Chapter 4
Ocean city Airport...
Everyone had gathered to witness the heir of the Stokes Empire return after many years over sea.
The media was bustling with excited viewers who wanted to catch a glimpse of the imperial heir who strikes fear to onlookers with a single glance.
As if on cue...
Lachlan stepped out of the private airplane, surrounded by his guards, who monitored and secured him with precision.
The bright sunlight reflected off the polished marble floor, and the hum of the airport's activity filled the air. Lachlan's cold, emerald eyes scanned the surroundings, his gaze lingering on the people who caught a glimpse of him.
They were in awe of the young heir, who was unapproachable and untouchable. A few lucky ones caught a glimpse of his chiseled features, and their eyes widened in admiration, but also with a hint of fear.
As he walked towards the waiting Maybach, the soft breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of cars.
Lachlan's guards parted to let him enter the car, and he slid into the backseat, the leather creaking softly beneath him.
The tinted windows reflected the city's lights like a dark mirror, and the soft hum of the engine and the gentle rocking motion of the car were the only sounds that broke the silence.
Lachlan sat in the backseat, his gaze fixed on his phone as he scanned through the video footage of Esther dancing.
The dim light of the phone screen illuminated his chiseled features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face and the piercing emerald green of his eyes.
As he watched Esther's fluid movements, Lachlan's eyes narrowed, his expression cold and calculating. He felt a familiar spark of interest ignite within him, a desire to meet her once more and see the fire in her eyes up close.
It had been three years since he last saw her, and he couldn't help but wonder what she would be like now. The driver's voice broke the silence, his tone respectful as he asked,
"Ahem, young master, where to?" Lachlan's gaze flicked up from his phone, his eyes locking onto the driver's reflection in the rearview mirror.
The driver's eyes were cast downward, his expression neutral, but Lachlan could sense a hint of wariness beneath the surface.
"Stokes Studio," Lachlan replied, his voice low and even. The driver's eyes flicked up, meeting Lachlan's gaze for a brief moment before he nodded and replied,
"Yes, sir." As the car pulled up to the studio, Lachlan's eyes scanned the exterior, taking in the sleek lines and modern design.
He felt a sense of anticipation building within him, a desire to see Esther again and push her limits. The driver's eyes met his in the rearview mirror, and Lachlan could sense a mixture of curiosity and wariness emanating from him.
The driver knew what Lachlan's smirk meant - a smile of complete evilness and bruteness. He only hoped he didn't get dragged into whatever Lachlan had planned for Esther.
...
As Esther stood in the studio, the dim lighting cast a warm glow on her face, illuminating the sharp contours of her cheekbones and the determined glint in her eyes.
The studio was her sanctuary, her escape from the chaos of her life. As she danced, she felt alive, her body moving in perfect sync with the music the studio's mirrors reflected her movements, creating a dizzying array of images that seemed to stretch on forever..
The music pulsed through the room, a driving beat that seemed to match the rhythm of Esther's heart. Her body moved with precision, her limbs unfolding and refolding in a fluid dance that seemed almost effortless.
But as she spotted Lachlan, her movements faltered, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. His eyes seemed to bore into hers, making her feel like she was trapped in a cage.
The studio's lights seemed to flicker and dim, casting long shadows across the floor. Lachlan's face was a mask of calm, but Esther could see the intensity burning in his eyes.
As he took a step closer, the sound of his footsteps echoed through the studio, making Esther's heart skip a beat. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her skin, like a physical touch that seemed to sear her very soul.
She hadn't realize Lachlan was Infront of her until...
Lachlan's lips connected with hers, the world around her melted away. The kiss was cold, yet it brought a warmth to her body that she couldn't explain.
His lips seemed to mold to hers, fitting perfectly like they were made for each other.
The studio's mirrors seemed to ripple and distort, reflecting the turmoil that was brewing inside Esther. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, unable to escape the undertow of Lachlan's kiss.
As she pushed him away, the sound of a slap echoed through the studio, making Lachlan's head snap back.
She was disgusted with Lachlan, and more importantly with his momentarily forced kiss. She stared at him hatefully.
His eyes flashed with anger, and for a moment, Esther thought she saw a glimmer of something else there, something that looked almost like admiration instead of hate she anticipated.
The studio's lights seemed to flicker back to life, casting a harsh glare on the scene. Esther's eyes blazed with fury, and she felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"How dare you, Lachlan?" she spat, her voice venomous. The words seemed to hang in the air, like a challenge that Lachlan couldn't ignore.
Lachlan's smirk only grew wider, and he took a step closer to Esther. "What's wrong, senorita?" he asked, his voice low and husky. "Don't you like being kissed?"
The studio seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Esther's response. The air was electric with tension, and the outcome was far from certain.