***Ten***

My reaction towards Misha didn't go unnoticed by the invited crowd or Shaun. As I took in my place, found it considerably hard to avoid his piercing gaze. Instead I turned my stare straight towards dad's aging eyes, I've prepare myself mentally to find disappointment lingering within, yet the only emotion readable in my father's stare is guilt. The reason behind such an emotion I really can't say. My line of sight caught hold of Giovanni's questioning look, which I quickly avoid just to find myself back at the starting point. Shaun's best man stared back at me and I lost myself momentarily within the man's gaze. I'm completely absent in his presence. I scanned his body with my wondering eyes and fallen upon cloud nine when my peepers landed upon the man's kissable lips. A sudden commotion pulled me out of my awkward state. That's when I first noticed the newly weds sealing it with a kiss. I can feel how the faintest shade of pink dusted my complexion. Still I couldn't help myself as to take another peep at him. It's like I'm trapped in a voyage of time and everything that's happening around me occurs in slow motion. The crowd around me grew silent, like they've completely vanished from existence. He inched closer until our bodies were standing abreast. His warm breath against the crown of my head enchants me. "You're back," he said merely in a whisper. A shiver cross my spine, but just as quickly it got replaced with a void when I realized that Misha's pulling away. I looked straight at him confusingly. "Will you be staying or are you going to run away like before?" His question left me flabbergasted. How do I even respond to that? Surely my parents must have informed him about my situation and how it went beyond me to leave in the first place. If it had been up to me, I would've stayed and completed me schooling right here, but unfortunately that decision wasn't in my hands. He turned around and left me standing alone. I stared at the place where Misha stood moments before, speechless and unwilling to move. Eventually I sunk down into a sitting position, trying to make sense of everything that just happened. 

I could see how feet came closer; the person joined me on the low step before the altar and placed a warm hand upon my arm. "Are you okay?" I recognized the voice to belong to Cassie. I can easily lie by nodding my head but I would feel like crap afterwards, so instead I left her question unanswered. "The heat that penetrates between you and the best man is unholy. Who's that guy? Do you know him?" She ended off with twin questions. I nodded my head before informing her that it's Misha Anderson. I turn my attention towards her; wanting to see her reaction and it is absolutely priceless. "Girl, if my English Teacher looked like that, I would've done more than just lick his throat," she stated to my dismay. 

The first few years after I were forced into the care of some relatives on my mother's side, life had been tremendously hard on me. It didn't matter what I did, I simply couldn't get him out of my mind. So when I started out with my university degree I had to confront in somebody about my deepest secret. That's when Cassie, Giovanni and Logan found out about my heart's deepest desire. Randomly they started introducing me to young bachelors who eventually fall for the five other girls in the house. Even my two male companions had fallen victim to that trap. It's been years since I've thought about him or revisited memory lane just to get a glimpse of Misha Anderson. The guys ultimately stopped trying to fix me up with guys in random and classes kept me much to busy to focus on the opposite sex.

Cassie grabbed hold of my wrist and pulled me to my feet. Down the aisle she dragged me and as she did so she said: "Come on, hurry up! We have a reception to get too." Towards the part of the venue where the reception is being held, I'm being dragged by Cassie's sturdy grip. At entrance somebody swiped me into secure arms, pulling me towards the dance floor. "I'm sorry; the last thing I told you had been cruel and uncalled for. I'm sure that you had reasons for your actions," he apologized as he pulled me closer to his body. "What action?" I asked puzzlingly as he twirled me around. "Are you really playing the innocence-card with me right now?" He questioned while his lips barely touched my hair. He twirled me out and back towards him, folding his arms around my waist. "I'm not sure that I understand what you're implying," I stated bluntly. Our bodies move in sync as he led me across the floor. His hot breath plays against my skin as he leans in closer and whispered into my ear: "Apparently you're not only a tease but also the most innocent creature created by God's hand." I had just about enough of his insults. I pushed him harshly away and Misha barely lost his footing. Who does he think he is coming around saying things like that? He has no idea what I've been through the last six years. "Aagh…" I screeched out as I stomped my feet like a five year old princess. "GO SCREW YOURSELF MISHA ANDERSON!!!" With that being screamed I turned around and left the area. 

I kept on walking and I walked some more. My heels hits the asphalt but still I kept on walking down hill. The Sir Lowreys pass is extremely steep. Only one destination lingers within my mind set, anywhere that's as physically as possible away from his hauntingly handsome face. The shoes cut into my heels sensitive flesh, enveloping me in a wave of extreme pain. A car came to a slow drive beside me, the window rolled down revealing the one face that I'm trying to get away from. "Genevieve, get into the car," he told me. "No thank you, I'd rather walk," I responded without looking his way. "Genevieve!" he exclaimed slightly under his breath. "Misha!" I mimicked his tone. "God dammit woman, stop acting like a toddler and get into the freaking car!" As he said this the door swung open. I have no other choice as to except his offer.