Chapter 7

• Ethan's POV
• As I sat, I couldn't help but think about the chaos that had just happened. The villain, who caused quite a scene, was forcibly removed by a massive team of servants. Meanwhile, the woman he claimed fled in shame, leaving a critical Lucy who couldn't help but share her thoughts on the matter. But in a hurry, I suddenly took that as an opportunity to begin my confession. It was time to officially end things with Lucy. Her lack of understanding and empathy for others annoyed me. When I tried to explain my point to her, she exploded, spilled wine on me and walked out. Humiliated, I retreated to the men's room to clean up. I then headed to the private bar to drink my worries away. But luckily, I was with two beautiful women who were already cozying up to the bartender.
• I tried to keep a low profile to avoid further drama. But as I had a glass of wine, I couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring. Was I going to end up in another messy situation or is this a chance to start over? Time was yet to tell. My inbox was flooded with e-mails, mostly from my mother, who was appalled by the rumour that her son had started a secret petition against his father's plans for the impoverished town.
• That thing kept me up all night. Shaking the bar stool in frustration, I couldn't help but feel like the whole world was against me. Nothing was going my way and I was longing for a silver lining. It was then that I accidentally knocked over a lady sitting at the bar. She was about to leave, but my clumsiness foiled her plans. I immediately apologized and helped her. Unexpectedly, the woman who I had knocked over was the woman who had been haunting my mind all those past moments. When she recognized me, her eyes widened and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. But soon her friend standing nearby was exclaiming, "Oh shit!" and insisted that they go.
• Despite the awkward moment, I couldn't help but want to get to know this woman better. As she remembered my identity as a young lord and cabinet minister of culture, I decided to take my time in making her feel comfortable. I asked for her name, but she seemed too afraid to answer. I assured her that I meant no harm, trying my best to be welcoming, and simply wished to know who the "Cinderella" before me was.
• She sat down next to me, her friend wondering whether to give us some privacy. "I'm going to go, let you do your thing, girl call me. I'll be at the 'Corner bar' with Michael," she said. She held her friend's shoulder and gave her a tight squeeze, assuring her that everything was going to be okay.
• "I'm... Adeline..."
• "Adeline? That is a lovely name for a lovely lady. Pleased to meet you," I tried so hard to be polite. The eagerness to pop the question was getting the best of me. I turned her head to face me, her eyes looking directly into mine.
• "Listen, sir, I'm sorry for what I did to you. I didn't mean to hurt you like that. I was just doing my job..." Her words made me laugh; they made no sense to me.
• "Your Job? Because I don't remember paying you for your services... you just up and left."
• She looked confused. "Left? But…You liked it!" she yelled. Her expression was mixed with anger and embarrassment. I lowered my head, apologized for my outburst and asked for a do-over, just in a different location.
• "Please, I think there's been a misunderstanding because... you latched onto me without my consent, but you are right, I liked it."
• She stared as I waited for feedback.
• "Well, I thought this was about the... never mind." I wanted to know what she thought, but before I could ask, she cut me off and started to explain how foggy her memory was from that night." I did something I've never done before and it brought out a person that I don't remember, I'm sorry for what I did to you."
• "Why don't I remind you of what you did to me, Ms. Adeline?" She looked shocked and offended...
• "I'm not here to lecture you. In fact, I'm here to thank you for the incredible evening we shared, though brief. Allow me to get you another drink so I can remind you of my recollection of our wild night together," I said, anxious to recount every detail.
• As I shared my memories, I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of being with an amazing woman who knowingly indulged in something she shouldn't have simply because she didn't know the extent of its effects. Despite her drunk condition, I was drawn to her infectious smile, the attractive hollow of her left cheek, and the attractive neckline that caught my attention. She was completely unaware of the intensity of her movements.
• "Well, at least it was a good time, right?" she whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She laughed and teased me about not running away like a "man". Sensing my anxiety, she apologized profusely and gave me a soft kiss on the hand. When she got up to leave, I knew I couldn't let her go just yet. I needed more, a little more time to make her feel like I did, to remember every moment we shared. So, I offered to take her home, determined to catch this elusive fox once and for all.