His Hatred

Ellie was attending a party with her father. It was his business partner Mark Davis's 25th wedding anniversary. The party was in full swing and her father had already left her with a bunch of girls her own age and was busy talking with some people. She was already bored and out of her mind. She hated this kind of place, too crowded, too noisy. She felt suffocated in places like this but she couldn't refuse her father so she had to come. She had been accompanying her father to such parties ever since she had turned eighteen.

Feeling too frustrated with all the extra attention she was receiving and being bored, she went to her father and excused herself, saying she wanted some fresh air so she would go to the garden. Her father reluctantly nodded. Relieved, she left for the garden.

The fresh air was cool and soothing to her skin as she stepped into the dark garden illuminated by small decorative bulbs and natural moonlight. She strolled for some time and then sat on a nearby bench. Closing her eyes she let her body relax. It was nice here. Calm and aloof, away from all the loud noises, just what she preferred. In all her 20 years of life, she had been to numerous such parties but still, she couldn't get used to it. Being the daughter of one of the biggest businessmen in London threw even bigger responsibilities at her. Responsibilities she didn't want to take but was forced to endure nonetheless.

As her thoughts progressed she started feeling more frustrated. She would rather be home and alone in the comfort of her room than be here with hundreds of fake people parading here and there, all in one place. She snorted. she hated this. Much to her father's disappointment, she was not a social butterfly.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the footsteps approaching her. When the person sat beside her on the bench then she noticed. Startled she looked to find a stranger looking back at her. Her already frustrated nerves rocketed.

"Sorry if I disturbed you. Just wanted some fresh air. It's too stuffy hot in there." He had draped his coat on his side of the bench arm and now was loosening his tie. "....Like you." He added.

Ellie looked at him annoyed at his frankness. What a bother. " I would advise you to sit somewhere else. I am sure that will be more peaceful for you than sitting here with me." If he was attempting a chance at her then she better make it clear to him in the start that she wasn't interested. She wasn't into flings for one thing.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Let me decide that for myself if I like your company or not. Frankly, I wouldn't miss a chance to get acquainted With Ellie Harper. By the way, I am Damien Scott. I hope you have at least heard my name, seeing that you couldn't recognise me by face."

His tone was mocking and his eyes shone with arrogant pride. It was no surprise to Ellie that he knew her. Almost everyone in London did. But the way he said It, it almost made her feel like he was mocking her.

Of course, she knew who he was. No wonder he looked familiar. she had seen his pictures in magazines. But pictures did no justice to what he looked up close. He was really breathtakingly handsome. Her father often mentioned him at dinner these days. Damien Scott was emerging as the biggest business tycoon of London and her father's top rival much to her father's annoyance. So she did in fact had heard of him. But she wouldn't admit that to him. Why give him that much significance. He already looked an arrogant jerk at best.

"Why, do you think you are that important that Ellie Harper should know you?" She mocked.

His face broke into a smirk at her tone. His eyes bore deep into hers and he murmured. "Then you will soon. Better than anyone has ever known me. Trust me."

His tone was dangerously calm but challenging. Suddenly his aura had changed. The way he looked at her, frightened Ellie. Something dark lurked in those eyes and he stared at her deeply. And for the first time, Ellie felt uncomfortable. Suddenly She became aware of their surrounding, their aloofness. There was no one here except both of them. Some warning siren rang in her head and she suddenly stood up.

"Excuse me. I think I should leave." She tried leaving but he also stood and gripped her hand in his own large ones. Ellie felt a bolt of electricity passing through her and her heart picked a frightening rhythm. He turned her around to face him and clutched her both forearms.

"What happened Miss Harper? Why are you running away?"

"N-no. Why would you think So? I merely want to go back to the party. My father must be looking for me now." She stumbled through her words. "And please don't touch me." She tried jerking his hand away.

"Your father is too busy with his business partner to be worried about you. I am sure you will be bored there. Here with me, you will have an interesting company at least."

His expression had softened and his voice now held a luring tune to it. He wanted to make her stay there. But he didn't leave her hand yet.

"I don't think I am interested in being in your company Mr Scott. Now please leave me."

"Please stay. I insist."

Ellie didn't say anything. She just looked at him with pursed lips. The racing of her heart hadn't slowed down but she was feeling a bit in control now. She didn't say anything though, only stared at him with narrowed eyes. Damien left her hand then.

"I apologise again if I shocked you with my straight advances. I just believe in a direct approach."

"What do you mean?"

"Sit here with me and then I shall tell you everything, will you? He asked, requesting her. Ellie wanted to sit and hear him but her mind kept telling her to just run away. When she didn't make a move to either sit or move, he requested again.

" Please, hear me out first."

Reluctantly Nodding her head she murmured a small "okay" and gently sat there again. Damien also sat beside her. Instinctly she put some more distance between them.

"What is it that you want to say, Mr Scott?"

"I would prefer if you call me Damien and I would also like to call you by your first name. I think that will be more suitable for us."

"What are you trying to say? I don't think I understand."

Damien gave a lopsided smile and turned to face her her completely. "Look, what I say might shock you. But I want you to be calm until I finish what I have to say. Okay?"

Ellie nodded her head at the same time wondering what was he going to say to her that makes her lose her calm. But then his next sentence shocked her beyond belief.

"I want to marry you, Ellie."

"W-what? Are you out of your mind?"

She stood up, in shock. Damien had to get up too.

"I told you to be calm and let me finish."

"Is this some kind of joke? You meet me for the first time, we don't even know each other and next you propose to me for marriage. What is it, 18th century?"

"No. Of course, it is not. Do I look like someone who jokes?" He ignored her comment about meeting the first time.

"I don't know and I am not interested to know either if you can joke or not. I have better things to do" Ellie snapped.

Damien rubbed his temple with his thumb and took a deep breath.

"Look, don't lose your calm. It will also help in maintaining mine. No need to snapping at each other. We can do it like adults."

"I think you are drunk." Ellie crossed her arms at her chest.

"I haven't touched even a drop of liquor all evening."

"Well, that's the only excuse for what you are doing right now. I mean who proposes to a girl he just met..." She was too bewildered.

"You won't really believe if I say that this is not the first time we are meeting, that I have been watching you for almost one year now."

Ellie opened her mouth to say something but he cut her off.

"NO. Let me finish first. Then you can say whatever you want to say. I saw you nearly a year ago. We were at some party. Of course, you mustn't have noticed me. But I did notice you. You are all over my mind from the past year."

His voice had turned husky and he looked at her as if he was savouring something. For unknown reasons, Ellie felt her heart skip a beat and butterflies dancing in her stomach.

"You were so pretty in black. You looked aloof and bored and I wanted to approach you. I was so besotted. Heck, everyone, every male in the room kept stealing glances at you. But you were lost in your own. You hardly paid attention to anyone. You looked alone and sad and I just wanted to go to you and talk to you But I stopped myself because I wasn't a big name at that time. I had just stepped into the business and was still struggling. I didn't think I deserved you. That night you became my motivation to work my hardest and achieve everything so I could one day consider myself your worthy."

She didn't notice when he had closed the distance between them and now was holding her by her nape. She was too lost in his words to notice anything.

"Since that day I have done everything in my power to achieve everything. You came into my dreams every night and pushed me harder and harder towards my goal. Except now you were my dream. If I put it plainly, I have wanted you since that day and now that I know I am worthy of you, I will do everything in my power to make you mine. I will talk to your father as well but first I wanted to know if you will accept me. If you will marry me, Ellie?"

She didn't know what to say. She was speechless. She couldn't believe it. He was so close, she couldn't think clearly. He was baring his heart before her, Confessing he wanted her. Hell, he was straight proposing to her for marriage. Who did that nowadays?

"I don't know what to say?" Ellie seriously didn't.

"Why, are you with someone else?" His face morphed into disappointment and Ellie felt an instant need to deny that.

"NO." Ellie instantly denied and found him nodding his head in approval. She blushed hard and instantly lowered her head.

"I am relieved. I certainly would have been heartbroken if you were."

"I don't think I can believe you, all this. I mean I don't even know your intentions."

"My intentions are quite clear and honourable. I want to make you my wife. Nothing less."

"I think I need time to digest this."

Damien stared at her for some time and then nodded his head.

"Of course I understand. You take your time as long as the outcome is in my favour. And that I am certain of."

Ellie frowned her brows. "Why are you so sure of yourself? What if I, in fact, deny?"

Damien smirked and traced his fingers along her jaw. Their lips are inches apart.

"Say I have my sources to convince you. You will never be able to deny me."

He bent his head and captured her mouth in a mind-numbing kiss. His lips moved expertly over hers and coaxed her to open them. Her body almost sang with pleasure at the onslaught. She opened her mouth and his tongue captured hers. It was almost as if he wanted to crush her into him. He wanted to drink her in. He kissed her for a long time and when they were out of breath, finally then he released her.

Damien looked composed as if nothing significant had happened but Ellie looked as if she were ravished and not merely kissed. Her toes were still curled and she trembled slightly. She had been kissed before but nothing like this. They were occasional pecks but this was Mind-blowing. She must be looking flushed from cheeks to the neck because she could feel the heat running there. Awkwardly she ran her fingers through her locks, not meeting his gaze as she stared at his expensive shoes. He had rendered her speechless.

Damien slowly lifted her face again to meet his and smiled at her. "If you say no to me, just know that I will be devastated. But know this also that I won't give you up. I don't stop until I have what I want."

He spoke slowly and huskily and Ellie fought to keep herself steady. What was he doing to her? She wanted to say something but she couldn't. Her mind had blanked and all she could think was that he had kissed her. He had made her feel amazing. But she needed time. Time to think of this. What if this was something else entirely? She shouldn't be reading too much into it. She needed time to think clearly.

"I think I would like to go now." She murmured and to her embarrassment, her voice sounded too weak and almost pleading to her ears.

Thankfully, he just nodded his head and stepped away from hers taking a few steps back. He inserted his hands inside his pant pockets and smirked. Ellie felt her heartbeat drop.

"See you soon. Don't worry, I will make sure we do."

Ellie bit her lips and nodded absentmindedly, turned and left.

When she was out of his sight. Damien pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it. Taking a gush of smoke he smirked. What an easy target she was. He hadn't thought she would be much of a problem anyway. The way she shook with pleasure at his kiss, he was sure, she would come to him willingly if he played her well.

Damien Scott laughed in the darkness. Very soon he will have her at his will. Very soon. Very soon he will have his revenge on the mighty Harper family. When he would be done with them, Then he would see where they will be.

_____

Ellie couldn't get him out of her mind. It had been 3 days since the party night. But he was all over her mind. When at night she sleepd sleep, he would come silently into her dreams, take her into his arms and kiss her senseless, touch her all over the body. She would awake with a sweat-drenched body and an unknown ache in her body. She couldn't focus on anything. She was always lost and this was really messing up with her mind. This needed to stop somehow but she didn't know how to stop it.

Her father was noticing the change in her since the party night too. He loved her so much, more than anything else in this world and always wanted her to be happy. He would do anything for her, especially considering what a traumatic childhood she had endured. She was not a very cheerful person but nowadays she was more than cranky.

It was Sunday today so all the family members were present at the lunch. Her brother Michael and his wife Aria were also present along with their two kids. It was A rule of the sort, Adam wanted to see all his family together at least on Sundays. Ellie was living with her father but Adam used to come with his family every Sunday to have lunch with them.

Ellie wasn't eating, she was only playing around with her spoon. Michael noticed her lost too and questioned her.

"What happened Ellie? Is anything troubling my baby sister?" He asked lovingly. There was fifteen year age difference between them. Michael still pampered her like she was a baby. He adored her very much.

Ellie's eye teared at the endearment. She was feeling so confused and emotional. She couldn't explain why this was happening. Seeing her eyes welling Michael got up and took her in his embrace. Her father also became worried. "Hey, baby, look at me. What happened? Is it your studies? What's wrong baby? Don't cry. Tell me." He lovingly tried to soothe her. In response, Ellie started crying with full force.

"I am sorry. I didn't want to ruin this lunch. I don't know what's happening. I am just confused, Michael." She started crying hiding her face in his chest.

Michael silently shook his head at their father as he was getting up from his chair too and indicated that he was taking her to her room. He took her to her room and made her sit on the bed still embracing her and rubbing her back, giving her time to calm down. After some time when she had cried to her heart's content, he wiped her tears.

"Tell your brother, what is it? If you want something, say it and it's yours. You know I would lay the world at your feet."

Ellie nodded hiccuping. This was true and she knew that. Her brother loved her that much. But she didn't know if she could share what was troubling her. She was so confused, about her feelings, her thoughts, She didn't know if she should want what she was wanting right now. Damien Scott!

"I am just confused, Michael. I don't know if I should want what I want. I am feeling miserable thinking if this is right or not." More fresh tears spilled.

Michael's heart clenched. It didn't take him long to understand his sister's heart was the culprit, it was making her miserable. The matter was truly delicate and he had to handle it wisely. He wiped her tears again.

"Tell me one thing, do you really want it that much that it's not letting you be in peace?"

Ellie nodded and he smiled.

"Nothing is right or wrong baby when it's a matter of the heart. It's not your whether it's right or wrong that is troubling you, but your denial of its acceptance. You have to accept what you want or it will keep troubling you, messing with you. Don't deny that you want something only because you think it's wrong. There is nothing wrong in accepting that you want something, so what if it's wrong." Michael explained to her like she was a child, and maybe she was. She felt vulnerable. He slowly caressed her head, carefully thinking of his next words.

"There is nothing wrong in accepting if you want something even if it's something that seems to you is wrong. Accepting doesn't entails that it will become yours but you will be a lot better and at peace if you know what you want. It is of later concern if it's wrong or not. Besides, I know my sister can do no wrong. I have full faith in you. And even if you do, remember that we are all here for you, understood?"

Ellie meekly nodded her head. There was no doubt about that.

"But what if my decision has an impact on our family too? What if it's bad?"

"Don't beat yourself over this Ellie. Just think it over wisely what you want, don't let anything upset you. Be honest and wise with yourself, don't rust and don't let your emotions rule you. We are all with you, hmm?"

She nodded. She was feeling a bit better now. What Michael said was true. There was no need to run away from the truth.

"By the way is there any chance, that you might let me know what is it really you want. I hope it's not something forbidden?" He asked mischievously and she hide her face in his chest, blushing. Michael burst out laughing.

"Okay. Tell me when you feel like you are ready to tell me. Just remember this advice from your big brother that in life you do something that takes you a step forward and not backward. Mistakes don't push you back but running away from something can push you back so don't be afraid of making mistakes."

"Yes, Michael." She couldn't agree more.

"You almost made me worried Ellie, I thought this was something bad but here you are beating over something so small yet important. You should have talked to me."

"I am sorry. I will consult you if this happens in future again."

Michael made a face. "I hope not. I don't like this serious me. Not good for my childish heart. You made me feel old." He mocked and Ellie chuckled.

"Now that's my good girl." He pecked her head. "Now I am heading downstairs, old man must be worried too. You think is over, take your time." He left closing the door behind him.

When Michael left, Ellie thought about what he had said, calming her mind. As her brother said first she had to think about what she really wanted. She closed her eyes and the answer was there, Damien Scott. She did want him. There was no doubt about that. Somehow he had managed to make a place for himself in her heart. He had made her feel wanted. She had enjoyed his kiss, his fleeting caress. And he was all she had on her mind. Love, at first sight, was the truth after all. She wanted to talk to him right now. But she didn't know how to. He had told her he would see her again. When he comes to see her, she would tell him, she decided. Till then she will also have time to think over and over again that how she was going to tell him that. She smiled and let sleep take over her with him lingering in her mind.

_______

She was coming out of the college entrance gate when she spotted him at the other side of the road. He was leaning over his Black SUV dressed in a black suit. He was unmistakable in that aura. Even from that distance, she could feel he was seeing right at her. Her heart started beating faster. She looked around to spot her car waiting for her too.

She moved towards him. When she reached him, he smiled and uncrossed his legs.

"How are you?" His inquiry about her touched a chord in her heart. Her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to ask him why he was showing his face a week after the party but she chose not to. He would probably say that it was her who wanted time.

"I am okay. What about you?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She glanced around to see people staring at them and her cheeks tinted. Damien seemed to notice as well as he opened the door for her.

"Get inside. We will talk over a coffee."

She nodded and got inside and sat on the passenger seat. She dialled her driver to inform him to go back as she would come back later with a friend.

When she finished the call, she found Damien was staring at her. She blushed.

"I guess we are ready to go now." He remarked and started the engine and drove them to a nearby restaurant.

The restaurant was not far from her college. It was a nice little cosy restaurant. She was surprised he had brought her here. He must have read her thought as he said. "It's very secluded here and the food is really nice too. We will have our privacy."

Ellie nodded, understanding. They did need privacy.

She ordered herself a sandwich and a black coffee and Damien said he would take whatever she took. Ellie found this impressive that he let her chose for herself. They didn't really talk much while eating, trivial things.

"So, how was your week?" He asked sipping his coffee.

"Good." She started feeling nervous. Was this the moment?

"So, what have you thought about my proposal?" He was direct. Ellie Gulped. Even though she was clear in what she wanted to say to him, she suddenly found herself at the loss of words at his direct question. She fidgeted with her hands nervously.

"If I say yes, what happens from now on?" She counter questioned. He quirked a brow.

"So does that mean it's a yes?"

Ellie gave a nervous laugh. "I said if."

Damien nodded thoughtfully. "If you accept my proposal then I will convince your father to give away his daughter to me. I guess he would choose me on the spot. He wouldn't tease me like you though. Making me restless for a week." He joked. Ellie smiled at his cheekiness. " and then we will marry as soon as possible, else what?." He said as if this was that easy.

"But what about getting to know each other. Don't you think we should get to know each other first before taking that big step?"

"I know whatever I have to know about you. And for the rest, we have our whole life ahead of us. Don't you agree it will be exciting to discover each other after marriage? It will just make our marriage life more interesting."

Was it that simple? Ellie wasn't convinced. She had her own doubts. "Yes. That will be interesting. But what if one of us don't feel connected to each other at some point in our life. What happens then? Shouldn't we give ourselves some time to better understand each other?"

"I see what you are trying to say, darling. You want us to date before we marry, right?"

Ellie nodded her head in approval. "It's also because I know nothing about you except you are a very successful businessman. Even the tabloids know nothing about your past life."

"So you googled me?"

Ellie nodded. She had googled him but had found nothing related to his past. Damien sighed and closed his eyes. A painful expression caught his face.

"There is nothing to know really. I am 25 years old, a successful businessman. That's it. That's why I want you with me, to make a family Ellie. My past is too painful to remember but I want to share this with you. My biological parents died when I was two years old so I don't remember much about them. Then I was adopted by a very nice couple but they died ten years back in an unfortunate accident. Since then I have been living on my own."

Ellie felt his pain but she didn't regret asking him. If they were to be together then they should know each other's secret as well. She would share her own dark secret when he asked her. She won't back out, she decided.

"Don't feel bad for me. There is always someone who has deeper pain than you or more challenges in life. You only have to just look around and you will instantly feel thankful of what you have got."

Ellie liked what he said. This man was so deep. Was she that lucky that she has him written in her fate? She wondered.

Damien put the mug on the table as he had finished the coffee. "I am a firm believer of a man should take a woman to church before taking her to his bed." He smiled when he saw her blush. "I want you too much sweetheart. This one year how I spent apart from you, I can't explain. But I don't want to delay our union anymore Ellie. Do you get me?"

She didn't think she did but she was too embarrassed to say anything. He clasped her hand in his. "Ellie, sweetheart, if you want me as much as I want you then don't deny us this happiness, okay?"

Ellie just stared at him.

"Just say it already Ellie that you love me, that you want to marry me." He asked her perplexed suddenly.

"Yes. I do want to marry you but..."

."You have made me a happy man Ellie." He didn't let her finish and removed a ring from his pocket and made her wear it. She was surprised at how fast things happened. She started at the diamond ring bewildered. When he took her face in his palms and kissed her then the reality sank in and she felt a rush and thrill pass through her. She was happy. She was overjoyed. Regardless of her little doubts, she knew this was what she wanted, this man who she wanted.

She would have to tell her family and introduce them to Damien. She couldn't imagine what Dad's reaction would be but she was sure they wouldn't stop her from marrying him. She stared at the ring, a slow smile dancing her beautiful lips.

"It fits you perfectly. I always knew it would. This was my foster mother's. She would have wanted my wife to wear it."

Ellie looked at the ring, surprised. Yes, the ring did look like a family heirloom. She was touched by his gesture.

"Thank you" she mouthed, overwhelmed.

" any other doubts now Miss Harper?" He asked mischievously and Ellie feigned a thoughtful expression.

"Only that you haven't said I love you yet."

Damien's expression suddenly changed and he gave her a slow forced smile. Ellie just looked astonished at his changing expression.

"I believe action speak louder than words. And you will know what you mean to me, Ellie. Soon, I will show you." He promised and Ellie felt it held much more than that promise.

It certainly did. Damien looked at her as she stared happily at the ring. Had she raised her eyes to look at him, she would have noticed the maliciousness dancing in his eyes which promised her a more malicious future.