Chapter 3 AGAIN

Mabel's eyes widened with unease as she locked gazes with the man. Her instinct urged her to leave, to escape from the discomfort that seemed to radiate from him. But before she could make her move, the man's words cut through the tension.

"It's disrespectful to walk out again," he said firmly, his voice laced with a hint of authority. Mabel's heart raced as she grappled with the conflicting emotions swirling within her. The atmosphere grew heavy with an unspoken power dynamic, leaving her torn between her desire to flee and the weight of his words.

"I... uhm," Mabel stuttered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. The man's imposing presence made her feel small and vulnerable. The air around them grew heavy with tension as she struggled to find her words. Her mind raced, searching for a way to navigate this intimidating situation.

Mabel's phone suddenly rang, jolting her out of the tense atmosphere. With a mix of relief and concern, she answered the call to hear Ella's slurred voice on the other end.

"Come and pick me up," Ella pleaded, her words tinged with the effects of her drunken state. Mabel's heart sank as she realized her friend's vulnerability. Hastily, she excused herself from the man's presence, her mind racing with worry and determination. She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Ella's driver, urgently requesting him to come and pick them up. She knew that getting Ella home safely was the top priority. As they waited for the driver to arrive, Mabel kept a watchful eye on her friend, offering support and reassurance.

Mabel made sure Ella was safely home before heading back to her own house. It was a relief to see her friend in the comfort of her own space, knowing she would be okay. As Mabel sat in her room, her thoughts kept drifting back to the man she had encountered at the club.

The moonlight gently filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. Mabel's eyelids grew heavy as she drifted into a peaceful slumber, still lost in the thoughts of their encounter.

Ringgggg!!

Mabel's phone jolted her from her slumber, the sound piercing through the peaceful silence of the room. It was Ella calling to check if Mabel had made it home safely.

"Are you okay?" Ella's concerned voice echoed through the phone.

"Yes I am ...I'll be coming over later"

"Yes please, my dad wants me to meet with my future husband again ...urgh !! I don't even want to."

************

As Mabel arrived at Ella's house, she found her friend already dressed and made up by her makeup artiste. Ella's beauty after her makeup was nothing short of breathtaking. Her features were accentuated with expert precision, enhancing her natural radiance. Her eyes sparkled like stars, framed by perfectly sculpted brows. A soft, rosy blush adorned her cheeks, and her lips wore a shade that complemented her smile flawlessly.

"How do I look" Ella asked, already knowing the answer.

"Ella, you look absolutely stunning," Mabel exclaimed, unable to contain her admiration.

"Let's head out, I think I'm late..I heard he doesn't like lateness"

As they arrived at the restaurant, the sight before them was nothing short of grandeur. The entrance exuded an air of exclusivity, beckoning guests into a world of refined dining. Inside, the ambiance was equally enchanting, with plush furnishings, soft lighting, and a subtle melody playing in the background. The tables were adorned with fine linens and sparkling silverware, ready to host a feast fit for royalty.

"Miss Ella," a voice called out, its tone filled with authority.

Ella turned her head, her curiosity piqued. As Ella started to walk towards the table, Mabel was abruptly halted by the imposing figure of the man's bodyguard. Ella, sensing the tension, spoke up firmly, asserting her presence.

"She is with me," she declared, her voice carrying a hint of defiance. The air crackled with anticipation as the standoff between Ella and the bodyguard played out.

"Let them be," the man said, his voice tinged with annoyance. He turned to face Ella, his expression stern.

"This was supposed to be a private date. Why did you bring your friend?"

Mabel's gaze locked onto the man, her mind swirling with confusion. This was the same man she had encountered at the club and now at the restaurant.Questions danced in her mind, like fleeting shadows in the night. Why did their paths keep crossing? Was it mere coincidence or something more? Her realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place as she recognized the man as the one who had once proposed to Ella. Her thoughts raced, connecting the dots of their intertwined stories. However, before she could delve deeper into her musings, Ella's voice broke through the momentary silence.

"Wait for me in the car," Ella instructed, her tone filled with urgency.

Mabel's mind buzzed with questions and concerns, but she obediently followed Ella's directive, retreating to the car to await her friend's return.