Chapter 41

Writer's POV

Did you ever experience a drastic change in life?

For some time, you were at one phase of life where nothing went your way making you hopeless. And then, the change happened and life fell into pieces perfectly as if the bad things in your life were to fit the puzzle.

That is what Ethan is feeling right now.

Nothing needed to make sense anymore to him as long as he was with Lauren. Not even Ethan would've thought that he had this sea amount of love in him to give others. But Lauren showed the other side of Ethan, surprising Ethan himself.

Ethan was trying to read the file for the last thirty minutes but God forbid he couldn't focus even on a single letter in the file.

His mind was not here. His thoughts were about a certain someone who seemed to occupy his thoughts in the day and appeared in his dreams in the night.

The night when Ethan confessed his feelings for Lauren and she did the same seemed to play in his mind every time and everywhere. To say Ethan was the happiest when Lauren said that she loved him back would be an understatement.

Sure, there are other girls in his life like Olivia from his college. But none comes close to Lauren.  Now that he realised how much he loved Lauren, he doubted if there was any genuine love from women from his past. He loves her like never before. The way he loved her would put even the greatest lovers in history to shame.

They spent the next two days after that night at home cuddling, kissing and doing other explicit things.

Ethan sighed at his distorted mind which is unable to focus on anything and looked out from his glass window where the culprit who occupied his mind usually sits.

When he didn't see her at her desk, he frowned and thought about the places she could be.

Lauren could be at the cafeteria getting something to eat or with her friends, Leah and Sarah to chitchat amid working hours.

Ethan grabbed his phone that rested on the desk and the screen chimed when he unlocked his phone.

A soft smile graced his lips when he stared at the background picture of his phone. It was a picture of Lauren he had taken two nights back while she was savoring her hot chocolate wearing a hoodie over her head. It was a cute picture with a bit of chocolate on her smiling lips and her big eyes staring back at the camera. Although Ethan clicked the picture, it was actually Lauren who kept this picture as his phone's background as a prank but jokes on her, he loved that picture and didn't remove it.

He tapped her name which was saved as Beautiful Devil on the contact list and waited for her to pick up the call. Before, her name was saved as only devil but he changed her name recently.

Lauren was sitting on one of the tables laughing at Austin when her phone vibrated on the table.

She was so exhausted doing her work that she decided to take a break and came to the cafeteria. And that was when she saw Austin sitting on one of the tables eating alone staring at nothing in particular.

For some reason, she felt bad when she saw him eating all alone in the deserted cafeteria except for a handful of people here and there. It's late afternoon, so there are not many people around.

She didn't want to disturb him at first, knowing few people like to enjoy their me-time and eat lunch alone. Not every person who eats alone is pathetic or depressed.

But Lauren knows Austin a bit. From what little she knows, he never eats alone. He always eats with his team members. Or sometime with Sarah and Leah. She remembered how Austin said that he loves dogs and Layla because they make him feel less lonely.

So, she decided to give him company till he ate and that's how they both ended up there. Austin stared at her surprised when she came and sat in front of him with a slice of cake. He looked at her with an amused face as if he knew that she came to give him company because he didn't like eating alone and that thought did somersaults in his stomach.

Austin likes how attentive Lauren is when someone says something to her. She remembers things about others. She can make anyone comfortable with her. And not to mention, she takes Austin's sarcasm well and gives him his own medicine from time to time without offending him. Austin liked that about her but dared not to say anything because he knew where Lauren stood.

The diamond ring on her finger always reminded him of his place in her life. And he didn't want to jinx their friendship with his confusing feelings, where he doesn't know what he feels for her.

So, after a bit of talking about random things they got some coffee and that's when her phone vibrated on the table.

She excused herself walking towards the wall standing a bit far away from the table to take Ethan's call.

"Yes, my dear husband"

Her soft voice flowed through the mobile to his ears and a short smile graced Ethan's lips at her endearment. Ethan is just thankful that no one is here to see him blushing at Lauren's two endearing words. It would be such a shame for his image, but he hardly cares.

"What is my beautiful doing?" Ethan asked surprised at his tone which sounded unusual to his own. He sounded too cringe for his liking but all his calm and charm faded when he heard another voice on the phone.

"Do you want sugar in your coffee, Lauren?"

"Yes, Austin, one cube of sugar," Lauren spoke in the background looking back at Austin who was sitting in one of the many tables in the cafeteria.

Austin nodded his head adding the sugar to her coffee and then his.

"Where are you?" Lauren focused back on her call when Ethan's tone shifted deadly listening to Austin. The cringe-sounding Ethan was gone replaced by his usual cold tone.

"At the cafeteria. Why?" Lauren asked very well knowing where this conversation was going. She would never have guessed that Ethan could belong to the jealous type but he is.

"With whom?"

"With a special someone." Lauren shrugged her shoulders knowing her words will affect Ethan.

"Don't tell me it's Austin." Ethan fisted his hand on the desk listening to Lauren's extra cheery voice. Special someone, she said.

"Correct answer. Congratulations you won ten points." Ethan rolled his eyes at her words and Lauren smiled when she heard a deep sigh on the other end.

"I'll give you ten minutes max, Lauren. If I don't see you here in exactly ten minutes, you will not like the consequences."

Ethan spoke leaning back in his chair and looked at the ceiling calmly.

"Oh, is that so? what are you going to do?"

"I will come there right now and will kiss you like never before."

"And what makes you think that I will hate that."

"Well, you will when I do it in front of the whole office and you will be the gossip topic for I don't know? forever."

Lauren gulped his words and dread sat in her stomach. Being the gossip topic for the whole office and the centre of attention will give her anxiety and he knows it all too well.

"Mind you Lauren, not just a peck but a full-blown passionate kiss. People will talk. Now, you were saying?"

Ethan smirked listening to the dead silence from the other side and although his threat was only partially true, he didn't deny the threat.

Ethan knows Lauren will get anxious when she is the centre of attraction and he isn't going to place her in the spotlight especially when she hates it, but a threat without action will harm no one.

"I am coming." Lauren gritted her teeth saying them but she heard a deep chuckle from the other side confusing her.

"Ah, you don't know what those words do to me. Especially on the bed."

Lauren choked trying to cover the blush creeping her cheeks but her attempts failed turning her red.

"Eww, pervert."

"Only for you."

"Oh my God, Ethan, since when did you become this cringe?"

"All credit to you." she smiled at his words and after a quick I'll see you in ten minutes from him she hung up.

The timer went off on Ethan's desk hinting that the given ten minutes are finished, and he waited for the door to burst open like lava and it did.

Lauren stormed inside with a murderous look and she didn't stop till she stood in front of Ethan.

She was mad. So mad at him for threatening her. Alfhough she knew it was just a playful game, she still had that urge to kill him and bury him somewhere.

"You threatened me!" Lauren gritted her teeth looking down at Ethan who sat in his chair calmly.

"Did I now?" He feigned innocence before giving her a smile which could melt anyone. Lauren is no exception, of course.

"Don't you dare, Ethan. Why would you do that." She glared at him and Ethan finally stood from his chair before standing before her leaving an inch between them.

" I wanted to say something, Lauren." Ethan took her hand in his before placing a light kiss on her knuckles.

Ethan looked at the beautiful creation the universe has ever made and wondered if he would ever thank kis lucky stars enough for bringing Lauren into his life.

"What is it?" Lauren asked slowly calming herself down and curiosity spiked up.

"I love you." Ethan deadpanned and the surprise look on her face for a moment looked worth millions.

If he could, he would capture the moment and safekeep it in the deepest part of his heart to not lose it. Ever.

Her heart melted everytime he said those words. Her mind gives up on thinking whenever he spoke those words.

Lauren got out of her initial shock and muttered her next words with a giddy smile. "I love you more."

"Well, I do love you but that's not what I wanted to say earlier." Ethan spoke pushing his hands further into his pockets to not think of doing anything inappropriate with those hands to Lauren.

Lauren being completely oblivious to his thoughts, frowned and asked the question.

"What is it?"

" It's a surprise, my beautiful." Ethan spoke liking the way the nickname slipped smoothly out of his lips. Although he teases her with the nickname, he likes that it suits her well.

"Surprise?" Her eyes twinkled.

"Yes."

"Where is it?" Lauren asked referring to her surprise but Ethan only smirked in response.

"The surprise is expensive. You have to pay something for it."

Lauren pulled her brows together looking at him suspiciously. She stared at him for a moment before giving in on his demand.

Lauren stood on her toes, looping her arms around his neck before she could back out and gave a peck on his lips.

Ethan stared at her eyes before dropping them to her lips for a good moment doing nothing except staring. But before she could set her heels back down on the ground, Ethan pulled her flush towards her by tightening his hold around her waist and turned the peck into the full blownkiss he promised earlier in his threat.

"Let's go home. I'm sure you'll love your surprise."

***

Alice was standing amid chaos around her but nothing went into her mind and everything around passed like a blur.

She spent the whole flight to Paris with Chris and Ryan in one of Chris' private jets where Ryan and Alice talked about endless things while Chris contributed to the conversation with his silence.

Ryan was sitting in one of the vanity chairs now where a group of people were around styling him while he had his eyes locked on his phone. On a particular chat to be precise. He has plans tomorrow with someone that no amount of natural disaster can make him miss the plan.

Alice was staring ahead and her arms and limbs were sweating and shaking but she took deep breaths pumping blood from her heart to her whole body.

She saw the countdown on the big screen for the show from the mini television in the backroom and the models lined up at the entrance of backstage while stylists and make-up artists were still doing their last-minute touch-ups.

Fifteen.

Fourteen.

The more the seconds passed and the timing to begin the show got closer her mind was filled with many thoughts like what if the show gets flopped or the designed clothes are not up to the mark. She spent a huge amount of work and time on them, no matter the criticism she will own up to them. But still, she wanted the show to be hit.

Many mock fashion shows that the designed clothes are not something any sane person would wear. They mock as if designers create their masterpieces, working endless hours and sleep-deprived nights, just to sell them in the market.

Thirteen.

Twelve.

Fashion is art. There are different styles of art. In art, not every canvas has to have a picture perfect-face or the shape of an object or a beautiful scenery to be called an excellent painting. Art runs deeper than eyes. It needed to be felt when staring at the blank canvas sputtered with different colours on it.

Similar to art, Fashion has different styles. It's all about bringing out the creativity juices from the designer. The art of creating an absolute masterpiece attire like never before using different materials and textiles and presenting them is what all fashion shows about.

Eleven.

Ten.

No amount of deep breaths are calming her down. It's not like Alice has stage fear or extreme anxiety but any person would get nervous when he is five seconds away from getting evaluated. In Alice's case, her designs will be analysed.

Deep breaths, Alice. It's nothing. You are fine. Alice chanted the words like a mantra but no words equaled stopping her shaking fingers.

Alice was deep in her thoughts when a huge palm touched her shaking hand before intertwining their fingers together.

Alice's eyes shot up at the familiar but electric touch and stared into the hazel eyes she had grown fond of lately.

Chris.

Chris got lost in her green eyes for a moment which resembled the thick forests where you could get lost and you wouldn't even know that you got lost until you stumbled upon the same tree twice or thrice. Alice's eyes are that way, at least for Chris. He gets lost in them and then snaps when he realises that he got lost in the eye contact.

He saw her from far away for the past few minutes while she was busy ensuring clothes fit the models or expressing how she wanted to style the model to the stylists. She was so busy that she even saw breathing as a chore while working. He wouldn't accept to her or anyone as a matter of fact but he was worried that she would faint.

Not because Chris cares for Alice or anything, just because he doesn't want to mess up anything, at the last minute ending him in a business loss. Or that's what he tried to believe. Accepting that he cares for Alice would be such a betrayal to himself from him. Believing that he doesn't care about her is easy.

He already has strange feelings these days while he looks at her, not giving them the label is the best thing one can do.

The night she got drunk and cussed him and called him a Goblin, he was curious to see who the unlucky girl would be to seal such an unlucky fate by getting on his radar.

But the first time he saw her at Ethan's party in that black dress looking like an epitome of mischief with a subtle hint of innocence creeping up, he knew it would be hard to work with her.

But he never knew that it would come back carrying strange feelings for her and biting him in the back. He always knew that from the start of their first meet, but the night she cried in her arms, something snapped between them. He saw her vulnerability and she let him.

Alice felt his thumb brush circles on her knuckles and slowly but steadily the weight lighted off her shoulders and she could breathe again freely.

She stared at his face which contoured different emotions that she couldn't grasp, no matter how hard she tried. Chris was always good at his poker face and a little amount of talking. She never cared before, but now she wanted to know what was running behind his brain. What are his thoughts, plans, plots, everything? She wants to know everything about him even though she too knows that's a bit selfish.

"Calm down."

Chris finally spoke breaking eye contact and staring ahead but didn't leave her hand.

"It's hard to calm down. I don't know why but I'm scared," she mumbled to herself hoping he would catch her words and he did.

"You don't have to be, Alice. You did wonders with your designs. Now sit back and enjoy the appreciation and compliments." Alice was surprised at Chris's words. He sounded so sure and confident boosting her courage.

Alice is not insecure, at least not all the time. She is confident and brave but even her walls crumble down sometimes making her feel vulnerable. And now is one of those times.

"You sound so sure, Mr Hudson." Alice's lips gave way to a small smile erasing her worries for the moment and Chris' gaze lingered a bit more than needed when Alice smiled.

"I just know." Chris shrugged.

"Such a perfect, valuable answer. Thanks a lot, Mr Hudson."

"You know that I hate compliments, Alice Miller."

"Careful, Mr Hudson, your arrogance is coming back." Alice narrowed her eyes playfully at Chris while the latter only threw a smirk at her way.

"Oh, It never left, Miss Miller."

Alice was about to throw another sarcastic comment but the countdown voice from the microphone stopped her.

Two.

One.

and just like the models walked from the backstage taking their time to flaunt the designs and clothes at the end of the aisle and coming back. All the while Alice unknowingly tightened her grip on his hand but he didn't seem to mind. At all.

The show went on and on till the last model in the line came back to the end and Alice's name echoed in the microphone as the designer and her anxiety peeked up again.

Chris brought her hand up placing a soft kiss on her knuckles before brushing his thumb on cheekbone and her heart flipped at his action.

"Go, Alice."

He smiled at her and she blinked her eyes coming out of her trance of his handsome face and his actions. Although, his kiss on her knuckles gave her a mini heart attack for a moment, his hand on her cheek chased away all the anxiety bringing the much-needed calmness.

With one last glance at him, she took a deep breath and walked towards the stage mustering up her courage.

Ryan was waiting for her on the stage with a big smile and she placed her hand on his awaited palm.

"You killed it, Aly." At this point, Alice is not even surprised at his nickname for her. Chris and Ryan often used to meet, and a few times even Alice had to end up hanging out with them and Ryan started calling her with that nickname, although Chris hates when Ryan does that.

Ryan whispered once Alice stood beside him and they started walking the aisle with her hand curled around his arm

Claps and hoots echo around them and Alice's heart fills with strange pride and sensation. The fact that she finally achieved a milestone in her career gave her chills. She did a few shows before this but the Paris fashion show is a main stepping stone for anyone. Well, for Alice at least.

Her eyes searched for that familiar face in the crowd and they finally stopped at Chris who was already looking at her with a short smile and something like pride in his eyes from the side of the hall.

The high for winning is what Alice thrives on. And she is determined to keep up the legacy.

***

Ryan drummed his hands on the table before fixing his white shirt for any invisible creaks and then glanced at the Richard Millie watch on his wrist for the time.

They agreed to meet at eight and he is a lot more early considering they have ten more minutes left for the clock to hit eight.

He arrived at seven-thirty or something, casually dressed in his white button-down shirt and black trousers, in his red Ferrari.

He usually doesn't bring the Ferrari out of the garage much except on a few occasions. And of course, he would rather die than let anyone else drive his favourite car.

Ryan is like that. Cars were his first obsession.

And maybe the first obsession might take up second place considering a hazel-eyed attorney is competing.

So he drove himself today here without any guards or driver. The restaurant is located in a secluded area where entry is limited to only reserved parties.

Ryan wanted to meet Eva privately at least for once. Before, he met her for his court case and then he met her at Ethan's party alone for a few minutes, sort of like a date and that's it.

He never was even given the chance to have any private date with her.

She has her reasons and he respects that enough to not persist with her anymore when she doesn't want to have any strings with him.

That was why he remained silent. But then came her text.

Like throwing a stone in the steady water, she rippled the calm water into waves.

Eva:

Hey, Ryan. How are you?

I know that you might be busy and I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but can we meet tomorrow as we planned earlier?

Only if you are free. No pressure.

The moment Ryan's eyes saw her name flashed on his mobile screen, he almost dropped his phone on the floor before catching it at the last moment.

He was too starstruck before he composed himself and opened the text. And whatever the calm he composed before slipped away when he read her text. Then re-read the text a few times more.

Busy?

As if he will ever be busy for her?

And the way she asked if she disturbed him melted his heart and brought a smile to his face.

This is why he always had a thing for her. She just knows how to impress others with her words alone. And she does it unknowingly.

His thoughts came to a halt when the familiar face he missed seeing in the past few weeks walked to the table where he was sitting.

His eyes took in the form of her black A-line skirt dress which reached her knees and her slightly tanned long legs were on display.

He stood up when she came to a halt in front of him and he almost lost himself for a moment when Eva smiled at him. The way her eyes smile first before her lips make him wonder how can once be so pretty with just a smile.

"Hey. I'm sorry. Am I late?" Eva glanced at her watch when she saw him already waiting for her. She isn't late. In fact, she is five minutes early.

Eva has always been a punctual girl. She doesn't come exactly on time. she will arrive at least a minute early before the actual time. She has always been like that. Following rules, punctual, self-disciplined. While Ryan and punctuality don't even come together in the same line.  But Eva is an exception for him.

"No, no. I'm just early."

Ryan's voice brought her eyes back to his face and she took in his grey eyes and his child-like grin.

Eva sat in front of him when he pulled her chair back for her to sit.

"How have you been?" Ryan started the conversation.

"Good. And you?"

"It's Ryan you are asking about. I'm always good."

Eva nodded her head while chuckling at his words while Ryan seemed proud that he made her laugh.

The waiter came and took their orders while they continued chatting.

"Did you know I was the main model in Alice's fashion show?"

"I didn't till I saw the social media and fashion pages. You and Alice look good together."

Eva took a sip of her water to not let her jealousy show up in front of Ryan. Eva was happy for Alice when she saw all the appreciation posts and good reviews from fashion critics. She is happy for Alice but a hint of jealousy peeked when she saw Alice and Ryan walk together at the end.

She knows that it's just work but she still couldn't help the strange uneasy feeling she had when she saw them both together. The fact that Alice had always liked Ryan for his movies even before they knew each other only added fuel to her burn.

"Well, I look good with everyone, Eva." But I prefer looking good with you. Those words remained unsaid.

"Moreover I don't think Chris will appreciate if he thinks I have eyes on Aly."

"Something is going on between them," Eva spoke narrowing her eyes and thinking for a moment.

"You think so too?"

"Yes, Alice worked late nights the past few days and Chris dropped her every day at our house and waited till she got in."

The waiter brought their food before disappearing from their sight.

"You haven't seen the way he sees her lately," Ryan spoke shaking his head and leaning back taking a sip of his wine.

"Like what?"

"Like I see you." Ryan's words slipped out of his mouth silkily.

Eva ignored those words which did things inside her and tried playing it cool.

"Maybe there's going to be a new couple in the town," Eva spoke cutting her steak and bringing it back to her mouth.

"With Chris's commitment issues, I hardly can believe it until it happens," Ryan muttered shaking his head.

"You never know when people will change." Eva locked her eyes with his for a moment.

Ryan broke the eye contact disliking the fact that looking at her eyes alone hypnotized him. He is new to these feelings. He has always been a charmer, but never easily charmed. Until her.

"You wanted to meet me?" Ryan spoke stumbling out of his thoughts.

"Can't I?" she shrugged, asking.

"You must have a reason?" He raised his brow.

"Do you want me to say that I missed you?" Eva asked innocently wanting to know that her words affect him.

"You'll make me the happiest person in the world by saying that, sweetheart." Ryan gave her a grin after composing himself from her words.

"Sweetheart?" she asked back.

"Don't interrupt me I'm channelling my inner charm to impress you." he spoke taking a sip of his wine.

"What If I say I'm already impressed." Eva spoke and Ryan choked listening to her words.

"Don't flirt with me, Eva. You are giving me a heart attack." He spoke placing his palm on his chest and Eva laughed softly at his antics.

"You look like the most beautiful woman in the world when you smile." Ryan smiled softly looking at her.

"Thank you, Mr Ryan Parker." Eva tipped her head with a smile.

"Don't tell me, the strict attorney is back. I want the flirty Eva right now. She gives me butterflies and all that." Ryan complained pulling his brows together and a pout on his lips.

"You are really good at this." Eva spoke taking a look at Ryan with an amused face.

"At what?" Ryan frowned.

"Flirting. Impressing girls." Eva spoke with a pang of jealousy in them.

"Right. I do that a lot with other girls. But with you, I don't make things up to impress you. Everything I say about you is true." Ryan spoke with not a hint of humour this time.

Blood rushed to her cheeks and Eva tried playing it cool but damn it was hard.

"I don't—"

"I like you, Eva."

Eva's heartbeat missed a beat and her breathing stopped for a second.

Sure, Ryan said that he wanted to go out with her in the past. He always made sure that she knew that he had a thing for her. But he never spoke out those words. He never said them before.

"Ryan—"

"You rejected me the first time when I asked you out. And then I convinced you for a date and took you to Ethan's party. But things between us took a downfall from there. You had your reasons and I respect that. But still after your rejection, my heartbeat stops whenever I see your text or call. I still think about you whenever I'm alone. I still wonder what you might be doing at that particular time."

"Am I going crazy, Eva?"

"Is this a confess—" Eva started but got cut off. Again.

"No, Eva. It's not a confession. Don't worry. I don't want to scare you with my feelings when you just came back to me."

"I don't understand, Ryan."

"I just wanted you to know how I feel about you. No matter how hard you push me away, one glance from you, and I'll run back to you in seconds despite the distance."

Eva's breath hitched at Ryan's words and if she wondered if she was blushing before, she sure as know that she must be red right now.

"But I'll not take a step when you are not even ready to take a glance at me. It will only hurt us. I don't care about me. But I can't be selfish and hurt you."

Ryan spoke those words out freely but something inside him contradicted his own words that he would not take that step if she hadn't glanced at him. Even Ryan knows how much of a lie that statement is.

"So, that's it. I said what I've always wanted to say. And I didn't hold back saying anything now because I'm afraid you'll run away again like last time."

Eva's eyes softened looking at Ryan. On the outer, he looked fine, composed and calm. But for some reason, she didn't like that calm. Ryan is chaotic. Has always been. He doesn't like being composed and self-restrained like her. Ryan is like a river. Always flowing and flexible. Whereas Eva is like ice. Solid and rigid.

And Eva liked that about Ryan and she didn't want him to change at all. To lose his chaos.

"I'm going to meet my brother." Eva spoke before she could even think.

"How is that related right now, Eva." Ryan didn't like that she was changing the topic so easily after he spoke his heart out. It hurt him more than he knows.

"Listen to me." Eva took his hand, that is resting on the table, in hers when she saw the pain in his face.

"I want to talk to my brother and sort everything out with him. I want the brother I loved in my childhood back. " She spoke and Ryan's eyebrows pulled confusion evident on his face.

"What?"

"You said I always run away from you?" Eva asked locking her eyes with Ryan's and the latter didn't understand where she was going with his words.

"You do." He deadpanned.

Eva took a deep breath doubt clouding her words for a moment but one glance at him, all her doubts faded away and words slipped out of her lips.

"Well, I'm not running away this time. Let's date, Ryan."

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