CHAPTER NINETEEN
The grey mansion
Serene music began playing, and a few people hit the dance floor. Ethan walked towards Bella and Lilith with a smile.
"Hi," He greeted, obviously stunned by the gorgeous lady in front of Him.
"Hi," Bella replied indifferently, refusing to lock gaze with him... Was she shy? Or was she trying to avoid glaring at him? Ethan gave her his arms, she took them and he led her into the crowd.
"You look Stunning Bella" He smiled as they went through the crowd.
"Thanks, you don't look bad yourself." She replied. From afar she spotted Santiago and his wife... Wait! Ethan was taking her to see them...? As they approached Bella bit hard on her lips as they stood facing his parents.
"Bella, these are my parents Williams and Lola Santiago... Dad, mum meet Bella" He introduced.
"Nice to meet you, darling, We've heard a lot about you" Lola Winked and Bella felt her hands quiver as they shook.
'what has Ethan possibly said to her about herself' she pondered. Santiago on the other hand Scanned her from head to toe before bringing forth his large hairy hands for a handshake.
"Hi Bella.....?" He paused and Bella cut in
"Bartimeus Sir," Bella said with her eyes still fixed on the floor, the rhythm of her heart increased she swore Ethan could feel or even hear it.
"Awww! Don't be shy dear" Lola smiled warmly, judging her posture for bashfullness.
"Raise your face up Child" Santiago Said, and Bella calmly raised her head silently praying in her head, and then their eyes met... She shook visibly as She stared into the face of her sworn enemy for the very first time in her life. She always saw him on the papers and on the news and on very few occasions from afar... If only her hands were not tied she would have shoved multiple needles into his throat.
When Santiago saw her face He furrowed his brows, His strong expression softened a bit as he stammered.
" You look... familiar, I can't quite remember. " He scratched his head, trying to recall.
"Oh no sir, We haven't possibly met before. " She replied, avoiding his gaze and preventing him from depicting any atom of Animosity in her.
"Well, people tend to look like others right and I've met a lot of people in my life... It's a pleasure to meet an acquaintance of my son" He chuckled. Then He turned to Lola.
"Let's leave Ethan and His girlfriend we have a lot of guests to attend to" She took his hands, with a wide smile across her face as Her husband dragged her towards some guests. Bella heaved in relief... She successfully kept her temper in check.
"Your mum is quite the dresser... She has eyes for good clothes" Bella said as they walked around, and Ethan would greet people briefly.
"Well, I always thought she was a little too old-fashioned," Ethan said waving at a group of men who cheered as they passed by.
"Men! What do you all know about fashion" She Scoffed.
"Well, quite a lot I believe, I heard a man created the Victoria's Secret brand" He stated.
"You're very knowledgable in that aspect I guess," She said and Ethan agreed. Bella looked back at Santiago and Lola as they stood with an elderly Chinese couple.
"Isn't it boring to greet people for hours at big events like this?" She asked yawning.
"Quite tiring for my mum and myself but my dad, That's Something he enjoys " He replied waving at People who waved back, then focused his gaze on her.
"care to dance" He requested like the gentleman he was, Bella didn't refuse, she had her cards laid out and she must play it well.
"Why should I refuse, it's your party" She sneered as he smiled triumphantly dragging her to the dance floor. He was glad she didn't refuse his request as she normally did. He held her tiny waist gently with his left hand while holding her shoulders with the other, they moved slowly with the low tempo of the music, and in a few seconds, all eyes were on them.
"You're terrible at dancing do you know that" Ethan smiled playfully as they twirled around, this was the 4th time Bella had missed a step and stepped on his shoes.
"Yeah" She cleared her throat, Her eyes wandered in fear as the crowd kept increasing in number, she could hear their voices and praises.
"what a cute couple, Is she his new girlfriend? She's gorgeous? They are perfect!" The comments kept coming.
"And you agreed to dance with me knowing that you are terrible " He taunted. He noticed she looked very uncomfortable with the eyes and whispers of onlookers.
"Let's go" He whispered dragging her away from the crowd.
"Where are we going?" She asked nervously.
"Somewhere, it is a secret" He responded, guiding her through a back door.