81 EYES ON YOU ARIEL’S POV I was sitting at a business party, thrown by The Elviro Company. They had decided to throw a party to celebrate their son who just returned from England, after going through a tough project. I was putting on tight bodycon dress. It hugged my curves, flaunting my figure. I watched people dance gracefully on the dance floor, their movements synchronized with the music. With each sip of wine, I felt a gentle warmth spreading through me. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, the air alive with energy. I observed the guests, their faces adorned with smiles and excitement. The flickering lights cast a vibrant glow, the space and creating an atmosphere of celebration. As I sipped my wine, I noticed a couple twirling on the dance floor, their movements graceful and effortless. Their bodies seemed to glide across the polished floor, perfectly in sync with the music. I wish I could be like them. But where was the love? Just then, my eyes caught sight of Luke, making his grand entrance. He wore a dashing suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. I couldn’t help but fix my eyes on him as he slowly walked inside the building. He had his eyes fixed on everywhere, scanning the whole place, as if he was looking for someone. My eyes were just settled on him. I had no idea what he was doing here, since I believed he had no connection with The Elviro Company. I don’t know. But I kind of loved the fact that I had to see his face around here. At least my loneliness might still be terminated. Yeah right, who am I kidding? Ever since Riley’s funeral, I don’t Luke has talked to me. He acted like I wasn’t in his world, like I didn’t exist. But I didn’t want that. Even if we argue all day, I wanted to talk to him. I wanted his expression to be directed towards me at least. Luke, still surveying everywhere, spotted me, as I took a sip of wine. He noticed how I couldn’t take my eyes off him, and in a flash, he turned his face away. Luke moved to a different direction, where it was quite hard to observe him. He obviously didn’t want me to stare at him, but I wouldn’t stop. I noticed how he stole glances. All his gazes were forestalled when he discerned that I noticed the fact that his eyes were in my direction. I watched Luke as he went to sit down at the wine service, while the music only got louder. Luke glanced at his watch, and it was obvious he was waiting for somebody. I couldn’t put up with this silence anymore. I needed to talk to him. Two weeks of us not communicating, was just too much, and it could ruin my plan. How was I going to get Luke to fall in love with me if we were not talking? I approached Luke while he was handed a glass of wine. He noticed my presence, but still decided to put on the ignoring act. “Hey,” I greeted softly, staring at Luke, and hoping he would glance at me. He was about to take a sip of wine, but he paused. After a moment, he took the wine in his ON YOU mouth, without giving me a reply. I sat next to him, fixing both of my hands on the table. “You know, it’s actually going to be a good thing if you at least talk to me.” Luke still didn’t respond. Of course, he was listening to my words, but he was trying to be the Mr. Not–talking type. I looked at him for seconds, he continued drinking his wine. He dropped the glass on the table after he was done taking everything. “More!” Luke passed the glass to the server; who then took it, and went to get more wine. “Will you please talk to me?” I moved my face closer to Luke’s. He sighed deeply, his eyes fixed downward. “What is there to talk about?” “A lot of things!” I blurted, not too loud. Also trying to gesture with my Luke glanced at me. “Things like what?” hands. “Why have you been ignoring me all this time?” I asked softly, fixing my hand on my face, with my elbow situated on the table. I was looking into his eyes. And even when he turned his face away, I didn’t cease my gaze. “Why are you asking me that? Am I supposed to be addicted to you?” Luke’s voice was soft, as he gave me his eyes back. “Here you go sir.” The server moved nigher, handing Luke a tray. On the tray was a glass of wine, along with a bottle of the same drink, I guess. Luke glanced at the server. “I didn’t ask for a whole bottle.” “I know sir, but I have the feeling that you’re going to be drinking a lot tonight.” “No, he’s not,” I jumped into their talk. Luke didn’t hesitate to glare at me. He took his eyes back to the server. “I love the way you think. You may go.” The server nodded and left. “Are you seriously going to drink that tonight?” I questioned Luke, feeling sort of concerned about him.“That is none of your business,” he replied coldly and drank all the wine from his glass. “None of my business?” I opened my mouth slightly. “Come on now Luke, you might get drunk.”“As I’ve said before, that is none of your business.” Luke turned wine from the bottle right into the glass. “And by the way, one little bottle isn’t going to get me hammered.” “How are you so sure about that?” I raised an eyebrow. Luke let out a deep sigh. “What are you doing here anyway?” “Close to you? Or in the party?” I aksed, trying to be clear of his question. ‘Both,” he answered coldly, and drank wine. “Who even invited you to this party?” “That’s actually a dumb question. Don’t you know The Vitality Group is known by all?” AUKC “In Canada, not here in New Haven.” Luke turned more wine in his glass. “I think it’s best you go and join your people around there. They must really be missing you.” “I’m sorry, but I can’t leave you,” I told him, holding his hand. He didn’t hesitate to look at me; a face that said I was talking absolute nonsense. “You can’t leave me?” He repeated my question. And then his eyes narrowed down to my touch on his hand. I quickly let go of him. “I’m sorry,” I brought out inaudibly. Luke chuckled. “Why are you saying sorry?” “You know the answer. That look you gave me was quite frightening.” I answered, tapping the table gently with my finger. Luke nodded. “You can leave me now. I’m waiting for someone.” “Sorry to ask, but who is this person you’re waiting for?” I asked in a slow mode. Luke glanced at me for a moment. “Do you have to stick your nose in everything?” “You’re my husband. I need to know where you go and the things you do.” Luke laughed and drank more wine. “This has to be the most funniest thing I’ve heard so far.”
