CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ELLA'S POV

I was standing near the balcony, gasping for air and steadying my nerves. I could see the evening was coming and the charity event was in full swing, however, my brain was still spinning from the day's events.

I needed a moment, just a few minutes of peace from the distress that had been going on in me since the day… well, since that kiss. But then I heard him before I saw him. Xavier. His presence was like a storm, which could be seen from miles away.

The atmosphere around me was becoming a little bit heavier with his arrival. I didn’t turn around, nor did I acknowledge him, but he was not the kind of man you could easily ignore.

"So, you’re hiding now?" His voice was velvety, tinged with that arrogant charm he wielded with ease. "You know, it is not like you to run away, Ella."I took a slow, deep breath while my eyes were focused on the city lights through the glass.

"I’m not hiding," I said, my voice steady. "Just… taking a break." He came nearer, filling the room wi