What did Harper exactly do in that month? It was pathetic to confess that she had achieved nothing only that if she somehow miraculously defended a world record, it would have to be because of the amount of tissues she had stocked up. The kitchen cupboard was on the urge of bursting at any given point.

Harper had also changed in appearance; her nose had become that of resemblance to a clown's nose, her old attire of long skirts came back to fashion and she even scavenged at the bottom of her wardrobe for blouses that her Nan would be proud to wear. In all honesty, the clothes part were more to how she felt insecure about herself. That confidence that had blossomed over the past months was to slack off.

Although if there was anything she was to praise or even be proud of, it was because Harper had learned to control her emotions. Only one problem.

Just as long no one mentioned James.

There were things she had learnt to do, even the usual like taking deep breaths to stablish herself from not turning into a complete wreck. Or how for the first time in years, she joined Dani at gym where she would work her arse off pedalling faster or sweating off with everything to do with James. Yes, the benefit of that was she had worked a great shape on herself, toning her arms, legs and stomach however that was only covered when she dressed in clothes fit enough for the elderly.

Remember deep breaths. And exhale.

See she was coping. But in all truth, there had to be times where she needed to let off a little steam, to cry because keeping it all bottled up, would only repeat an episode of when she got drunk at that nightclub. She just had to balance it all out. It would work out eventually, and she'll forget about James and then it would be an easy topic to talk about.

Work. How was work going? It was different. Maybe because for once she was actually doing the job she was supposed to be doing. Hey, it even took her time to get back in the swings of things that she was sure she would have forgot how to count or even master the simplest of calculations. But no, she was enjoying it there. Harper adored the team she was with though she couldn't deny how strange or how bad she missed to see Elliot on lunch. The layout was similar to...the firm that-shall-not-be-named, even with the different name or different faces. And then there was Ethan who had ensured she was settled down where she was introduced to Miranda; her department boss whom had no problems getting Harper into the spring of it all. Ethan was considerate, kind and generally the type of guy you would want your parents to meet and not to add, how he was incredibly gorgeous. Harper was entirely in debt to his generosity of even offering her a job in the first place. That it only hurt her to see...scratch that.

Inhale. Exhale. Deep breaths. Focus.

That it only hurt her to see how James had punched the living lights out of Ethan who curled into the corner. What a monster! And she couldn't believe she had actually given him a chance to speak. A chance to speak the truth.

Okay calm down. Harper closed her eyes for that brief second. No, she wasn't going to cry. See, she could handle it.

Anyway, back to Ethan. As she said, she was in debt to him that she only saw it right to return his favour. Ethan had been more than often demanding her presence, if it was to see how she was doing or just for a quick chat with coffee on the side generally wanting to talk and chat. At times, he would be waiting for her at reception offering a ride home that she would profusely refuse in fear of over-staying his hospitality, only he wouldn't take a no for answer. No, she had no strange suspicions to why he was so friendly, only perhaps it was just his way of behaviour.

Then there was that one morning where he sent for someone to collect her to come see him in his office. Ethan sat at his desk, his suit jacket off and his sleeves rolled up as she entered approaching his desk. He smiled gesturing his hand towards the single brown leather chair that faced directly to his desk.

"Harper Daniels. Thank you again for your time. I do apologise if I am becoming a burden on your work." He said. Harper shook her head as she placed her hands comfortably in her lap as she replied. "Of course not, I should be thanking you for even offering me this job. Without you, my time would be spent searching for jobs that I am afraid I would be still handing out my CV right this minute."

"Oh, I beg to differ. Companies would be desiring your talent. And at such a young age too." He objected, smiling once again.

"Thank you Mr Donovan." Harper said. Ethan chuckled. "Please, it's Ethan. There is no need for formality." Harper nodded as she apologised.

Ethan only began again. "Harper, I came to ask again if the job was working out but needn't ask that seeing Miranda is completely satisfied with your progress. As I am. Then I hoped to ask." He paused for a second as his brows wrinkled as he leant in. "That how are you doing yourself?"

"I'm fine. I mean, well I am. Yeah..." She blabbered on, her cheeks inflaming by the second. She was the greatest at lying.

Ethan chuckled again then his tone softened as he muttered. "Good, good. And please let me sincerely apologise again for the occurrence that happened earlier this month with myself and Mr Brewer."

"Please, Mr-, I mean Ethan." Her cheeks blushing further at use of his forename rather than the formality of using his surname as she added. "You have nothing to apologise about. Mr...Brewer has more reason to, for he had left you in such a state."

"I thank you Harper. But I still blame me on behalf. James I do forgive, he is only but troubled." He said. Harper had tensed at the use of his name, she wanted no more to hear that name however she was afraid she was going to have to.

Ethan then stood up and began to walk around his desk till he was directly behind Harper. It was only then she knew he was close when she felt his breath fan upon her neck. Harper bit her lip, uncomfortable to the closeness. It was only when Ethan broke the silence that she allowed herself to relax.

"I was hoping to ask you something." He said walking back around to his chair. "There is this party this weekend. Rather a masquerade party of some sort. And I would be most honoured if you could come as my plus one. It's to celebrate partly because of deal I made but that's just the excuse we use, because honestly we all want a party. So, would you come along with me?"

Harper was shocked at his proposal. "Erm, well. I don't know what to say. I thank you for considering me but I don't think me and parties work well together. Besides I am much sure you'd rather take someone else more..." She didn't have chance to finish her words as Ethan cut in.

-"No, I would like you Harper. Please, you will enjoy yourself."

Harper bit her lip again as she debated with her conscience before responding. "This Saturday?"

"This Saturday." Ethan smiled.

Harper nodded her head in defeat. "Sure, why not." Though she would much preferred to have stayed in to watch movie marathons with Dani than attend this party. Then Ethan added. "So I'll pick you up at seven or rather my chauffeur will to attend to you." Then he winked causing bright red blush upon her cheeks once again.

Saturday couldn't have come quicker. Harper had groaned when Dani made it her mission to dress Harper up to scale that she would make her own reflection faint on the spot. The dress was gorgeous, only she wasn't up to wearing it. It was a dark green emerald. Laced at the back like a corset, the front settled comfortably not showing too much off and the bottom flounced out like a waterfall cascading down. Harper winced as Dani pulled on the back threading it tight that it was suffocating the little air she had.

"Stop complaining." Dani grumbled as she began knotting the thread. Harper was only grateful as she stood up straight, not that it made a difference to her body feeling like it was being squeezed slowly. Dani then spent the next hour applying her makeup and doing her hair which only made Harper want to sweat.

Eventually this dress would have to come off.

Her hair was curled with half up and the rest allowed to rest upon her shoulders. Her makeup was kept subtle. And not last but least, the mask that went on to cover her identity for that night only. Dani stood back and began to walk back only to nearly trip over her own feet as she gasped in awe.

"My work is done. You look beautiful." Dani smiled. Harper managed what movement she could make as she faced the mirror, admiring what Dani had done. "Thank you." Harper muttered, tears on the brink as she turned to hug her friend.

"Woah, suck those tears back up Missy. I am not having that makeup ruined. Now, you'll promise me, you will enjoy yourself tonight, won't you?" Dani said.

Harper nodded. "I'll try."

Dani smiled in triumph then pulled Harper into another hug.

At exactly seven, Ethan was outside waiting in the tinted limousine as his chauffeur attended to her. Harper was welcomed by the scent of strong cologne as she entered. Ethan smiled, his brows lifting at the appearance of Harper. She wasn't bad looking at all he thought to himself as she sat down.

"Why Harper, you look extravagant." Ethan said. Harper only returned a smile thanking him before the limousine drove off the curb. Ethan wore a blue suit, his face disguised by a blue simple mask that wore ever so confidently upon his face.

Harper was getting nervous by the second even as Ethan spoke on, that his voice only became a part of the distant background. A strange feeling settled telling her to turn back. Only she didn't and followed out with Ethan as the limousine parked outside the mansion.

Press stood outside eager to snap photos, she was only grateful that her face was masked that her face wouldn't be recognised. Ethan smiled to her holding out his arm that she carefully held onto as they made their way inside. Inside was magnificent. A chandelier lit up the hall. A band of musicians played a soft melody in the background with a temporary bar set up in the corner where people hovered or the few that were already up dancing on the dancefloor. Ethan patted his hand against hers as he muttered close to her ear. "I'll go get us some drinks. Won't be long." Then he set another dazzlingly smile before leaving her alone in that spot.

For that moment she felt exposed. Eyes would flicker over to her. Then they would leave, only there was one pair that didn't. And again that strange feeling came. Telling her that she needed to go, run while she had the chance because something wasn't right. Only she didn't and remained where she was until she felt a hand slide onto her back.

Ethan smiled gently passing her flute of champagne that she took. "Come, I'd like you to meet someone." Ethan offered, moving them forward into the crowds. Harper watched as they approached a gentleman wearing a dinner suit, his back facing them as he chuckled every so openly. Ethan headed on disturbing the conversation as he settled to break the small circle. The man they had approached turned and smiled in chuff, his own face covered with a simple but effective mask.

"I dare say, I nearly didn't recognise you in that mask, Ethan. What a dashing mask! And whom is this beauty you have graced my presence with?" He said, his eyes averting towards Harper who was mildly blushing. Ethan only smiled again offering Harper to step forward. "This is the beautiful Harper Daniels, I have ever so been lucky to have work at my firm." Jackal took Harper's hand in his own pressing a rather wet kiss against the surface of her skin then added as he stood up."Ah, such a pleasure to meet you. I do hope you are enjoying the party." Then he winked from what she could see through the eyes of his mask. "By yours truly."

"I am, thank you." Harper replied. Jackal only flashed another smile before turning back to his guests who were miles away in laughter. Ethan tugged on her arm gently pulling her away from the small congregation out far into the corner where it was quiet.

"That is Jackal, man of the party. Man of the house. He is my partner in deal." He muttered close to her hair, a act that she was seeing rather more intimate than friendly especially how she felt his hand caress her naked back. Harper only nodded trying as best to sip from her glass, though the unbearable act of the movement of his fingers gliding across her naked skin was more than enough to cause her to nearly choke.

"Tell me Miss Daniels. Do you have distinctive taste... or not?" His words drifting off as she felt his lips closing near to her shoulder blade. Harper wriggled slightly, astonished by her outburst of words. "Let's dance." She turned to meet a dazed Ethan who only smiled in agreement. Harper placed her glass on the side quickly moving to the floor with Ethan following behind who gracefully then took her into his arms. He was a man of movement. Spinning her out and back into his grasp before finishing with a finale to drop her back gently that her hair touched the floor.

Ethan lifted her back up taking her back to his embrace then smiled. "Excellent partner you make. Any man would be desired to whisk you away on this dancefloor." Harper blushed knowing the mask she wore would be doing no justice to the matter.

"Do you mind if I go mingle with other guests?" He asked as they stopped in unison.

"Not at all." Harper said. Ethan's lips curled as he bowed before leaving Harper alone. She wanted nothing more than to leave. This was not her scene at all and another reason to clarify why she wanted to leave, was that pair of eyes still remained upon her.
However much to her dismay, she was not allowed to her own thoughts and found herself accepting a stranger's proposal to the second dance. Then that only turned to the third. Fourth. Fifth. Until she could no longer feel her feet no more.

Ethan had not returned and she could spot him far in the corner enjoying the affectionate presence of a masked woman where she was sure he was close to be planting kisses upon the woman's neck. Not that it mattered. Yes Ethan was very attractive but it didn't mean she wanted to jump straight in bed with him or that she couldn't control herself around him. No, she saw him as only her boss and that was all. Harper spent that evening alone seated at a table far in the corner where at times she had the urge to just throw off the mask with the presence of sweat forming upon her brow. As she looked up from the floor, her eyes settled onto a figure in the distance. Their elaborate mask covered their face leaving only the trace of their defined jawline or the rurly messy brown hair that toppled out. She could have sworn for that moment that familiarity clouded her heart. As if to tell her that she knew them. Only she dismissed the wild thought and moved her attention towards Ethan who approached the table smiling.

"Harper, enjoying the party so far?" Ethan asked.

"Yes, great party." She lied, smiling falsely. Really or she wanted to do was drag herself home and cry a little before snuggling up in her duvet quilts.

"Good. Mind you, we still have the grand finale yet." Ethan said, his eyes glinted before he moved back out towards the crowd.

James stood or tried to stand proud next the woman who he was bound to be tied down to. He was up the point that her words only went through the one ear and out the other. She was incredibly annoying and had little consideration to allow other to speak as they attempted to strive conversation with James. Only it was not like they could manage a word from him, he was ore anxious about later on. The words his Mother had gone through with him; the foul taste of lies poisoned to his tongue knowing that tonight would be a lie.

-"James, remember these lines. Please don't mess this up and sound as if you're at least excited to be there."

James would be so far away with his thoughts or bewitched by the stranger he had seen that her nagging voice would amplify louder that his attention would have to go to her.

-"James, baby. Are you listening to me? I swear your attention span is like a five year old." She would blabber.

James could only attempt a false smile that required more effort than what he usually needed. Eleanor he hated that name. Only hated it because of this woman. Then his eyes would land on green eyes disguised. For a moment, his heart would thump out of his chest begging to chase after her. Then it would go.

Harper made her way to the bar pushing gently through the crowds as she grabbed a glass sipping it back. She was so bored. Perhaps that was a understatement. Harper sighed running her finger around the edge of the glass in boredom. Harper stood up taking another glass from the bar turning on her heel however it was then her face came in contact with a hardened chest. Her heart began to hammer out of her chest as she briefly met the intruder's eyes before quickly muttering a apology only to move away. Only once was she through the crowds did she look back at the figure whom followed her eyes too. Something familiar lit up for moment only it instantly diminished when she nearly bumped into Ethan.
"Harper, I've been looking for you. You seem distracted, everything okay?" Ethan asked. Harper nodded. "Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was at the bar." Ethan smiled. "Ah, good then. Will you mind if I leave you alone when I am called up towards the front sooner or later. Its the grand speech of the night." Failing his arms to the side to exaggerate his point.
"Not at all. Is it for your deal?" Harper asked.
"Yes, Jackal has got both of us up there." He said.
-"Both of us?"
"Erm, yeah. James Brewer and myself." He muttered looking away for the moment until returning to Harper's flustered face.
"But I thought..." She drifted on until a great applause erupted around the room as Jackal the man she met earlier on, took centre. Harper cowered holding her arm. How could he be here? James was actually here. Her thoughts were disrupted as Jackal cracked a brief casual joke to the audience then he began to announce, "Could I ask Ethan Donovan and James Brewer to make their way up." Harper's eyes instantly pinpointed onto James who stood at the side near to the front, his face masked and hands causally within his trouser pockets. Ethan who had left her presence, lifted his glass in the air as he smiled passing through the crowd almost as if he was about to enter a boxing ring. The applause continued on until Jackal piped in. "And I have indeed invited the press."
There was a brief pause with only the sound of camera flashing. Harper couldn't remove her eyes away from that familiar face. Her chest tightened suffocating her slowly, as did her fingers begin to grip or rather clench around the glass that she held. Why did he have to be here tonight? Gosh, she was so stupid. Why couldn't she disagree to come. Most of the night, that strange feeling that had occupied her had been her heart warning her about him. Was he the one she bumped into just a moment ago? Surely this night couldn't get any worse. Unbearable heat stuck to her skin as she watched them take of their masks. Seeing his face again, just hurt.
Jackal continued on distracting her for that moment once again, "Myself, James and Ethan have created a opportunity that will not only expand out empires but make it will make a substantial difference." Then he moved in between them two to face the press that eagerly flashed.
Harper could feel every flash like a stab to her heart seeing how James' face lit up. The man who broke hear heart. The man that no matter that he did, she still knew that loved him deep down.She couldn't take this anymore only she was persuaded to stay as Jackal stepped forward grabbing his glass off the marble stump as he announced. "Not only do we celebrate this deal but..." He briefly stopped to turn to smile at James, then to add. "James Brewer has some special news he would like to share." Another applause erupted as James lifted his glass up the crowd.
The crowd was in entire anticipation as James only nervously laughed, "Right, my turn." There was brief laughter from the crowd in return, then he went on. "I have news I would like to share. To someone in this room that has completely took me by surprise and entranced me to do this."
Harper held her breath. Could he be?
James pressed his lips together. He hated this. Why did he even open his mouth in the first place? The crowd before him waited eagerly, only he didn't want to continue. And what was worse, the press were here. Eventually this news would be spread and be spread to someone he didn't want to know.
James took his time to compose then continued. "She is a beauty. Someone I am glad to call...-
Harper's heart hammered, consistent and fast that it took over her senses.
James took a breath unnoticeable to the audience but only to himself as he finished. "My fiancé, Eleanor Jones. A woman I am glad to be married to. I am longer on the market."
There was applause as Eleanor joined him by his side latching onto his arm.
Only that didn't account for the sudden smash off a glass that beckoned around the room. James eyes instantly fled over to the centre near the back where the green eyed stranger stood. It took not a genius for him to realise who it was. And she ran.
James took no chances releasing Eleanor's arm from his own as he pushed through the crowd, the blurred congratulations in order or few that patted his back. He was glad that the press too more interest in Eleanor who only took more interest in them than the escape of her fiancé.
James ran throwing the doors open, the cold breeze hitting his exposed skin. There he saw running down the steps, dress following behind running towards the road. James ran, puffing through every ache in his body as he caught up tackling Harper into his arms. She cried out in agony trying as best to escape only James didn't allow that and pulled her away from the curb as quick as possible.
"Harper! Oh god, don't..." His own words became weak as he tightened his grip around her. She wept as his hands held onto her, his own need to have closer.
"H-How could y-you!" She choked, collapsing to her knees with James following her. James rocked her back and fourth as she wept. "I-I-I hate you!" She cried, her hands loose to the side of her. Her whole body weak and fragile, only James keeping her from staying upright.
"I'm so sorry." He said, then he kissed the top of her hair. "Harper." His own words pained him to continue.
It stayed silent for the moment with only the sound of cars going past. James soothed her as best as possible, continually rocking her fourth and back until she no longer had the ability to cry no more.
"Harper, if anything..." He muttered only he was cut short off. Harper pushed him off standing up in aggression as she wiped the tears from her face and shouted in anguish. "When will you ever stop breaking my heart!"
James stood up immediately following her as she stepped back. "Harper, none of that was met for her. It was for you!" Harper laughed dryly. "F**k you! Just f**k you!" Then she turned on her heel beginning to walk off down the pavement. James caught up with her, turning her around that her face was plastered with shock, then he did something he had wanted to do. He furiously clashed his lips against hers igniting that flame that had seemed to be non-existent.
Harper for that moment felt...
Only she didn't want to, she wasn't going to give in that easily and pushed him off. Then turning on her heel held her hand out for the incoming taxi and got in without hesitation.

Ethan looked out the window, smiling with pride as Katherine slipped to the side of him. "Would you look at that! Ah, isn't it lovely?"
Katherine snorted. "I would rather call it harsh. Would hey what do I know?" Ethan let the curtain fall loose as he turned to face Katherine. "I have my reasons. Not only do I want his business but I want to cripple him that he becomes a hopeless wreck. So don't question me. Unless..." His eyes flickering to the press.
Katherine shook her head. "No, okay." Then she asked. "Mine tonight?"
"Why not?" He smirked, pulling her under his arm. Then sneakily squeezing her bottom that she squealed in delight.

James returned back to the room, his shoulders slouched as he pushed through the crowds returning to where Eleanor delightfully embraced him into her arms. "Oh, James. Where did you go? I was just showing everyone my ring! It's so beautiful!"
James was soon consumed by the press and guests that peppered him in congratulations.

That following day had been the worse, Harper had sat on the sofa watching countless channels that declared the James the Bachelor taken. She was numb and not even Dani could poke a response out of her. Elliot was told about everything and even she didn't answer to him.
Dani sighed as she took in Elliot's embrace. "Oh Elliot, I hate seeing her like this. I should have stopped her from going last night." Elliot caressed her back gently. "I know. It will take time but she will be alright. We just gotta to be there for her." Dani nodded tightening her arms around Elliot.
Two days had been the same although Harper still went to work. She would hardly speak and she had become engrossed in watching repeats of the announcement of his engagement.

It was on one day, a figure walked up the pavement, their appearance disguised by a oversized hat and large peacoat knocked on the door. Even their hands concealed with leather gloves.
Dani opened the door, "May I help you?" She asked.
"I've come to see Harper Daniels." The figure replied.

Thanks for reading, I do hope you have enjoyed this chapter. I know there will be hate or irritation that Harper and James aren't together but you gotta work with me guys. Thank you for your patience, I have been incredibly busy that I haven't had time to update, hopefully I should get another chapter out soon.
This chapter even made me upset when James held her in his arms. *Takes deep breath. Some emotional stuff. And yeah, James is annoying me on why he can't just admit he loves her. But honestly guys, you got to understand he is scared to. I have great action for the next couple of chapters and I believe there to be at least 3 or four chapters left.
I really do hope you are enjoying this story and I thank you for your real interest in the book.

Don't give up on them yet!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading!
VAMPIREFANGSRULES

XXX

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