CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4: A Chance Encounter

The lavish ballroom was bathed in a warm light from the brilliant chandelier, which illuminated the sea of fitted suits and expensive dresses.

The sound of clinking champagne glasses and courteous talk filled the air. I moved through the throng with a grin on my face and glanced from one well-dressed visitor to another, navigating it with familiar ease.

Five years. That night was five years ago.

He disappeared from my life five years ago, leaving a huge void and a priceless secret in his wake. Five years of moving on from the past and creating a new life for my daughter and myself.

However, the past had a way of resurfacing into the present tonight.

It seemed like the earth was tilting on its axis when my gaze met everyone in the packed room. Time stopped. A faint murmur replaced the clinking glasses. The features were hazy and clouded with smiles. He was all I could see.

Johnson.

His black suit was well fitted, his hair was still as dark and thick as I recalled, and he stood close to the great staircase with a glass of champagne in his hand.

However, it was his penetrating, profound eyes—which had plagued my fantasies for innumerable nights—that imprisoned me. Despite their differences, they were the same.

Maybe older. Weary. However, that spark of something deadly is still present.

He had yet to see me. He had a hard jaw and a stern look as he spoke to a group of guys. I watched him as a weird whirlpool of feelings swirled within me and my heart pounded against my ribs. Longing, anger, and resentment and an irresistible glimmer of interest.

One of the guys muttered something that made him chuckle, and I felt a chill go through me. That deep, throaty laugh that had made my knees go weak all those years ago was back.

I looked away, feeling suddenly vulnerable and exposed. As I sipped my champagne, the bubbles tickled my throat and did nothing to stop my hands from shaking.

I had to go. Right now. prior to his seeing me. Prior to the meticulously erected barriers I had erected around myself disintegrating into dust.

I spun around with the intention of slipping away undetected, but it was too late. The world came back into focus when his eyes met mine on the other side of the room.

The recognition was electrifying and instantaneous. His eyes widened in astonishment as his grin wavered. He left the group, his eyes never leaving mine, and began to move in my direction, slicing through the throng with a resolute intent.

My throat was scratched by panic. I was unable to face him. Not right now. Not now, after all this time. Not when there are so many unsolved questions and unsaid statements between us.

The sound of my heels clicking on the marble floor reverberated in the sudden silence that seemed to descend upon the ballroom as I turned and ran. The temptation to flee was too strong, and I could feel his eyes on me, blazing into my back.

I ignored the inquisitive looks and hushed remarks as I pushed through the gathering.

I just want to go as far away from him as I can. As I arrived at the French doors that led to the balcony, I slid outdoors while gasping for air. The cold night air felt refreshing on my red face.

My chest heaved as I leaned on the railing and gripped the chilly metal with my palms.

I tried to stop my heart from thumping wildly by closing my eyes.

"Salome."

He spoke in a deep, husky voice that made me shudder. He was standing in front of me as I opened my eyes, looking into my eyes with a combination of incredulity and... longing?

He said, "It's really you," in a voice that was almost audible.

I looked into his eyes, my own feelings a jumbled mess. "Hello, Johnson."

He moved in closer, his gaze following the contours of my face as if he was attempting to commit every nuance to memory. "You look… incredible."

I managed to say, "So do you," my voice revealing the shaking in my palms.

His fingertips brushed my face as he stretched out, giving me a shock of energy. "It's unbelievable that it's you. Finally, after all this time.

"Five years," I answered in a monotone voice.

He recoiled as if I had given him a smack. "I am aware. I... His jaw tightened as he averted his gaze. "I have a lot to explain."

"You do," I said, my tone tinged with resentment.

His eyes were filled with an anguish that reflected mine as he turned to face me. "Can we… talk?"

I paused, caught between my intense need for information and my need to go.

"There's nothing to say," I said in a quivering voice.

He stretched for my hand, and I felt heated as he touched it. "Please, Salome. Allow me to explain, please.

I gazed at him, the guy who had fathered my kid, the man who had disappeared without a trace, and the man who had plagued my nightmares for five long years.

"Five minutes," I murmured in a voice that was almost audible. "Then I'm leaving."

With a glimmer of optimism in his eyes, he nodded. "Thank you."

He guided me to a peaceful area of the balcony, away from the party's commotion and prying eyes. For a minute, the only sound we could hear was the quiet hum of the metropolis below.

He continued, "I never meant to hurt you," in a quiet, earnest voice.

My eyes sharpened as I glanced at him. "Then why did you leave?"

He paused, staring into my eyes. "I was forced to. It was... difficult.

"Complicated?" I sneered. "You vanished into thin air. I didn't even get your name from you."

He winced once more, his face hurt. "I understand. And I really apologize. But I was at a loss for options.

He inhaled deeply while looking into my eyes. "You don't know everything about me, Salome. Details about my life and career...

He hesitated, looking at something behind me. His visage hardened and his eyes expanded.

"Johnson?" With anxiety in my voice, I inquired. "What is it?"

He didn't respond. He just remained still, staring at something over my shoulder.

My blood raced cold as I turned and followed his eyes.

My daughter was standing at the doorway, her eyes wide with amazement and her face pallid.