CHAPTER TWO

JOAN'S POV 

Taking a deep breath, I gathered myself up as I walked over to the sink to wash my face. 

I looked at my face on the giant mirror on the wall, and noticed that my face had gone pale. 

My eyes has a dark circles under it due to sleepless nights. The thought of my mother's medical bills had consumed my mind.

My skin looked malnourished due to unhealthy diets. I had managed to fix my hair which made it look presentable. 

Anita had given me some of her few clothes to attend the party. I wasn't looking bad after all.

Thinking of what to say to anyone I met seemed like an impossible task. 

I have never asked for help before, but circumstances beyond my control had brought me to this point.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. 

"Who is there?" I asked, smoothing my dress.

"Can I come in?" A male stranger asked with vigour. I hesitated for a while, and contemplated if I should let him in. 

"What does he want?" I asked myself. I had escaped been raped, and I never wanted to experience that again. 

Maybe this man is a blessing in disguise, I decided to take a chance and let him in.

"You can come in." I said as I tried to allay my fears. The door opened, and I couldn't believe what I saw. 

I gushed over him, oh this man is too clean. This man is heaven on earth.... 

"Hello, Good day ma'am". I was staring, and didn't notice when he greeted. 

"Good day to you," I said, almost in a whisper, as my mind drifted away to wonderland. 

His hands were as smooth as a new born. I almost touched him, Jeez...I pinched myself, wondering if I was dreaming. 

Where had this man been all my life? I felt a flutter in my chest.

I'm Drake Smith," he said with a smile. I was brought back to reality when he offered me a handshake. "And you?"

Wishing we could remain in that position forever, I couldn't let go of his hand. "Wow, wonderful name," I said, blushing. I'm Joan Adams."

"You look stunning," Drake said, his eyes locked on mine.

"You don't look bad yourself," I replied, taking in his tailored suit. "I love your suit, it really brings out your features."

Drake chuckled. "Thank you, pretty."

"Did you come with someone?" he asked, his gaze holding mine.

I mentally reminded myself to compose myself. "I actually came with a friend."

Drake nodded. "I saw you asking for directions earlier. You caught my attention, and I decided to follow you. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

I smiled, intrigued. "I thought as much. I figured someone might be following me, which is unusual."

Drake raised an eyebrow. "And you didn't try to find out who or why?"

I shrugged, drawing an absentminded pattern on the floor with my foot. "I wasn't interested."

As we stood inside the elegant restroom, the soft glow of overhead lights cast a warm ambiance. 

The scent of fresh flowers and scented soaps filled the air. Drake's eyes sparkled with interest as he asked, "Where do you live?"

His deep voice was like music, and I felt my heart skipped a bit. I inhaled the scent if his colonge, a subtle blend of wood and spice that left me breathless.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I replied, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable sharing that." 

The sound of running water from the sink and the hum of the air conditioning created a soothing background noise.

Drake smiled, his lips curving upward in a captivating smile. "I understand," he said, his voice low, and soothing. 

"You're very cautious." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he studied me.

As we stood there, the air seemed to vibrate with tension, and my skin prickled with awareness. 

Drake's gaze roamed over me, his eyes lingering on my face. "You look lovely," he said, his voice sincere. 

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as he took a step closer. The warmth of his hand enveloped mine as he raised my chin. 

"Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes searching mine. I nodded, my heart racing.

As he lowered his hand, his fingers brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. 

"You're done with what you came here to do, right?" he asked.

I nodded again, my voice caught in my throat. The sound of my own heartbeat filled my ears.

Drake smiled once more. "So, where are you headed now?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But as I looked into his warm, gentle eyes, I felt my guard drop.

"I'm meeting friends at the hall," I replied.

Drake's face lit up with interest. "Can we take a walk for a short while?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

As soon as Drake suggested taking a walk, I smiled. "Yes, that sounds lovely." His face lit up with excitement.

"Alright, ladies first," he said, holding the door handle to open it.

But as the door swung open, I was taken aback by the person standing before us. "Bradford!" I exclaimed, noticing the curious expression on his face.

"Hi, Bradford. You came to wash off?" Drake asked, seemingly familiar with him.

I turned to Drake, intrigued. "You two know each other?"

Drake nodded hesitantly. "I'm one of the directors in his company, and a friend."

I turned to Bradford, a hint of suspicion in my voice. "How long have you been standing here?" I asked, wondering if he'd overheard our conversation.

Bradford shrugged nonchalantly. "I was looking everywhere for you. We've been waiting for you for a long time, and I decided to check the restroom".

I was speechless for a moment, unsure how to react with the two handsome men standing before me.

"You've seen me now, right?" I asked Bradford sternly, hoping he wouldn't ruin my plans with Drake.

Bradford raised an eyebrow. "Tell Anita that I'll meet you guys later. I want to take a short walk with a friend," I said, trying to assert my independence.

But Bradford's expression turned skeptical. "You're getting to know him, and you want to take a walk with him after we've waited for you for so long" He asked, his voice rising in protest.

Drake intervened, offering me a complimentary card. "It's okay, Joan. We can catch up another time."

But Bradford quickly intercepted, preventing me from taking the card. "No need for that," he said with a smirk.

I felt a surge of irritation at Bradford's possessiveness. "Can we go now, Joan?" he asked, his tone firm.

I nodded reluctantly. "We can go now. Bye, Drake. Have a nice day. See you soonest," I said, waving at Drake as Bradford led me away.

As I glanced back at Drake, I couldn't help but notice his calm and collected demeanor. 

He seemed so cool and composed, and I found myself wondering what it would be like to spend more time with him.

Trailing behind Brad, I noticed he wasn't heading towards our seats. I wondered if he'd lost his way.

"Hey, where are you going to?" I asked, but he seemed to ignore me.

I quickened my pace, weaving through the crowd to catch up to him. "Where are you taking me? I thought you said you guys were waiting for me."

Brad's expression remained nonchalant. "We need to talk. I have something to discuss with you."

I raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance. "Is that why you acted so strangely earlier? Can't whatever you want to discuss wait?"

As I followed Brad, I imagined walking alongside Drake instead. What does Brad want to discuss with me that couldn't wait?