"Sky! Look at you! You look gorgeous!" Bernie exclaimed.

"Says the best dressed man of the party," I tease him.

"Not nice enough to get a date."

"Aw, you poor baby. Let me have your first dance then." Emilia extended her hand towards him.

He happily accepted, "Thanks darl."

They made their way to the dance floor. It was occupied by a lot of people. Despite being London's biggest event, only a few prestigious local and international organisations were invited.

I was soon joined by some of my previous associates from America. None of them knew that I was here, given the secrecy of my transfer, it was no surprise. We were laughing along and enjoying our drinks.

"Mrs.Carter?" I cringed and turned around to see a tall guy, almost about dad's age.

"Yes?"

"Hello. I am Benedict Thompson.I don't think we've met." Oh dear.Benedict Thompson, the guy who founded this company! I straightened up and shook his hand.

"Mr .Thompson, it is so great to finally meet you."

"Of course. When I heard you were joining , I was very happy. I'm sorry that your father couldn't make it tonight , but I'm sure someone from your previous company will be here. I hope you enjoy your night."

"Thank you sir." My previous company? Dad wasn't coming and neither was Asher. My breath hitched thinking about the only next person possible, but I removed the thought from my mind.It cannot be.

"Come on, Sky. It's your turn now! I don't think Bernie ever gets tired." I was brought out of my reverie as Emilia called out from the other side.

"Was that Mr. Thompson?" Bernie asked as I joined him on the dance floor.

"Yeah."

"Lucky you, some of us don't even catch his glimpse." I just snickered.

"So have you been enjoying the party?"

"Oh I definitely have." We danced in silence. Suddenly Bernie perked up, looking like he wanted to say something.

"Bernie?"

"Gimme a moment. I wanna do this all-American style."

I just gave him a confused look.

"Ah, okay. Hottie at 3 'o' clock , looking at you. And now he's approaching us."

I could see someone approaching us from my peripheral vision. He was clad in a well - fitted tuxedo along with a perfect bow tie. The man came and stood close by, his figure was familiar, almost too familiar.I could see his dark brown hair set back, it was very identical.

"Mind if I cut in?" That voice. It can only belong to one person. I held Bernie's hand tighter but I could see the confusion written all over his face. To not make a scene I just nodded and Bernie left.

His hand slipped into mine. He was very close and all around me was the unmistakable familiar pine scent that comforts me. But today, it was panicking me. I could feel the warmth radiating off of his body. His hands were soft as usual but a bit callous. Being this approximate to him was overwhelming me.

"Skylar." I choked up. Hearing my name from him sent me over the edge and yet I controlled myself to not run away. I didn't answer him and we kept on dancing.

"Skylar, please say something." I looked around for Em but she was nowhere. I couldn't take it anymore so I left. I ran as fast as I could in those high heels. I finally stopped near the entrance as I came out of the banquet. Why is he here? I will not go back. It was hard enough for me to deal with all the separation anxiet , he's making it even more difficult. I leaned against a wall to catch my breath.

He burst through the double doors and started walking in my direction. He had taken off his mask. That beautiful face--how I've missed it. He came near and took off my mask. I didn't stop him. His oceanic blue eyes were now darker, he was looking right into mine.Casting his spell, as usual.I averted my gaze.

He put his fingers on my chin and turned my gaze back to him.

"I am sorry. I am really sorry.''That wasn't gonna cut it.

"Please, answer me."He sighed,"Alright don't say anything. But at least hear me out." His voice was getting raspier as if choking a sob.

"I was an asshole. I know what I have done is unforgivable. I should've listened to your side of the story. I should've never asked you to leave. Please, I beg you. Forgive me, please." He sounded so desperate, I almost wanted to cry. But he had his chance.I cannot go back and forth whenever he feels like it.

"Please come back."

"No." I croaked out.

"Skylar, I beg of you. Please I cannot imagine my life without you."He had started kissing my neck. It was getting harder for me to resist it. I've missed this and wanted this from the day I got back. But I can't give in, I need to get a hold of myself.

"No, Ethan." I grasped free of his hold. "I am not a fucking toy, neither are my emotions. Maybe I'll forgive you but I will not come back."

"Skylar, don't say that. You have no idea what the past 2 weeks have been like for me."He said as he raked his hand through his hair.

"For you? Have you thought what it was like for me? Coming to a new country. Starting a new job. Uprooting your life? And I'm not saying that you're the reason for all of this but your distrust was one of the reasons that pushed me to do this. I will not come back."

He sagged to his knees and held my hands. Looking up at me,"I love you , Skylar Evans-Carter. I fucking love you."

I love you too.

But I was a coward. I didn't say it out loud--I couldn't.

He held me around my waist. "Come home and fight me shout at me , hit me. Do whatever you want, just come home."

I held his hands and freed myself. He looked up at me and I shook my head.I took a step back,"Skylar , don't do this..." His eyes were bloodshot and his hair was messy.

"Ethan, even if I come back, what are the chances that another misunderstanding like this happens and you go ahead and make rash decisions all by yourself rather than giving me a chance to explain myself? How do I trust you again?"

He didn't say anything. That's what I thought.

"Ethan, even if you've ever cared about me a little bit, you won't contact me from now on.Ever."

I could see the flash of pain in his eyes. This wasn't easy for me either. He just kept looking at me as I walked away.

"Wait!" He shouted. I almost didn't want to stop, but seemed like my body wasn't listening to me as I stopped.

He came up to me and pulled out something from his tux. A little black leather-bound diary.

My diary.

"You left this at home.Since you've decided to not come back , here." His brows were pushed together and his eyes were shining. He could barely speak as he gave me the diary.

"I not only care about you but I love you. I love you enough to let you go.Your happiness is what that matters.You won't hear from me again." With one last peck on my lips, he left.

He said he won't come back. I slithered down to the floor and cried my eyes out.

I got back home early, before Emilia. I had texted her that I was tired as I didn't have it in me to tell her everything. I got ready for bed. I still hadn't stopped crying. As I finally opened my journal, a note fell out.

Dearest Skylar

If you're reading this note ,it means we've talked through and still decided not to be with each other.This was my last resort to you but I won't beg you to come back. I want you to come back on your own , gain your full trust in me.

If only you could see what's going on inside my heart.I know our love will lead us to each other again at some point , just like my love led me to you.

I fell in love with you when we were together. But I fell even deeper when we are apart.

Goodbye for now.

Ethan.

Why? Why is he doing this? Why is he making it harder for me to stay on my decision? Am I in the wrong here? Should I have gone back with him?

Even if I did , there would be an uncertainty and lack of trust between us. We could never live like that, it'd be forced. But reading through his words takes me back to the flash of pain in his bloodshot eyes, clenching my heart. I need to make it stop. I have to stop crying.

Th entire month had been stressful. I wasn't able to concentrate on anything. If I gave anything too much of a thought, his face was the only thing that came to mind. I couldn't stop thinking about him. It was impossible.I hadn't slept in a week and this wasn't making things any easier. I also skipped out on the party held for completion of Mr. Burke's project. He was already hurt and so was I, going there would only make things worse.

Emilia was still here, which I was very thankful for. She still doesn't know what happened that night but looking at her she surely is concerned at my disheveled state.

I entered the apartment and was hit by the delicious smell of Chinese food.

"Ahh, you're here! See I brought your favourite."

"Thanks, Em. I'll just go freshen up."

I joined her in the living room soon enough.

"So I had to tell you something. I know it's not the right time, but you deserve to know."

"Oh, please. Everyday is the right time and I think I might have a hint on what you're about to tell me." It has to be about Ace. The way she has been texting all the time and that smile that has plastered on to her face , it's pretty clear.

"So , umm...Ace and I...we're umm...official."

"Congratulations Emilia!" I hugged her tight. I felt so guilty that she had to hide her happiness because of the ever-going problems in my life."I'm so happy for you."

"Yes, I can see that. But have you given a thought to you and Ethan?"

"Em, please. This is about you, let's not ruin it."

"No, Sky. It's always about someone else. Maybe it's time that you finally focus on yourself."

"Emilia, I will talk about it when I want to."

"Alright then." She said as she raised up her hands, surrendering.

That night it was all too much. So I decided to take the sleeping pills that Dr. Martin had prescribed. If I have to get through this rough patch , I need some sleep. Something I haven't been getting in weeks.

I popped the pills and closed my eyes. Despite crying , that night was the most peaceful sleep I had gotten.

I was walking down a path. It had no end , it was all foggy ahead. I felt someone holding my hand with familiar softness. I looked up to see Ethan, he had an angelic smile on his face. I jerked my hand and he let go of me.

"Why are letting go of me so easily?" I asked looking up at him.

"I'm doing exactly what you want me to do." He whispered and let go of me.

"No, wait."I shouted as he started walking away.

"Ethan, stop." He didn't listen to me, he kept walking.

"Ethan!" He disappeared into the mist and I ran after him.

"Sky , please for god's sake wake up!" Someone shook me violently as I opened my eyes. It was all a dream. Oh thank god.

"Emilia? Calm down."

"I cannot!"

"Why , what's the matter?"

"It's George Carter. He passed away last night in his sleep."

"What?!"