Chapter 7: Turn down of events.

       The light suddenly went off and then slowly went back on again on the stage. The man that was speaking was now replaced by a man in a well-tailored black suit. He stood tall and strong with a heavy dangerous aura around him. 

  Everyone was speechless as they silently watched the man who stood like a god on the stage. His manly features captivated and took the heart of every female in the hall. He was the center of attraction as the cameramen took pictures and videos of him.

     The man earlier returned to give him the microphone before stepping down the stage leaving Ethan at the center.

   "Good evening everyone" He spoke. His voice resonated around the hall sending shivers down the spine of everyone especially Elle who sat transfixed as she stared at the man in front of her.

   Were her eyes playing jokes with her or was the man on the stage the same boy she grew up with? The man she had been looking for? Was that Ethan, the Ethan she knew? Her hands terribly shook. Never in the world had she imagined that this was how she will meet him.

   She couldn't forget the boy she spent all her high school and college days with. How could she forget the person that made her laugh? The person that was always there with her, supporting her every dream. How? How? She repeatedly asked herself.

    Her vision blurred and all she could see was the young vibrant Ethan that was smiling sweetly at her. Those were the days she knew what happiness was called. She couldn't believe that the same person in her vision, in her memory was the same man who turned her life upside down. The same person who gave her restless nights with his letters was standing on the stage as the famous Ethan Cephas.

   This didn't make sense at all. How and what was she going to do now? He invited her to this gala, for what? To show her he's alive after killing her mum, after giving her sleepless nights with his letters? He invited her to show himself and he even made her sit at the VIP seat so she could see everything about him.

    All the emotions and hatred Elle bottled up at the back of her brain came resurfacing as anger made its way to the surface. She abruptly stood up and took her bag and left the hall.

    Everyone was stupefied at her sudden reaction. Even Ethan was shocked and surprised that he slowly stopped speaking. 

   Mia immediately stood up and chased after her. She caught up with her before she could entirely leave the hall "Elle wait! What's wrong Elle? Where are you suddenly going?"

   Elle ignored Mia and continued down the hall before she entered the elevator to go to the rooftop.

     The hall turned noisy after Elle left. Everyone was whispering and talking at the same time. First, she said Ethan Cephas is a ghost and now she left when he showed up and he was still giving his speech! What could be her problem with  Ethan? Could it be they had a misunderstanding before? Everyone was saying their opinions on the matter, while some just thought she was only creating unnecessary problems with Ethan. Among whom was Mr. Charles who proudly supported Ethan. 

   Elle arrived at the rooftop after a short while. She didn't care about what they said about her without knowing the real problem. If they were in her shoes, they would have acted more than she did. 

   "Why do I also have to be the one!" She yelled at the verse space. The breeze seemed to be answering her question when it blew very cold air on her skin. Her hair flew back in the air dancing to the tunes of the breeze.

   She needed to clear her head else she turned crazy with everything happening in her life. She thought to call Daniel but decided against it. He had his problems already. She didn't want to burden him with hers. 

   What will he say when he finds out that the man they have searched the whole place for was standing in front of her as Ethan Cephas? Of course, he would have known by now because his pictures will be all over the internet.

    Now she thought about it, why did he change his surname to Cephas? The man she knew years back was no longer the man now. He was an entirely different person now. She let out a mockery laugh. You're such a fool, Elle.

      "Elle"

She heard her name but ignored whomever it was that came to disturb her peace.

 "Elle! Please can you turn around?"

   Elle slowly turned and saw the man she had been thinking about. What was he doing here? Did he come to kill her now? Her phone rang in her bag. She brought it out and saw the caller was Daniel. She answered the call.

   "Hello, Elle. Where are you? I'm coming to pick you up" Daniel's voice sounded over the phone.

   "No need Danny, I'm already on my way" Elle answered still watching Ethan who also stood and watched her.

   "Are you sure Elle, let me…"

 "I said no need, Daniel. I'm on my way" Elle said, her voice coming out hard and harsh before she realized it "I'm sorry Danny I...I"

   "It's alright Elle. Please be safe and don't forget to go with your guards" Daniel said before hanging up.

   Elle brought down her hand before putting the phone back inside her bag. With her head slightly bent, she saw Ethan move in the corner of her eyes.

   "Don't!" Elle said pointing at him "Don't you dare come near me!" She further said making Ethan halt his step.

    Elle's eyes were hard as she looked at Ethan with so much hatred she didn't know she would one day harbor for him. He was not the same person she knew, why hold unto him like the last hope? Now, that he was here, she can finally make up her mind to find justice for her mother's death.

     "Don't you dare take a step to follow me. I don't want to hear any crap coming out of your filthy mouth. One move and I'll make sure you rot in hell for everything you did" Elle spat and walked away from the rooftop leaving Ethan who stood without any word. 

   What could he say to her that will automatically make her forgive him? Nothing and he knew it. But he won't stop, he won't stop till he got her back.