CHAPTER 51

April 16th,2003" Reece said, he had his eyes on Ryan.

"Stop worrying too much about that date and just enjoy the party." Father said, pouring himself some champagne in a wineglass.

Father looked like he was in doubts, he kept glancing at me, as though he was observing my body.I stared at Reece, his eyes kept darting at Jake in the most suspicious manner.

It made me want to ask if he had met him before now.

"... and now, since we don't intend to waste your time, may the auctioning begin." He said.*****

The auction had ended, everyone stood as the chairs and tables were moved aside.

Mingling and mixing up with other aristocrats wasn't my thing. I stood in a pretty dark corner close to the large balcony, chugging on a bottle of champagne.

I can't be seen by Ryan, worse, I don't want to have a conversation with him.My heart kept thumping.

Why am I here?I should have refused to come. I should have feigned sickness or something.My face drooped, I felt really tired and my toes were sore.

"You looking rather dashing tonight, baby girl."

The soothing soft tones of Ryan's voice jolted me.I quickly turned around to look at him.

"J-Jake? How... what... I-I..." I pressed my lips together, unable to make a sentence.

"You honored my invitation, I am happy that you did." He said.

Ryan's eyes kept peering into my soul through his strong gaze."I know." I said, looking away almost immediately.

"And I'm sure you also know something. You also know who I am, right?" He asked.

"Wh-What do you mean?" I asked.

He took a step closer, closing the gap between us."What do you know about me?" He asked.

I lifted my head up to look into his eyes."What do I know about you? What do you mean?" I asked.He furrowed his brows at me, as if aware of my lies."Are you trying to lie to me?" He asked.

"No..."

I took a step backwards. He clutched my wrist, pulling me closer.

"I can tell when you lie, baby girl. Reece was at your apartment that day, he even mentioned my real name to you and..." he brought his head down, sniffing on my shoulder,"... you smell so good. As always, you are my favorite smell."

I felt his hand on my waist and then, he slowly glides it up to cup my boobs.

I pushed at his chest, moving backwards."My father and Reece is here."He cock a brow."So?"

"You can't be intimate with me." I said, standing firm and bold.

Ryan eyes softened, they trailed down my body slowly and then up. They rested on cleavage."I have missed you, Rachel.

It's unfair that I had to." His eyes moved to stare into mine.

"Stop it, Jake. You have to behave yourself now that..."

"I reserved a room in an hotel close by. We should retire in it after the party."I frowned,

"No! Never!!..."

I was about walking out on him, he caught my arm.

"I'm trying to go gentle on you. Don't you miss me? Don't you miss, Uncle Ryan?"I jolted and without any delay, I slapped him hard Across the cheek.

It made his head tilt to the side. His cheek reddened, fear gripped me on seeing him slowly move his head to face me. Heads turned to look at us, thankfully, no paparazzi was around.He tucked his hands in his pockets."I wasn't expecting you to slap me, rather, I was looking forward to your answer."

I scowled."Why should I answer to you?"He shrugged.

"Because, You know who I am now and if you want to know the truth and what happened, here..." he took out a blank card, handing it to me,"... that's the room card. Room 565,Hotel Dela Royale.

I will be waiting."

"Mr Jake...!"He turned around to see my father approaching him with Reece by his side. I became uneasy.

"You are such a phenomenon. Thankfully, I was the highest auction bidder." Father said."Strange. You know Rachel?" Reece asked, they both stood in front of him.

"Yes, I do.

Is that a problem, Mr Reece?" Although Ryan voice was calm, I could hear the subtle snarl in it.Reece eyes darted angrily at him."Not at all."

"Well... it seems you two know each other. it's so nice to finally see who Seamus is. I love your works, it reminds me of a teenager I once took in as my ward.

He loved sculpting in his free time." Father said, beaming with smiles.Ryan didn't look pleased.

I could tell that the smile on his face was being faked."Good to know."

"Rachel, accompany me to the car." Reece said."I was about leaving. I don't need to accompany no fucking person to a car!" I snapped.