Busily seated, in the silence of the upstairs balcony, was Christiana, to the beat of the gala below was the sound barely audible, compared with the beat of her heart. The chilly night air made her flushed cheeks cool, without being able to calm the storm within her.
She had even seen Ethan dancing with Sophia. She had observed the hints, the glances, they appeared second to be named the right couple by the world around them. And yet he had pulled away, and yet her heart ached, and she could never compete.
"Christy."
She turned, startled. Ethan was standing in the doorway and his chest was up and down, and his eyes were flaming.
"Why are you here?" asked she, with tremulous voice.
Due to the reason that you are, he answered sternly. Each word was crude with truth, which he came nearer to say. In the lower part, everybody wanted me to be what I not. But up here...with you...I'm myself. I do not mind their money, their approval or the schemes of Sophia. It is only that I care about you.
The eyes of Christiana were filled with tears, her defences were dropping. "But I'm not like her. I cannot even give you what she can...wealth, position...
Ethan shook his head, and his hands were grasping hers. "I don't want her world. I would have our world, the world we made in the orphanage. You were my family back then and you are my family now. Christy... you are all that I have wanted to be.
Her lips gave way with trembling and the words went deep into her soul. Slowly, she whispered, "Ethan..."
He also bent down and touched his forehead to hers. "Please... don't let me lose you."
For a moment, silence. Then, sobbing, Christiana threw her arms round him. "You won't," she whispered. "You never will."
It was a caress, but one which could not be broken, an oath which could not be taken.
But below, Sophia was the centre of whispers and glares, and her mortification was like acid flowing in her veins. Guests gossiped over Ethan turning him down but some felt pity and silently mocked.
Her fists were shaking at her sides. He chose her. He humiliated me. In front of everyone.
She ran away to her room, throwing the door closed, her breath coming harshly out in fury. Her reflection in the mirror was cowering wild-eyed and lip-curling in a dangerous smile.
Unless he will go to me without a struggle, she said to herself, I will see that he has no alternative. Christiana will curse the moment she crossed over into this house.
Her laugh rang in the room she was in...it was low, bitter, and promising.
The fighting of a heart to Ethan was just starting.