Beyond The Lie

Chapter 19: Having my Back

Adeline.

As the fashion show neared its conclusion, I scanned the crowded room, my eyes searching for a familiar figure. But Eryx was nowhere to be found. I frowned, a pang of disappointment settling in my chest.

I excused myself from Rachel, Liv, and Soph, who were all buzzing with excitement, and made my way through the throng of people. I exchanged pleasantries with some acquaintances, my smile feeling forced.

As soon as I could, I slipped out of the conversation and pulled out my phone. My fingers flew across the screen as I typed out a text to Eryx.

"Hey, did you leave?"

I sent the message and waited, my eyes fixed on the screen. Seconds ticked by, and just as I was starting to worry, my phone buzzed with an incoming text.

"No, I'm outside. Needed some air."

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a mix of emotions. Why did I feel so concerned about Eryx's whereabouts? And why did his response make me feel all warm inside?

I smiled to myself, feeling a little silly. Maybe it was just gratitude. After all, he had been a rock for me tonight, standing up to Ethan and making me feel safe.

But as I looked around the crowded room, I realized I wasn't ready to go back to my friends just yet. I wanted to see Eryx, to thank him again for being there for me.

I made my way towards the exit, my heart beating just a little faster at the prospect of seeing him again.

I stepped outside, and the cool night air enveloped me, bringing instant relief. The crowd had thinned significantly, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I glanced around, taking in the dimly lit surroundings. To my left, a group of men were engaged in a heated conversation. Something told me Eryx wouldn't be among them, so I headed right, venturing towards the less crowded backside of the venue.

The soft glow of strategically placed lights reassured me, warding off any fear of being alone in the darkness. I pulled out my phone, intending to text Eryx again, when a hand suddenly grasped my arm. I spun around, my heart skipping a beat.

"Looking for someone?" Ethan sneered, his grip on my arm tightening.

I recoiled, jerking my arm free. "Take your hands off me, Ethan!" I warned, my voice firm and icy.

His eyes narrowed, but he didn't back down. "You're still jumpy, Addie. What's wrong? Expecting someone else?"

I glared at him, my anger simmering just below the surface. What was he doing here? And why wouldn't he leave me alone?

I turned to leave, but Ethan blocked my path, his eyes blazing with determination. "Not so quickly!" he said, his voice low and menacing.

I glared up at him, my eyes shooting pure hatred. "Ethan, I've made it crystal clear: we have nothing to discuss. It's over, and it's been over for a long time. Whatever you're trying to say, I don't want to hear it."

He took a step closer, his face inches from mine. "I can't just move on from you, Adeline. You know how much I—"

I cut him off, my voice icy. "Spare me the drama, Ethan. You can't move on from me? Please. You cheated on me, moved on to other girls, and now you're playing the victim? Your problem isn't me; it's your own guilt and insecurity. Go treat that."

I tried to walk past him, but he gripped my wrist, his fingers digging deep. "Why are you giving me this attitude, Adeline? Who do you think you are? The Queen of this place, ordering everyone around and leaving?"

I tried to pull my hand free, but he held tight. "Let go, Ethan!" I demanded, my blood boiling.

He leaned in, his breath hot on my ear. "Do I need treatment for loving you? Is that my crime?"