Chapter 4_ Attacked

~Avery~

Applause rose from different part of the room as I climbed the stage. I felt a piercing eyes drilling a hole by the corner of my head. Taking a glance by the side, I met with Ella's  furious gaze and by her side was Scott who looked so surprised.

I pulled my gaze away from them and smiled tapping the microphone gently.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen..I really appreciate your presence, this day wouldn't have been possible without the support of my wonderful parents and family… Thanks once again and enjoy the rest of the night” 

Another round of applause escorted me as I walked down from the podium. The smile i had on never ceased for a moment.

I've waited patiently for this day to come and it was finally here. There was absolutely nothing that would stop me from enjoying this night.

Few of my dad's business partners flocked around me to congratulate me on my new position in the company.

I stopped a waiter and accepted one of the golden colored champagne he held on a tray. 

“Thanks” I mouthed raising the glass to my lips and that was when I spotted Scott and Ella having a little disagreement.

Something within me sparked as I gazed upon my ex-husband, he didn't seem happy by Ella's nagging. I was a bit lost because she was the woman he chose over me six years ago. So why was he acting that way?

I was lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice his eyes on mine. Once I noticed his attempt to take a step towards me, my legs moved on their own accord to the exit of the hall.

Few days ago when we bumped into each other, I felt like he wanted to say something to me but I wasn't ready to listen to him. Not now! Not ever!

****

I walked hurriedly to my red Porsche when I heard my name continuously being called out to by a familiar voice. The louder his voice grew the more I realized how close up he was catching up to me. Curse this stilettos!

“Avery.."

Suddenly, I felt a strong grip on my arm causing me to turn abruptly. My exposed back touched the cold side of the car and for a moment time stood still.

His touch… His scent filled my nostrils..

“What do you think you're doing?! Stay away from me!" 

I pushed his chest with every strength I had in me. I didn't want him close to me, because he doesn't deserve to stand next to me after what he had done to me.

“Avery.. please hear me out-

"Don't call me by name Mr Brandon because you're not qualified to address me so causally..” 

I saw the look of surprise that flashed past his dark orbs, tonight must have been full of surprises to him.

“You've changed so much..where have you been all these years?"

A snort left my throat. He wasn't at all qualified to ask me anything concerning my whereabouts or my well-being. Whatever we shared in the past ended that day he chose his ex girlfriend over me and also handed the divorce papers to me.

“That is none of your business.. we aren't related in anyway for you to ask me such personal questions Mr Brandon!” I stated firmly through gritted teeth. Clutching my red Gucci purse tightly, I swerved to the side and pulled the backseat door open.

I hadn't taken a step in yet when I heard a slash and a deep and painful groan behind me. Driven and shaken by fear, I turned back to see Scott holding the side of his tummy.

Blood!

His white shirt was stained and dripping with blood. A shriek left my lips but I was enveloped into a hug shielding my sight from the bloody sight before me.

“Scott!” 

"Shh.. I'll call the ambulance” 

I pulled away from the embrace and looked up to see the familar pair of eyes staring warmly down at me.

"Stephen-

Stephen took a glance at Stella and gave a nod to her, he guided me into the car and soon after Stella joined me.

I stared out of the glass panting heavily. My mind couldn't comprehend what just happened a minute ago? Scott was stabbed. 

His eyes met mine while he clutched the side where he was stabbed. He wobbled and fell on his knees hissing and groaning in pain.

I spotted Ella rushing out of the building, she was quick to place her hand over his injury while screaming in pain.

Scott's eyes never left mine until the car started moving out slowly.

“Avery.. are you okay?" 

I barely gave a nod. My head was still filled with various thoughts. How? And why? I couldn't even catch a glimpse of whoever it might have been. Everything happened and ended within seconds of me backing away from him.

Who could be responsible for that? Not like I really cared about him but this had something to do with my event. I wasn't ready to be involved in a scandal before i even begin my role as the president of the company.

I muttered a silent prayer for everything to be alright.

***

The next morning, my worst fears came through. Every news channel were talking about last night's incident.

My name was literally being dragged through the mud. Everyone thinks that I had something to do with his attack given that I'm Scott's ex-wife. My head ached from the news and the scandal I'd have to deal with later on.

The TV suddenly went off startling me, I looked up to see Stephen stretching a mug of coffee to me. I sighed accepting it even though I wasn't in the mood to have coffee.

There were more bigger things at hand but again, I didn't want to hurt his feelings because he was trying his best to help.

“Don't worry Avery.. I'll take care of that. You shouldn't worry yourself too much"

I offered a faint smile at him and gave a nod .

“Oh goodness! I completely forgot about Allison.. she'll be late for school" 

Stephen walked around the sofa I was sitting on and calmly placed both hands on my shoulders massaging it gently.

“Relax..she'll be down soon.. I already took care of that"

I sighed in relief and for a moment I was deeply enjoying his soothing hands do its magic on my shoulders but the door bell rang startling me out.

A servant was quick to get the door and soon a few men strode in.

I sat up at once recognizing them by their uniform. One of them pulled out an id from his pocket and raised it up a little.

“Miss Brown.. you're under arrest” 

My jaw deopped as soon as I heard him speak.