A Week

Serena's POV 

Instinctively, I dashed around, hoping to avoid the imminent embarrassment but I accidentally bumped into someone and the drinks stained his suit.

A loud murmur echoed from the crowd. 

“That's Elliot Vance, he is a cold and dangerous person.”

“Serena will get what she deserves now. Elliot once arrested a nanny for not making his coffee properly.”

“Last I heard, he had his gateman tortured when he had honked at the gate just once.” Another said.

“He must have been obligated to attend the Whitmore’s engagement because I rarely see him at events.”

I lifted my gaze and met Elliot Vance's deep and emotionless eyes. His face was expressionless, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Camille immediately stepped forward, bowing. “I apologize for her clumsiness, Mr Vance. Please forgive us.”

But the man in question did not react to Camille's apology. Instead, his gaze remained fixated at me.

I felt the urge to puke, so I quickly turned around and rushed to the restroom. 

The murmurs from the crowd increased as I dashed off but I was unaware why. I stayed in the restroom, puking for a few minutes.

After washing up, the door to the restroom flew open and Karen appeared, looking like she'd seen a ghost.

“Serena!”

Completely oblivious, I said. “What's the problem?”

“We need to leave immediately!” She shrieked, the colour draining from her face.

“Why? Did something happen?”

“You have offended Mr Vance, Serena.” She answered.

“I'll apologize. I didn't mean to spill it on purpose.” I said.

“No, you don't get it.” She said hurriedly..”Leaving him standing there without an apology already made him the laughing stock.”

“Serena,” she paused and added, “No one messes with Elliot Vance. We need to leave immediately.”

“Why are you so afraid of him?” I asked as I stepped out of the restroom. “He's just a human being. An apology should do.”

“Serena, you're not listening.”

“Karen, I already said I'll apologize. We need to get back to work.” I replied and dashed off with her following and repeating her earlier words.

When I returned, the chaos had died down and the party was nearing it's end. Guests took to the dance floor and we're enjoying the music.

As I continued to attend to orders, I was not aware of a particular someone watching me keenly from the shadows. 

“You really came here to ruin my engagement did you?” Adrian approached me.

I snorted. “You seem to have forgotten that we recently got divorced. Why would I come to ruin your engagement?”

“You could be jealous of Camille, God knows. I'm just here to warn you not to harm Camille or my child in her.” He said and walked away.

I did not spare him another glance as I did not come for him. 

When the party came to an end, I looked around for Elliot Vance, hoping to apologize but I did not find him anywhere.

“I wonder what he'll do to you, Serena. He looked pissed when you ran off.” Karen told me as we returned to the hotel.

“Oh, he's not a god, Karen!”

“Then you've not heard tales about him.” She continued, “I heard—” and stopped abruptly.

I saw her face turn pale. When I traced her gaze I saw Elliot Vance standing in front of the hotel with a cigarette in his hand and a guard behind him.

“I think we should run.” Karen suggested.

But I walked up to him instead.

“Good evening, Mr Vance. I wanted to apologize for soiling your suit.” I said to him but his expression remained languid.

I continued, “You shouldn't have bothered stalking me or finding out my next location just because of the accident.”

The guard, whose head was bowed, suddenly looked up at me. His eyes held fear as if warning me to shut my mouth. 

I continued, “It was an accident.”

“How do you intend on paying for it?” He spoke, his eyes darker under the night sky.

“Ah…a person like you shouldn't expect repayment. I'm sure you have enough money, what could I possibly offer you?” I replied.

He lowered his gaze, staring at me. His tall frame loomed over me.

“I will not ask again, Miss Cole.”

I chuckled, “You already know my name? Hah, you must have gone extra miles. Are you really that petty? It's just a suit, Mr Vance. What would you have me do?

The guard shot another look at me. Why is he looking at me like that?

“Will you arrest me or sentence me to death?”

Karen held my arm, “Serena.”

“Looking at the suit closely now, I'll be honest with you, Mr Vance. You need to change your wardrobe or even you stylist.”

The guard moved towards me then, but Elliot raised his hand, stopping him.

I continued, “You already have an aloof countenance, giving you a suit as cold as you only makes people have the wrong impression.”

“As a repayment, I can help select clothes that would suit you best and perhaps change the narratives people have about you.” I suggested.

He tossed the cigarette away. “Miss Cole, do you think we're joking here?”

“Fine then,” I sighed. “I'll get you another suit.”

“You have a week.” He declared before walking away.