CHAPTER FOUR

CRYSTAL

It was the week of the party. Jack had called earlier to remind me of the party and to inform me that his chauffeur would come pick me up when it was time.

Time passed quickly as it was time for the party and I was driven to the party. It was a long drive and we finally stopped in front of a residential suit.

As I entered into the mansion,I was immediately enveloped in a world of luxury and elegance. The high ceilings seemed to gleam in the soft light while the sound of gentle chatter and clinking glass filled the air. I was greeted by the warm smile of a waiter,who offered me a glass of champagne from his tray.

The room was filled with people dressed in formal attire,their faces lit with the soft glow of chandeliers. I let my eyes roam over the crowd, accessing the sophisticated decorations and the sprawling gardens visible through the floor to ceiling windows.

I walked through the crowd,my eyes scanning the crowd for any glimpse of Jack but he was out of sight. I was about to bring out my phone to text him that I was here when I felt a hand slip around my waist.

“You seemed lost,beauty,”A raspy voice said as I wriggled myself from his grip.

I stepped away from him sharply,“ Excuse me?” I said with furrowed brows as his face came into view.

I was about to lash out on him for grabbing my waist when Jack came to meet me.

“You are here. I have been searching all over for you,” he said, warmly as we hugged briefly.

“Yea, I’d just arrived,” I said as we disengaged from the hug.

Jack glanced at me then looked at the strange guy standing close to me.

“Hey Drake,” Jack said, extending his hand for a handshake. “I didn't know you would be here today,”

My brow furrowed in surprise, “Do you know him?” I asked, still surprised that Jack would know someone like him and they seem to be close too.

“Yea,this is–” Jack said,but was interrupted by the strange guy.

“I would like to do the introduction myself,dear friend.” He said, smirking, while Jack let out a soft laugh and gave him a go ahead. “I'm Drake Williams. The manager of RawHaus Art company. It's nice meeting you,Crystal Morgan,” he said with a wide smile that brought out his dimples.

‘He knows me?How come? I'm just meeting him for the first time today,’ I said internally as I blinked my eyes in shock.

“Excuse me for a few minutes,I have to pick this,” Jack said, leaving us.

“I'm quite surprised that you know me,Mr Williams,”I said to him as we walked up the stairs and went to stand on the balcony.

“Let's say, I'm a fan of yours that has followed you for a long time and is also in love with your Art,” he said, taking a sip from his glass. “And also,call me Drake,” he said, as he brushed strands of hair off my face, which I find intrusive but I didn't show it.

I looked at him as my mind was connecting the dots as Drake gave answers to my questions. ‘I need to ask more questions to be sure if my suspicion is right or wrong,’

I turned and rested my back on the balcony slab and faced him, “So,what made you my fan?” I said,as I sipped my drink.

A subtle smile played on his lips as he leaned forward slightly, that only a tiny space was between us.

“The day I came across your art in one of your posts on social media, the canvas caught my attention and seemed to resonate with something I could relate to,” he said as he stared into my eyes.

We were standing too close and the eye connection was so uncomfortably intense that I had to do something to break it so I let out a small cough, “That seems to be deep,” I said as I snapped out of the stare.

‘What the hell is that?’ I said in my thoughts.

His hand went up to my face and cupped it, “Your paintings are like balm to my wounds,” he said.

‘He’s such a sweet talker and flirty.’

My brows rose in question, “ Wounds?” I asked.

“You see,I didn't have the best childhood. My parents weren't the best parents as they weren't there when I needed them most.” He paused,then drew me to himself and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“I have always wanted to meet the beautiful painter who painted my plain with colors. I can't stop getting you out of my mind because you have clouded my mind the more since I saw you at the Aether Award ceremony,” he said as he looked at me more intimately.

‘Oh no! He is…the one,’ I stuttered in my mind as fear began to rise in my chest.

His head moved slowly to mine for a kiss but I was quick to push him away as we heard someone calling his name from behind.

“Drake!” The masculine deep voice said, firmly. Our eyes looked at the direction the voice came from.

A man in a tailored navy suit emerged from the shadows,his presence commanding attention without effort. His chiseled features and piercing eyes seemed chiseled from germ stones yet his neutral demeanor started his jawline. As he closed the distance,his fitted clothes accentuated his athletic build that projected an aura of authority and confidence.

“Boss,”Drake said as his face paled. “Are you done with your meeting?”

“I should be asking you why you wander off when I need you to stay put, Drake,” he replied,his hands planted in his pocket.

My brows rose in curiosity as I wonder who this might be. I was still wondering when the unknown man faced me.

“Are you Miss Crystal?” He asked as he stretched his hand for a handshake.

“Yes, I am,” I replied, nodding as I shook his firm hands.

“ My manager has said a lot about you and we can't wait to work with you on our newest project. I'm Jaden Zenor. The CEO of RawHaus,” he said.

“Work?Newest Project?” I asked, surprised that Drake hadn't mentioned that since.

“ Yes. First of all, I apologize on behalf of my manager but I want you to think about it and get back to us as soon as possible and I assure you that you won't regret working with us,” he said, handing out his business card to me.

‘He had seen what transpired between Drake and I,’ I thought as I collected the card and glanced at it.

“Accept my apologies,Miss Crystal. I didn't know what came over me,” he said, remorsefully.

“It's okay,” I said, taking a deep breath as this was a cue for me to run away from this stalker. “I will think about this, Mr Jaden.” I said then walked away.

As I was leaving the building,I quickly pulled out my phone from my purse to dial Ella's number. Ella picked the call after two rings.

“I have a suspect,it's definitely the stalker.”