to pull her under. Amy just couldn't speak.

Satisfied by her response, Julie hooked her shawl around her arm and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she made her way across the room. "I believe I've said all that I needed. Take your time, Amy. I hope to see you back at the party." And without another word, she walked out of the door.

Moving swiftly down the corridor, Julie quickly wrapped the scarf around her shoulders and found her way back into the ball room. The adrenaline was still pumping through her veins as she tried to catch her breath. Her hands trembled like leaves, but she refused to look back. She did what had to be done. She didn't regret a thing. This was the right choice. She couldn't sit back and let everything fall apart. She had worked too hard!

"Julie?"

She spun around in alarm to see Ian standing behind her. "Hey," she greeted breathlessly. "I was just going to look for you."

"What were you doing?"

"W-what?"

He stepped forward. "Where did you and—?" Ian suddenly stopped as his eyes fell down to her neck.

Feeling the blood drain from her face, Julie stumbled back at the dark cloud that washed over his normally cool features. Instinctively, she brought her hand to the chain.

"Why are you wearing that?" he asked in a voice so cold that she felt a shiver run down her spine. "That isn't yours."

Cornered, she narrowed her eyes and stomped forward. "Then whose is it?" Julie demanded, unable to keep the shrillness from her trembling voice. "Who does this necklace belong to?"

"Me."

Julie froze as the steady footsteps approached her from behind. Turning around with wide eyes, she felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach as soon as she met her fiery gaze.

Amy's eyes bored relentlessly into her own as she growled, "That necklace belongs to me."

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading and reviewing this chapter:

Farjana: I am glad you got your answer, and thank you for having faith in me! ️ I am glad you like the flashbacks. Yeah, Dan has an involvement. But he couldn't just accuse him without evidence. Besides, I did give a subtle hint that Jake is a famous singer. I hope that clarifies why.😅

To everyone who don't like the way I portrayed Jake in the last chapters, he also has a history. This is his changed behaviour. I will do some research on his character and you will surely find out the reason for such as his behaviour.

Thank you for giving time to my story, I appreciate it, alot.

Until next time, (see you hopefully on Thursday!)😉