I didn't know how one week went by in going out with Daniel. Though he had a hectic schedule still, he made sure to make time for me. I too tried my best to set my schedule free. We both managed our schedule.

In just a week he had taught me how to keep my mind at peace. He taught me, how beautiful life can be if we take a break for some time from the bustling episodes of our daily routine.

And to teach me that, he took me to many places. One day, he took me to the forest, early in the morning, and asked me to take a stroll, barefoot. He asked me not to speak a single word and not to think about anything. He asked me to just feel the essence of the moist grass and admire the beauty of the trees.

And that really helped me. It was basically a different kind of meditation. That day, I felt lively, spirited, and burden-free.

Another day, he took me to a rescued dog shelter. There, we spent our time with the frisky puppies and dogs. There, I learned if the animals could again trust the ones who gave them scars and torn them into pieces then humans could do the same. The visit to the animal shelter filled me with optimism.

Apart from that, Daniel's playful nature and his witty remarks kept me entertained. His carefree attitude and his smile kept me hooked on him. With him, there was never a single moment where I didn't smile; there was no dull moment.

"Your secretive smile is affirming that you're getting along with Daniel."

I glanced in the mirror to see Trish who was busy brushing my hair but had a smile on her lips.

"If I wasn't getting along, I wouldn't have been going out with him," I commented.

"I know that and I can see the changes in you. Daniel surely is doing a great job." She commented, placing the brush back on the dresser table. She picked up the blush palette and brought the brush near my face to apply it on my face.

"You know, these days you don't need artificial blush as your cheeks are always covered with shades of pink." She grinned, looking at my face. "Tell me, did you two do something which I'm not aware of?"

Heat instantly crept on my face. "Goodness, Trish, how many times should I tell you? Nothing happened and nothing is going to happen. We're just friends." I whisper hissed, looking sideways, not wanting to attract unwanted attention as we were in a green room.

She brought her face even closer to mine and whispered: "Everything starts with a friendship, El."

"Your blush, your eyes, and your mind which is always thinking about him say that you've started liking him." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Don't..." She cut me off.

"Don't even think about saying that you don't like him. Because you do." She stood straight and crossed her arms across her chest then again spoke, "People generally confirm their likes or dislikes on their first date, and my dear Eloi, you're going on a date... every day."

I would be lying if I say that her remark didn't cause a flutter in my stomach. Date with Daniel? Was I going on a date with him since day one? Nah! It was just a... Wait? What if he thinks the same as Trish? But we hadn't done anything. I mean, there was no sign of affection between us. I only kissed him once and that too on his cheek and that was it. He too never advanced anything.

But there is always a tingling sensation in my body whenever I'm with him. How do I explain this?

It would be a waste of energy to explain to her as she would hear what she wants to hear.

Ignoring Trish's intense gaze I focused on my reflection in the mirror. "You better concentrate on your work. See, my eyeshadow isn't applied correctly." I pointed at my right eye.

"Everything is perfect, don't change the topic." Her reply made me squint my eyes at her but before I could say anything the crew members of the event announced the start of the event.

I was walking on the runway show organized for the charity. The dress wore by the models will be auctioned after the runway show and money collected from that would go to NGOs working for the betterment of malnourished children.

"Hey, Eloise, you're looking beautiful." Evan came up to me.

"The magician is here." Trish bowed her head dramatically. Evan praised her and kissed her then he took a chair and sat beside me.

"El, there is something very important I need to tell you." He said.

"What?" I frowned because he looked tense.

"Rick is here." He informed me, looking directly into my eyes. I huffed and bit the inside of my cheek.

"I can't escape from him. I'll find him everywhere I go. But don't worry, I'll be careful. Okay?" I patted his hand softly. He was worried about me.

"Fuck! I can't even find a solution to bring you out of this mess." He said frustratingly.

"Hey, Evan. Don't stress about it. Everything will fine." I squeezed his hand softly.

"Looks like Daniel's magic is working on you. I never saw you this much positive before." He teased me with a soft smile. I swatted his hand away and said, "Don't you guys have anything else to talk about?"

"Don't tell me you don't like to talk about him," Trish remarked, showing her wide eyes.

"Shut up." I glared at both of them.

The runway show began and I waited for my turn as mine was last. I was wearing a show stopper, a black dress. When my turn came, I gave a pep talk to myself to prepare myself for the walk.

No matter how successful you become, there is always a hesitation inside you before you go out to do something big.

I walked confidently on the ramp in the black thigh-high slit dress. I couldn't see anything as the spotlight was on me and everything else was dark but I could feel the intense gaze of every single person present there. After the solo walk, I again stepped on the runway with the designer and after giving hundreds of poses to the paparazzi I went back to the green room to change into my clothes as the gown was going to be put up on the display.

Trish helped me remove my makeup then I changed my dress and wore a knee-length, off-white halter neck dress to join back the event. I went back to the event to mingle with the people of the industry.

"Oh, my daughter, come here. You were awesome on the runway." My mom who was standing between the group of ladies gave me cheek to cheek kiss. I smiled at her.

Claire was also standing with them but she didn't say anything.

"I must say, Eloise, No one can match your style." One of the ladies commented. I smiled and thanked her.

"Eloise, this is Mrs.Emma Henry, she's starting a new cosmetic line and she wants you to endorse the range." Mom said, introducing me to Mrs. Henry.

Mrs. Henry smiled and spoke, "Yes, Eloise, I want to work with you. I'm amazed by the talent of yours. You know, I'm looking forward to finalizing two models. And let me tell you, you and Claire Wilson are my first choices."

My eyes went on Claire who had an almost unnoticeable scowl on her face. Work with her? Great!

I forced a smile and faced Mrs. Henry. "Thank you for believing in me. I'll surely send my manager to your office for the details."

"Ah! That's great." Mrs. Henry smiled broadly.

"That's great but I think you would have to wait, Emma." The Voice of the most irritating and vile person interrupted our conversation.

"Ah! Rick, nice to meet you." Mrs. Henry gave him a kiss on his cheek.

He smiled at her and faced me. "Emma, I've already decided to sign this beautiful lady as the face of my new clothing brand. You'll have to wait."

I bit the inside of my cheek in irritation and glared at him. He faced mom and I felt my mother tensed beside me.

"Elena, You promised me something, right?" He smirked as he said that to my mother.

Mom forced a smile and said, "Ah... Yes, Mr. Hasihington. I remember that." She was hesitant. Why was she behaving like that? Why was she tensed?

"Oh!" Mrs. Henry frowned. "I really wanted to work with her but I can't come between Rick and his decisions."

"Next time, Emma. And besides, you have one more talented person with you. She is one of the best too." Rick said referring to Claire. She smiled broadly and thanked him. He in return kissed her hand.

I was annoyed. He was talking like he owned me... like he owned everyone.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Henry," I said and gained everyone's attention. I kept my eyes on her. "I might work with you after I get the details as it's my choice who I work with, right?" Saying that I faced Rick whose expression changed all of a sudden.

Everyone looked at me like I had grown horns. My mother nudged me but I knew what I said and I was not going to change anything.

An awkward silence grew between us. Rick didn't let go of my gaze. I smirked at him and said, "Excuse me, I have to meet other people too." I slipped away from them and sighed. That was intense.

I was looking for Evan but I couldn't find him. He must be busy with other people. I tried to call him but he didn't pick up the phone. I again called him, he picked up but the voice wasn't clear so I walked towards the gallery to find a quiet place.

I dialed his number again but before it could connect I was forcefully dragged into a room.

"What the hell!" I seethed when I was pushed against the wall, my eyes got closed due to the sudden impact of the hit.

"What the hell? What the hell you did back there?" My eyes shot open when I heard Rick's voice.

I glared at him. "I don't think I did anything wrong," I commented confidently.

"You insulted me in front of everyone." He clenched his jaw.

"Oh? But I had to defend myself. You were talking like you own me." I met his blazing eyes.

His scowl changed into a smirk and he moved closer to me. I pushed myself against the wall.

"I own every one. No one talks back to me. No one dares to mend in my business but you... You're doing everything that no one can do." He moved his face closer to mine and said, "You're a little tough to get but I assure you that I will own you."

I tried to push him but he held my hands tightly against the wall. "Your feisty attitude turns me on, Darling. The more you push me away the more I get attracted to you." He rubbed his nose on my neck. I felt disgusted. I tried to push him but he didn't move. I inhaled sharply and dug my heels in his shoes.

"What the..." He hissed and backed away.

"Don't ever touch me again." I seethed. I was about to open the door but he grabbed me by my hair.

"Enough of being polite to you. I was thinking that you'll come to me by your wish but guess you have other plans. Now, I won't wait. I will have you, just wait and watch. He barked in my face. I struggled to get away from his hold but it was too tight.

"I never told you my real intentions. Now, I'm telling you. I want you. And darling, count your days because I'm coming for you." He jerked me away and went out of the room.

I stayed there, breathing heavily. I clutched my hair in my hand and groaned, "Why is this happening to me? Why does everything happen to those who raise their voice? How should I fight him?"

I decided to leave the event. After all, my work was done and my mother was enough to do other tasks, which is promoting me. I asked Evan to take me home. He asked many questions but I said I wasn't feeling well. So, he took me and Trish back home and then returned to the event to help my mother.

At home, I felt suffocated as Rick's threat was lingering in my head. I wasn't going to bent my knees in front of Rick but there was uneasiness inside me. My mind was not calm and negative thoughts started flowing in my head.

I picked up my phone and stared at the number my fingers were itching to dial. Daniel Adams could give me motivation and lift my mood but I couldn't just call him anytime. He must be busy. After contemplating for a few minutes, I dialed his number.

"Hey, what's up, Eloi!" An enthusiastic voice greeted of Daniel greeted me.

"Hello." I bit my lower lip. "You free?" I asked, my fingers crossed at my back.

"Yes, I am at home... Hey, Princess, don't do that. I'll clean the mess myself. And leave that bag on the couch."

Princess? Again? But Claire was attending the event. Then who is it? I again felt the tightness in my heart. Why was it happening to me?

"Hey, Eloi? You there?"

"Oh, yeah, I am."

"So, what were you saying?" He asked.

I bit the inside of my cheek and thought, "Should I tell him that I wanted to meet him, talk to him? No, I shouldn't, he's busy with his princess, in his house. I can't." I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead.

"Umm... Nothing. I just wanted to know if you were free. That's all."

"Eloi, what is it? I know there is something. Speak up." He said softly.

"There's nothing Dan..."

"Don't. There is something, I can hear it in your voice. You were to attend a charity event today. Is it over?" He asked.

"Yeah, it's over." My mind again went to Rick and his threat.

"You sound low. You okay?" He asked.

I felt my emotions building up inside me. I couldn't hold it anymore. I wanted him to give a pep talk to me.

"Can I meet you? If you're free." I added quickly.

"Yes, of course. You can meet me anytime you want and I'm home."

"If you don't mind, can I come over?" I said.

"Why would I mind? Of course, come over."

"Thank you." I hung the call.

I changed my clothes and informed Trish about my meeting with Daniel then I drove to his place.

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