Way Back Into Love (Essie)

Essie knew Hanson and his family quite well. Even though to an outsider his family seemed picture perfect, the reality was very different. On the surface, there was harmony but deep down they went through an undercurrent. He may be the only son of the chairman, yet that didn't bring him any respect since he was still a bastard. Mrs. Xia and her three daughters were like tigers. And from what she knew, they would never let him take charge of the Bella Group.

If he married Sunny, his life would change for the better. Sunny's family was powerful enough to support him and elevate his status. This alliance promised him success.

Essie's thoughts were in a jumble. And Hanson seemed to understand what was going on in her mind. Flashing her a smile, he said, "Don't worry, I'll find a way to stop the wedding. What will happen? Nothing! I might have to fall again." His words were light, but caused a great disturbance in her heart.

'Did he fall down on purpose in order to delay the wedding?' she thought.

"Hanson..." Her heart was trembling, and millions of emotions surged forward.

She couldn't believe he cared so deeply for her. The man she had loved all her life was beginning to reciprocate her feelings!

She felt a little flattered but this was too good to be true. Just like sitting in the flying chariot, someone had taken her to cloud nine. The weight of this news was burdening her.

He seemed to have read her mind. He brought her face close to his and caressed it gently. "You are very important to me, so I can't afford to lose you. Promise me you won't give up on me. I need more time, okay?"

She lowered her head, and for some reason, a person she shouldn't have thought of, emerged in her mind. It was like a ghost, wandering everywhere. No matter how hard she tried to bring her focus back to Hanson, her thoughts drifted back to Zac. It wandered in her mind and then chased her, until she was fully consumed by it.

'Why am I thinking about him?' she admonished herself. At this time, he was probably trying to please his ex-girlfriend. He was probably showering her with love and kiss. In Zac's eyes, Essie was nothing but a clown with whom he could enjoy when he was bored. All his actions proved it.

Seeing that she wasn't giving a reply, Hanson's heart tightened. "Don't you want to wait for me?" He was in pain seeing her hesitancy.

She shook her head and repressed Zac's thoughts. "No, I will wait for you." She gritted her teeth, as if she was mad at the shadow for spoiling her beautiful moment.

Hanson breathed a sigh of relief, revealing a charming smile. "Now that I have your support, I am more determined to break off this marriage. It won't be too long before I am completely yours."

"Yes," she replied in a low voice, and a thin layer of tear rose from the bottom of her eyes. But she couldn't tell if those tears were for him or for that shadow which flitted on her mind.

Getting out of the hospital, she walked aimlessly on the street. A feeling of loss followed her wherever she went.

Her mind was, at present, a clutter. She didn't want to think about Hanson nor did she want to dwell on Zac's thoughts. All she wanted was peace.

She wasn't in a hurry to reach him. The big house would echo her loneliness. It would make her realize how terribly alone she was. Essie was oblivious to the fact that Zac was back home.

He twisted the door-knob, expecting to see her. But he was welcomed by nothing but darkness. He told himself perhaps she had decided to stay in their date spot. Slowly, he made his way to the rooftop garden only to find out she wasn't there either.

'Where is she?' he wondered, panic starting to overtake him.

He immediately dialed her number.

When she saw the caller ID, she rejected the call without any hesitation. 'Why is he calling now? Is it to inform me that he won't be back any time soon?' she wondered angrily.

A wave of grievance rushed over her head. If the streets had been secluded, she would have screamed her heart out. However, bystanders were there and she couldn't create a scene.

It wasn't just him she was disappointed at. There was a part of her that blamed herself too.

'What does it matter to me? Why do I want to know where he is or what he is doing? After all, it has nothing to do with me!' she tried to tell herself.

They had accidentally encountered each other. Sooner or later, they would have to bid farewell.

She had no business in his affairs. He was a free man. He could do as he pleased!

Thinking of this, she took a deep breath and then walked forward. Somehow, she felt a little better than she did a few moments ago.

In the apartment, Zac was pacing back and forth.

He couldn't believe she had refused to pick up his call. Racking his brain, he tried to wonder what had made her so furious. 'Is she mad because I left in the middle of our date?' He couldn't help but entertain this idea.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to message Essie. "It's quite late. Where have you been?"

'It's none of your business!'

she muttered under her breath and kicked the tree that was nearby. "I am having some fun in the bar. Just making my way through the dance floor with a handsome man. Please don't bother me!" she typed. Not waiting for his reply, she switched off the phone.

She had no interest in knowing what he had to say. He was probably way too busy with his ex-girlfriend. 'Why did he even bother to text me?' She couldn't find an answer to this question. It seemed like he was adding salt to her wounds.

However, the reality was completely different from her imagination.

At this moment, Zac was shaking his head and smiling bitterly. Although he couldn't see her face, he imagined her vividly, her mouth twisted into a pout.

He continued to dial, but her phone was powered off.

"What the hell!" he screamed to the empty space.

Suddenly all sorts of thoughts popped into his head. He worried if she was extremely drunk and in a helpless state.

Quickly, he rushed to the bar which was located nearby. Like a maniac, he went around inquiring about her.

Turned out no one had seen her.

He tried to call her but in vain. It was still powered off.

'What the hell! It doesn't matter if she is angry. Why can't she at least tell me where she is!' his frustrated mind screamed.

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became. All types of crazy thoughts entered his mind. 'What if some wicked men are troubling her?' No way! He must find her!

He called William and said, "There is an emergency! We need to find Essie. Send men to search for her."