Chapter 07
The noise outside the door keeps getting even more intense and Ethan knows he has to do something about it before they bring down the door.“Calm down ladies, I’m going to open the door now and see what they want from us” He said to them.Verena panicked and so did her friends, “They sound dangerous and I’m afraid” One of the girls said.“They are not going to do us anything okay?, I’m going to see to it” Ethan assured them and slowly reached others to the door knob.He didn’t want to cause any trouble besides what if it’s Gracie boss’s men that had traced him down here? He’s just going to be another reason why these girls would be in trouble.He opens the door and faces the hefty guys, they seem like just area boys hoodlum.He steps outside the house and faces them, “what do you guys want?” He asks them boldly without any fear.They are about six in number and look much taller and built than he is,he didn’t really care about all those things though.After all they might all just be big yet no strength in them to face him he believes, “Are the one living here? Tell the girls to bring out our cuts at this moment” One of the boys said.Smoke popping out of his mouth like some mafia tugs, he wonders how a small boy like him turns out this way when he should be in school studying.“I’m the owner of this house so you talk to me whatever it is you want” He said to them plainly.He felt sorry for the young ones among them that turned out this way.“Don’t be a nose poker into things that don't concern you okay? Just call them out so they will pay us and we get out of here gently” one of them said, which seems like their boss said.“I’m not sure why I have to pay you as the owner of this house, it’s not like you own the land, not like you own the house blocks or even the street” Ethan tried to sound calm with them.Yet his voice sounds rather too annoyed, what do they think they are to want some share from his property.“You pay us then,You seem gentle with your looks don’t let us dirty you okay?” One of the boy said dusting his shirt He twists his hand backward and pushes him away from himself roughly, the rest of the boys attack her at once almost immediately.He bent and dodge their blows attacking them on their abdomen, he threw them a few punches and they all went rolling on the floor in minutes.The only one left standing is the guy that hasn't been saying anything since, he has been calm all along without uttering a word.The growls from the boys made Verena and her friends open the door, they are shocked to be seeing the opposite of what they are expecting.“Are you okay?” Verena touched him, slightly surprised to see the boys on the floor while he looked so relaxed.The only guy who has been watching all along throws his smoked cigarettes away and heads toward Ethan throwing him a few punches.The first one hits him hard while he is able to guide himself from the rest, he secures his balance and gives him a hard punch on his cheeks, sending his left and right teeth in the air.The girl's eyes widened in shock, he’s such a fit man and they aren’t expecting him to be at all.The guys all stand up holding one another in pain and walk away without uttering a word other than glaring diggers at him.The girls keep staring at him in amazement as they head back into the house, he heads to his sturdy.He was about to check out one of the paintings when his phone vibrated, he checked his messages and dropped the painting.How could he forget so fast about Gracie’s grandmother, what his grandfather did to him makes him totally forget that he had to get the birthday gift.He packs the paintings without checking and heads out of the sturdy.“I will be taking my leave now” Ethan said immediately he set eyes on Verena.“Why? We are already preparing something for you, just a few minutes and the table would be ready” Verena tries to make him stay.“I have to go now, it’s quite important and maybe some other time I will take you guys out for dinner” He said to them heading towards the door.“Okay then. A promise is forever one” Verena said after him as he turned the door knob.“I will make sure to fulfil them” He replied and walked away, he didn't want to get back to the party late.His mother in-law will always pick on him and he won’t want to annoy her anymore.Few minutes later, “You guys haven’t got ready? Have you forgotten that tonight is mom’s birthday?” Mrs Richard snapped at the two of them.“We will get ready now mom, just give us a few minutes!” Gracie said and they both headed upstairs to get ready.They get back a few minutes later and the family heads out, Ethan drives out of the compound and beside him is Gracie dressed beautifully.He can’t help but keep stealing glances at her, “We should just get a better driver! The least he could do is drive but he can’t do that even properly!” Mrs Richard complained from the back seat.Ethan felt like the woman is always complaining about his driving skills but did she know about her other skills that he’s good at?She’s always complaining about one thing or the other and Gracie is slowly getting pissed off, she just never liked him to begin with.“He’s driving well mom!” Gracie half yelled at her mother.T.B.CChapter 08They finally get to the venue, Ethan finds a clear space and packs the car.He packs the car and they all get down while he went to the boot to bring out the gift he had prepared for Gracie’s grandmother.They inside the mansion all together, Ethan couldn’t help but marvel at the place structure.It seems more like a ball party, yet classics type just like his in-law would always do.It’s beautiful and everything is different, everyone at one table or the other drinking and chatting between themselves.He is stuck beside Gracie and they look for a spot together to take their seat, they finally get a table at the high table, where they are served drinks almost immediately.“What’s the gift you have prepared?” Gracie asked with her eyes glued on the flat thing he had wrapped up.She has been giving it thought and guessing what it could be but couldn’t find a thoughtful one that he could have brought.He won’t bring something that won't be worth it right? She had specifically
Chapter 09Ethan stand in his ground that his painting is the original whole Damon on the other believes he must be insane claiming his own is fake.“Ethan really? What is your agenda wanting to disgrace our family name and bring us shame now” Mrs Richard is already in their table.He really do not have anything to say the old man he just know that he’s never going to back down one bit, his painting his real and he knows how much he had put into it.The whole crowd keeps murmuring, the certainty that Ethan had brought a fake painting is very high, many of them already knows he has nothing.Where would he see money to get original painting? How could he claim that his paintings is real? “You really wants to disgrace us after almost bring down my daughter business right?”Mrs Richard starts getting annoyed the more, Ethan is doing just great and perfect in bringing down their family name.Gracie is confuse as hell, how could he be adamant that his painting is real? He could have just a
Chapter 10.A few days later.Gracie is in the living room when the doorbell rings. The door opens and a man steps in. He’s shrouded in a black shirt. The top buttons are open. His sleeves hug his huge biceps. His well-toned chest makes the shirt taut against his torso.His legs are in a pair of trousers.“It’s been a while.” He grins as his hands hold the edge of his pockets.Gracie looks up. Her mouth falls open and her eyebrows rise.The man was Alex. Her best friend since childhood. He stands there smiling at the shock on Gracie’s face.“Alex! Is it really you? This is a surprise.” She stands up and moves to embrace him.She hugs him tightly and rests her head on his shoulders. “I have missed you. You have no idea.” She coos as Alex pats her head and holds the small of her back. “I’m here now.” He replies.She eventually untangles herself from him. “Wow!” She exclaims as she takes in his appearance. “You really looking good. I guess you have a lot of ladies fawning over you.”
Chapter 11.“Calm yourself down!” Ethan cautions Gracie. His body is slick with sweat and blood. He places his fingers on Alex’s neck to check for a pulse. His countenance relaxes when he feels a pulse. Ethan proceeds to the other end of the ring. He sits down there and watches Alex closely.“Any minute now…” Ethan murmurs under his breath as he rests his head on the ring beams. Gracie kneels beside Alex, her face distraught with worry. “ I told you guys this wasn’t a good idea but your egos wouldn’t make you listen.”“Gracie…” Alex groans as he finally regains consciousness.“Look who decided to join us.” Ethan teases him with a sardonic smile. “You are pretty good. It’s not every day someone takes me out in a fight.” Alex replies groggily as he holds his head and sits up.He tries to stand up, “ I wouldn’t do that if I were you. At least not yet.” Ethan advises him.Gracie glares at Ethan as he walks away.“ I didn’t know your husband is such a good fighter. I wonder where he le
Chapter 12.A few days later. The sunlight streaks across the vast ocean of the blue sky heralding the dawn of a new day. The rays of the sun illuminate the room, giving it a golden hue. Ethan wakes up to see he is alone in the room.He gets up and goes to the window. Lines etch on his forehead as he stares out the window and runs his fingers delicately on the sill. “Ahh. The magnificence of sunrise.” He muses with a grin on his face. He watched with delight, the butterflies moving about poetically in search of their ambrosia. He smiles as the gleeful chirping of birds assaults his senses with pleasure. As long as he can remember, sunrise always held him spellbound. Moments later he goes out to the compound and takes in the ambience of the environment. He is with his sketchpad, brushes, and easel. He sets up the sketchpad on the easel and starts to paint. Painting has always been his retreat. When he paints, he lets go of everything that bothers him. It’s just him and his sketch
Chapter 13: Unspoken TensionsThe morning started with a stifling air that hung heavy in the house. Ethan woke up to a restless mind, the remnants of yesterday's skirmish with Alex swirling through his thoughts like a tempest. He could feel the ache in his muscles, reminders of the ferocious battle that took place on the balcony. As he stepped into the living area, he sensed an unspoken tension brewing.Gracie, sitting at the dining table, eyed him with a mix of irritation and concern. Her silence spoke volumes. The air was pregnant with unsaid words, and Ethan could almost taste the acrimony in the atmosphere."What?" Ethan muttered, trying to mask the discomfort that pricked at him. "Why are you staring?"Gracie's eyes narrowed, the intensity of her gaze slicing through the room. "I'm tired of this, Ethan. Tired of the constant tension between you and Alex. I can't deal with this anymore."He knew exactly what she meant. The cold war between him and Alex had reached a boiling point,
Chapter 14The abandoned mansion, a crumbling relic from a forgotten era, nestled deep within the enigmatic embrace of the forest's dense foliage. Its weathered facade, once grand and imposing, now stood as a testament to time's relentless passage. The wooden panels, worn and discolored, bore the weight of forgotten secrets, the windows, shattered remnants of a bygone opulence.Within the mansion's decaying walls lay the heart of the Ravens' clandestine meetings. The hall, now a cavernous expanse, held an air of haunting mystery, the shadows playing tricks in the dim light that filtered through the tattered curtains. Time had robbed the space of its grandeur, leaving behind only remnants of its former glory: shattered chandeliers, faded tapestries draped askew, and an ancient throne-like chair atop a raised platform that served as the focal point of the chamber.Vada Khan, the enigmatic leader of the Ravens, sat perched upon the makeshift throne. His presence demanded obedience, his d
BlurbAlec: I’m in my thirties and life is…well not boring, but uneventful despite being CEO of the family company. Just how I like it. Then I meet Lumen, a woman who challenges everything in such an irresistible way. For once in my life I can see myself in a relationship. There’s one problem though, she’s off limits.Lumen: Growing up in foster care wasn’t the nightmare for me as it was for some, but life hasn’t been easy. I work hard, focus on my goals, and I never let things distract me, specifically men and relationships. Until one rainy Seattle night when a gorgeous hunk walks into the spa where I work.When billionaire Alec McCrae mistakes Lumen Browne’s workplace for a “happy ending” massage parlor, things get more complicated than he prefers. Especially when their lives become entwined in ways never imagined.ALECMY DATE WAS SEVEN MINUTES LATE, AND I WAS ALREADY ON MYsecond drink, wondering how the hell someone had managed to talk me into this.At least I was