Eclipsed Love

Chapter 13: Clash of Titans

As I moved through the luxurious crowd at the Holmes estate event, I caught sight of Elias.

Elias?

It was a quick look, I wasn't even sure if it was him. But as I saw his back, memories flooded back to the first time I met him. I remembered how his hair shone in the sunlight, just like now, that hair caught my attention again.

"I don't regret or was sorry about the kiss,"

"---I will leave, so forget what happened because I would not look back and would not hesitate to forget it either,"

I couldn't shake off his last words; they lingered in my mind, my source of both anger and confusion. Did he claim he didn't regret it simply because he intended to forget it all anyway?

If he wanted me to hate him, he shouldn't have looked at me like he was in pain. I wanted to talk to him, but the moment he left the estate, it was as if he ceased to exist. There were no traces, no remnants of his presence anywhere.

He must have known I was searching for him, prompting my decision to stop. Fine, if he wanted me to forget about him, I would grant his wish.

I know that I decided not to look for him and forget everything but despite my resolution, my body seemed to have a mind of its own, inexplicably drawn towards him. I found myself instinctively walking in his direction. However, as I tried to get closer, he slipped away from my view, like a fleeting dream. It left me searching, feeling like a lost pet looking for its owner, hoping to catch another glimpse of Elias.

I went to the last spot I saw him, while everyone else kept their distance and exchanged glances and murmurs after seeing me with Adrian. The air was thick with the scent of roses, and the soft melodies of the orchestra filled the atmosphere but I was busy scanning the crowd, searching for Elias among the sea of faces at the Holmes estate gala.

I spotted someone with the same physical build as Elias, and a surge of hope propelled me forward. But before I could reach the man, a strong pull interrupted me. Startled, I turned to find Daniel, a mix of concern and annoyance etched on his face.

"Catherine, where have you been? We should be heading home," he declared.

As I was about to stop Daniel and explain my intentions, another forceful tug around my waist took me by surprise. Adrian Everett had entered the scene, unnecessarily drawing more people speculating us. 

"This woman is going home with me, tonight," he declared, wrapping his arm possessively around my waist.

Daniel's expression darkened at Adrian's bold move, "Let go, Adrian Everett. Now," Daniel demanded, and I felt his grip on my hand tighten.

Ignoring Daniel's demands, Adrian provocatively whispered to me, "Is he your so-called lover, Erica?"

Daniel's frustration escalated, evident in his tightening grip, and I gasped in pain. Adrian, noticing my distress, glared at Daniel, "She's hurting. Let go," Adrian demanded, fixing his gaze on Daniel.

Daniel shifted his attention towards me and looked at me worriedly.

"Come here," Daniel's voice abruptly softened, filled with care, and his grip weakened.

I grabbed Daniel's hand as well, seeing how concerned he was. My attempt to take Adrian's hands off was a complete failure. His hand just became more wrapped around my waist, he must have sensed my intent for him to let go.

"let go," I sighed.

Adrian glared at Daniel's hand on mine and declared "I don't like that he's still holding your hand."