Chapter 50 Touch Her, Disappear
I quickly pulled my arm away from Leo's steadying grip. My heart hammered against my ribs as I locked eyes with Ethan across the theater. His glacial stare sent shivers down my spine despite the distance between us.
"Miss Reed!" President Reynolds' voice boomed cheerfully as he waved toward the stage. "Just the person we were looking for! How are the preparations coming along?"
I forced a professional smile, praying my voice wouldn't betray the terror coursing through me. "Everything's on schedule, sir. Thank you for making time to attend our festival."
My hand trembled slightly at my side, and I curled my fingers into a fist to stop the shaking. Ethan stood flanked by President Reynolds and Dean Williams, his expression perfectly neutral as he offered a polite nod in my direction. To anyone watching, we appeared to be mere acquaintances—him respecting my wish to keep our relationship private.
"Mr. Bennett has generously agreed to fund our international music exchange program," Reynolds continued, oblivious to the tension. "We thought he might like a behind-the-scenes tour before tonight's performances."
"Of course," I managed, gesturing toward the backstage area. "We'd be happy to show you around."
Leo stepped forward, extending his hand toward Ethan. "Leo Winters, sir. I'm handling piano accompaniment for several performances tonight."
Ethan's handshake was brief but firm. "Ethan Bennett. I look forward to your performance."
---
Under the spotlight, I stood center stage in a deep navy gown that shimmered slightly under the lights. The audience was a sea of darkness beyond the stage lights, but I could make out Ethan sitting in the front row center, flanked by Reynolds and Williams.
I took a deep breath as the piano introduction began. Leo's playing was flawless, providing the perfect foundation for my voice. When I began singing the adapted version of "Moonlight," my voice filled the hall with clarity and emotion:
"You said you'd take me away, but never told me where...
Your promises like moonlight, beautiful but cold..."
When the final notes faded, there was a moment of silence before the audience erupted in applause. I took my bow, blinking against the stage lights, and caught Ethan's intense gaze. His face remained impassive, but his eyes burned with something I couldn't quite name.
---
The post-festival reception buzzed with congratulations and excited chatter. Faculty members and students mingled in the art center's atrium, celebrating the successful performances. I accepted compliments on my solo with modest thanks, hyperaware of Ethan circulating the room nearby.
"You were absolutely brilliant tonight," Leo said, approaching with two champagne flutes and offering me one. "That high note in the bridge was perfection."
"Thank you," I responded, accepting the glass but carefully maintaining distance between us. "Your accompaniment was beautiful."
Leo smiled warmly. "We make a good team. I hope we can collaborate again for the inter-college competition next semester."
Before I could respond, I felt a warm hand settle possessively against my lower back. Ethan had materialized beside me, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"Miss Reed's talent is certainly exceptional," Ethan remarked, his voice smooth as silk but with an undertone that made Leo take an instinctive step backward.
"Mr. Bennett," Leo acknowledged, his confidence visibly diminishing. "I didn't realize you were an admirer of the performing arts."
"I appreciate certain forms of artistic expression," Ethan replied, his fingers pressing slightly firmer against my spine. "Particularly those that are... pure in their presentation."
The warning in his words was clear to me, if not to Leo. I took a small sip of champagne to hide my discomfort.
President Reynolds joined our circle, saving me from the mounting tension. "Bennett, have you considered our proposal for the international exchange program?"
---
The drive back to Oakwood Estate passed in suffocating silence.
The moment we entered the master bedroom, Ethan's composed facade crumbled.
"Leo Winters," he spat the name like it tasted foul. "Tell me about your relationship with him."
I kept my voice steady. "He's just a classmate from the music department. He played piano accompaniment for today's performance."
"Is that all?" Ethan loosened his tie with sharp, angry movements. "Because from what I saw, he seems quite comfortable touching your shoulder, handing you water, teaching you how to stand."
"That was just professional guidance," I defended, my voice beginning to tremble despite my efforts. "In performing arts, physical instruction is normal."
"Normal?" Ethan laughed, the sound devoid of humor. "Is it also normal for him to look at you the way he does? To stand so close when he speaks to you?"
I felt a surge of frustration breaking through my fear. "What do you want me to say, Ethan? That I've been secretly seeing him? I haven't. I don't have feelings for anyone ...else."
"Anyone else?" Ethan stepped closer, his voice dangerously low. "You truly expect me to believe you've been honest with me this entire time?"
The accusation stung, igniting a rare spark of defiance in me. I stood straighter, meeting his gaze directly.
"This isn't a normal relationship, Ethan. You forced me into your world! So don't scrutinize every interaction I have, okay?"
Ethan's expression darkened dangerously.
He grabbed my neck, eyes burning with anger as he bit my lip. That night was hell - his rage completely unchecked while I just tried to survive it.
I passed out around five in the morning and didn't wake until noon, feeling absolutely destroyed. My throat hurt so bad I could barely swallow. My head was pounding, and I realized I had a fever.
Ethan took care of me for three days straight while I recovered.
---
A week later, I encountered Madison in the arts building hallway.
"Did you hear about Leo?" she asked excitedly. "He got a full scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London!"
My heart sank. "When did this happen?"
"Right after the arts festival," Madison continued. "It was so unexpected—he hadn't even applied. Apparently, the academy received a special recommendation that praised his piano skills. He's already left—completed his withdrawal paperwork yesterday."
I nodded mechanically, understanding immediately what had happened. From that day forward, I deliberately reduced my interactions with male classmates, maintained clear distance from project partners, and even declined invitations to join the choir.
---
The semester ended with a quiet weekend at Malibu. Walking along the private beach at sunset, the golden light cast long shadows across the sand as the warm breeze tousled my hair.
"Do you want to go home?" Ethan asked suddenly.
I studied his expression, trying to determine if he genuinely wanted me to visit my family or if this was some kind of test.
"Would you let me?" I countered softly.
A smile that never reached his eyes spread across his face. "What's this? Are you afraid of me?"
I dropped my gaze, heart pounding against my ribs. "No, I just don't want you to make you angry."
I looked up again, meeting his gaze directly.