CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

CRYSTAL

“What!” Ella's voice sounded from the speaker.

“Let's meet in my hotel room. I'm on my way,” I said,as I waved down a taxi,boarded it and was on my way back.

Ella was already seated in the lobby when I got there, “How were you able to get here so fast?” I asked, surprised to see her on time.

“Well, I was on my way here when you called. That aside,who is the stalker?” She asked, tilting her head as we walked to my room.

“I suspect Drake Williams,”

Ella brows furrowed, “Did you just say Drake Williams? The manager of RawHaus Art company?” She asked. I nodded my head in positive.

“Drake? No way,” she said in surprise.

“Do you know him?” I asked, unlocking my door, and taking my shoes off.

“Drake is one of the elite in this industry. But how come he's the stalker? I don’t think he’s the stalker,” Ella said, relaxing on the sofa.

“Oh,I see.But why do you think he isn't the stalker?”

“He is a type of person that goes for whomever he likes. If he was truly the stalker,he wouldn't be hiding but approach you directly,which he did at the party,”She said.

The room fell into silence as I began to reason what Ella said.

Ella rolled her eyes,“You know it's high time you start to associate with other people in the industry and not just sit behind your canvas all day.”

I glanced at her quickly before looking away. “Ella,you of all people know how I love my privacy,”I said, softly.

“Okay,what made you think he was the stalker?” She asked.

“He was touchy and flirted with me,”I said. “Then he spoke about how he loved my paintings, following me on my socials and how he saw me in that Award ceremony. He tried to kiss me too.” I explained, thinking Ella would get my reasons.

“Crystal, Drake is obviously a fan who likes you,he doesn't look like a stalker. You have to stop being paranoid,thinking everyone you meet is the stalker.”

“What do you want me to do then? I stay calm when I'm aware of someone monitoring my moves? I'm scared,Ella.” I said with a trembling voice.

Ella moved closer and drew me into an embrace. “I'm aware how closed up,and scared you are. How you grew from being the carefree girl to being the uptight lady,” She said as she looked me in the eye. “You need to break off the wall limiting you from exploring the world. You can't.”

“Your fans can do anything to get your attention.The stalker isn't an exception. Celebrities get this a lot,you shouldn't let it disturb you. I can't keep staying away from important relationships because of some stalker. Moreover the police said they are working on it,right?” She said,

“I'm really scared,Ella. The police haven't even given us feedback on this. I don't feel safe at all, I can't be calm when I'm aware someone somewhere has been stalking me.” I said,my body shaking with fear.

Ella shook my shoulders gently as if letting what she just said sink into my head.‘She’s right. I have been worked up and scared these past few days because of the stalker and now I am starting to suspect everyone who gets close to me.’

“The stalker could be anyone , so you have to be on guard but also loosen up.” She said as she got ready to leave.

I took a deep breath as my body began to calm and we disengaged. “Seriously,I really don't know what I would do without you.” I said,sheepishly which made Ella laugh.

“That's what friends are for. I'm here for you anytime, Crystal.”

“Thank you,Ella.” I said,hugging her again.We said our goodbyes and I was all alone again.

I laid on the bed,facing the ceiling, thinking of a way to navigate the problem of being stalked and not letting it get into my way of building good relationships.Then nature took over as I drifted to Dreamland.

The following morning,the ring of my phone woke me up from sleep. I rolled over to my side as I picked up the phone without checking the caller ID, “Hello,”

“I’m I speaking with Miss Crystal?” the person said.

“Yes. That's me” I said, sitting up, then checking the screen.

“It’s Jaden Zenor. CEO of RawHaus Art company. We met at the party yesterday. I called to ask if you can come over to the company to check out the proposal.”he said.

“Oh…Sure. I will drop by later in the day.” I replied, walking to the bathroom.

“We would await your arrival.”he said,then the line went off.

Few minutes later,a message notification got my attention. My mind raced as I thought it was from the stalker but I remembered Ella's words and decided to face it. I checked the message and realized that it was a message from Jack.

“Good morning, sunshine.”

“Good morning, Jack.”

“So I was thinking if you would be free this evening. What do you think about going for a tour and an evening drive?”

“Huh,I don't think I would be free. I have some work to do.” I said.

“ I thought of showing you round the city,if you don't mind.”

“That's so thoughtful of you, Jack. But I don't think I would be free.”

“Don't tell me you wouldn't go on a tour before you travel back to Scotland? I knew you might be busy, that's why I'm suggesting we go in the evening. What do you think?”

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the message. “Huh.”

“I will take that as a yes.I will come pick you up by six. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes I think.” I pressed the send button.

I dropped my phone on the ceramic basin. ‘Can't he tell that I wasn't interested? Or should I send him a message later that I'm indisposed? He might want to check on me. No,that won't work. Ahggg. I guess I have no choice but to go.’ I said, internally.

I showered,got dressed,and went to RawHaus. I went straight to the receptionist and had to wait for a while because Mr Zenor was in a meeting.

He arrived shortly,we went to his office. In his office,he went straight to the point and brought out the proposal documents. I went through the documents. It is a proposal of a year's employment,it entails working on their new project ---a children foundation that requires warm paintings.I was also satisfied by the contract and told him I would get back to him.

Mr Zenor urged me to think on the proposal to which I promised to do then I left there shortly and headed back to the hotel.

It was some minutes to six and Jack was at the reception waiting for me. I made the final touches on my make up and looked in the mirror one last time and walked out of the room.

He was stunned as I walked to where he was,it was so evident on his face that he stared at me longer than normal and had wave before I could get his attention back.

“You look… stunning.” he said,his eyes hovering over my body.

I smiled, “You aren't looking bad too.” I replied as we walked to the car.

“Thank you.” he replied.

Jack wouldn't say where he was taking me to but when we got there, I felt like I was in another world.

“Welcome to Chinatown.” Jack said, spreading his hands out in the direction.

As we strolled through Chinatown,I felt carefree and happy, taking in the lifely atmosphere. Jack was a great company, and caught him gazing at me a few times. Whenever I look up,he glanced away, pretending he wasn't staring.

We chatted about our favourite parts of the tour. I laughed at Jack's impression of the local gamers, and he admired my enthusiasm. As the night drew to a close,we headed back to the car. We got talking about random things. “What made you choose Art as a profession?” Jack asked as he kick start the vehicle.

My lips curled into a smile. “I love Art. It's a way I get to express myself.” I said. “What about you?”

“Interesting! It explains how your paintings won peoples heart and also won the Aether Award,” he said and we both burst into laughter. “I own a company that's into the sales of Artistry materials. But I enjoy reading.”

“That's cool.” I commented. Jack smiled widely at my remark then fixated his eyes on the road.

As we drove, Jack turned to me then halted the car,his eyes locked on mine. “Crystal,I really admire your art,talent,and simplicity. Since the set my eyes on you the other day, I can't help but feel this attraction towards you.” he said,his voice low and husky. My breath etched as he leaned in,his face inches from mine and my heart skipped a beat as I felt his warm breath on my skin.

Just as he was about to kiss me, a loud bang interrupted us – A vehicle crashed into ours, making the car jolt from behind as we both lurched forward and I let out a sharp gasp.