Chapter 2 - Approach

"Hey, look, isn't that Eunice Parker!?" One lady eagerly nuged her friend and wispered into her ear. "Gosh! It is, she's here? No way!" her friend whispered back.

The moment Eunice walked into the hall, all eyes were on her. Everyone was mesmerised. Eunice wore a sea blue low-cut gown that hugged her magnificent figure. Her chesnut colored hair was tied in a lazy bun, adding to her already intense nonchalant aura. She made every other woman present seem over dressed and desperate for attention...

... She was used to it all, the stares, taunts, and snickers. She had gradually become numb to them. Ever since she had moved back to Country C six months ago, her name had been on every ones lips. She had resolved to be strong and ignore all of them. For her company to grow, she had to take a stand and be confident, showing weakness meant failure, and it was not an option. She ignored all the stares and walked arm in arm with her friend and date for the evening to meet Director Sid. "Haha! Miss Parker" Director Sid laughed heartily when he saw her. "You made it."

"Yes, thank you for the invitation, Director Sid." she replied with a smile. She abruptly turned to Henry. "Henry, this is Director Sid of ABC studio. He spearheaded the shoot for the ad." She made the introduction. "We're acquainted already, actually. Uncle Sid and I go way back." Henry Williams was one of the most successful men in Country C. He had just returned from the States a few months ago to take over his late father's company. He was tall, rich, and incredibly handsome, making him the heartthrob of most of the women in the country. His warm and inviting personality made him loved by many. It was too bad he was already in love with someone else.

"Hah! Young Master Williams, you've grown so much, I didn't recognise you!" Director Sid patted him on the back. "Yes, Uncle Sid, I suppose I've been away for quite a while, haha!" They're continued to talk among each other. Feeling thirsty, Eunice politely excused herself and headed for the bar to get a drink.

"Can I get a martini?" she asked the bartender. Seeing such a beautiful lady, he became a little flustered. "Ah yes... of course!" He quickly got her the drink. "Thank you." she sat on a stool by the counter and took the drink gently, swirling the glass. Eunice furrowed her brow as she sipped her drink. She could feel an intense stare from behind. This wasn't like the other's she got earlier. She slowly turned back only to meet the gaze of someone she had parted ways with for over 5 years...

The moment their eyes met, the whole room fell dead silent. No one dared to move or even breathe. It was the moment they had all anticipated since Eunice surprisingly walked in. Suddenly, Eunice placed the drink on the counter and started to approach him. The atmosphere in the room dropped further, and everyone continued to hold their breaths in anticipation. Eunice walked right up to Marcus Crestwood, her ex-husband.

Young Master Crestwood, it's been long since we last saw each other, right? she said with an almost cynical smile and extended her hand for a handshake. They wanted a show, right? Well, she was prepared to give it to them.

"Marcus stared at her intensely, trying hard to figure out what she was up to. "Yes, it has been quite a while, Miss Parker." He replied with a smirk and took her hand up to his lips, kissing it softly.

Eunice felt a burning sensation on the back of her hand where she had been kissed. Flustered, she quickly pulled her hand away and tried to gain her composure. Everyone else in the hall stared at the scene in shock. "How have you been doing all this while?" Marcus asked with a sly smile, extremely happy that his little stunt had broken Eunice calm and indifferent attitude. Eunice didn't expect Marcus to actually respond, much less act so shamelessly. She agreed that she had poked a sleeping bear, but all she wanted was to prove to everyone that her past didn't affect her in any way. She was fine if he'd just ignored her all together and didn't give her any face. It would seem then that he was petty while she had long moved on. But then he just had to create such a scene. With everybody watching her, she had to continue her little stunt." I've been doing well, actually. With my million dollar company, 'Just Beauty Co', I've been able to make a name for myself. What about you, Young Master Crestwood? How have you been?" she asked coyly. "I've been good." He replied without any emotion at all. Eunice stared at him in confusion. He looked perfectly normal and hadn't changed at all. She could even admit that he had even become more handsome and alluring but something wasn't quite right. His eyes, staring deep at those brown orbs she felt uncomfortable. The eyes staring back at her used to have so much light in them. Now they were dull and blank, he also had very faint dark circles around them. He was lying, he wasn't fine, she knew him too well. She quickly snapped out of it, so what? They weren't married anymore, his well-being was none of her business anyway. "I'll get going then. It was nice meeting you again, Young Master Crestwood." She smiled politely and left him staring at her retreating back.

The moment she finally left, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Even though they didn't get to witness any drama, the tense atmosphere was suffocating.

"Are you okay?" Henry pulled Eunice over to him protectively. "Of course I am. Come on, let's go greet Mrs Yun." Eunice tried to shift Henry's attention from Marcus. Henry had been staring at them throughout their conversation and had been constantly glaring at Marcus, who didn't even care to spare him a single glance. He looked over at where Marcus was standing only to find him staring intensely back at him. Henry immediately felt a chill down his spine but quickly composed himself, took Eunice's hand in his, and led her to greet the other guests.

"The rest of the evening was lovely. After a few more dances, speeches, and toasts, the celebrations ended, and everyone departed.