Chapter 31—Past Resurfaces

Lena said a prayer with the whole of her heart that the man in front of her doesn't recognise her. But when she saw the recognition that dawned on his face and the look in his eyes, she clutched the sides of her dress. "Lena, " The man called lowly, his eyes sparkled and a smile embraced his lips. His hands were still around Lena's waist, now wrapped even more firmly. "Axel, let go." Lena gritted her teeth angrily her eyes flickered with hatred as they met Axel's. He was still the same man, as handsomely deceptive as usual. Even after all these years, he looked the same and now that she was standing in front of him it sent chills down her spine. Seeing the look in Lena's eyes Axel's grip around her waist loosened. Seizing the opportunity Lena pulled away as though she had just been burnt by fire. Holding a part of her long dress up, she ran as fast as her legs could carry her ignoring Axel's calls. Lena stopped when she finally found the inscription 'restroom' She pulled the door open and hurried in. After closing the door, she squatted trying to catch her breath. She rubbed the back of her neck and took deep breaths trying to calm herself down. Tears burned her eyes, she wrapped her arms hugging herself as the tears streamed down her cheeks. Her body trembled with each sob that left her lips, her head was spinning and she couldn't think straight at the moment. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled before opening her eyes, she wiped her face and looked around. She forced herself to spring up to her feet and ambled to stand in front of the mirror. Her make-up was messed up, the mascara had mixed with her tears and sputtered all over her face. She peeked at her hand and they were also stained with mascara. If she had known that she was going to bump into Axel after so many years, she would never have agreed to come to the ceremony with Henderson but she couldn't blame it on Henderson. She has always known that she was going to have to face Axel one day, and the day was finally come. She had to brace herself up and return to the auditorium, she didn't want Henderson to worry thinking she might have missed her way since she told him she was going to be right back. There was no way she was going to return to the event like this. And she could wipe her makeup, she left her purse in the auditorium. She could only think of one thing, washing the makeup off her face, without giving it a second thought she scooted to the faucet. She turned it on and splashed some water on her face washing it. After she was done she walked back to the mirror taking in her reflection. Her eyes were puffy but she looked a lot better than earlier. She took deep breaths and tried to force the best convincing smile she could before heading to the door, inhaling and slowly exhaling deeply, she pulled the door to the restroom open and stepped out. Just as she made it to the hallway, she felt a hand wrench her arm pulling her backwards. Her hands were shaky, her breath was stuck in her throat and fear took over her when she saw that it was Axel. "Calm down, Lena. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise. I just want to talk, " Axel said in a tone that was supposed to sound soothing but it only frightened Lena even more. Lena mustered up the courage to wriggle out of Axel's grip and she succeeded, but her relief was short-lived because Axel grasped her wrist tightly before she could run away. Furious, Axel raised his hand to strike Lena. Lena's eyes were closed as she anticipated to be hit but it never came rather, she heard a collided sound which made her eyes wrenched open. Her heart leapt with joy when she saw Henderson in front of her, from the look of things seeing Axel's bloody lips he had just punched Axel in the face. Lena wrapped her hands around Henderson hugging him tightly. Henderson was taken aback but seeing her condition his arms encircled her and he patted her back. Henderson was tired, he had gotten impatient waiting for Lena to return because he was worried that she lost her way after all Magnate Hotel was a really big place and it was hard to find your way in and out without proper directions. Just when he got to the hallway he saw that Axel was about to hit Lena and then he stepped in. "I'm sorry, " Lena apologised and pulled away from the hug abruptly. "Lena, are you ok? Did he hurt you?" Henderson's voice came with concern but she didn't get a chance to answer because of Axel. "How dare you interfere Henderson!" Axel who was burning with rage at the sight of Lena in Henderson's arms snarled making them turn to him. Fury bubbled deep in Henderson's stomach, his fists clenched tightly as he glared at Axel. "Axel Barton, leave my sight before I end you!" Henderson roared staring daggers at Axel. Axel erupted in a burst of mocking laughter. Just as he opened his mouth to say something a woman appeared and sauntered to his side. "Darling, what's going on here?" She squinted at Axel suspiciously as she stood beside him. "Henderson, " surprise crossed her face the moment her eyes darted to Henderson. When she noticed how Henderson's arm was wrapped around Lena and how Lena clutched to him. The woman's face turned cold and she scowled at Lena. "Vivian, " Henderson muttered with a disdainful tone. "Babe, let's forget about them." Axel's hands slipped around Vivian's waist and he kissed her lips. Even though Vivian was kissing Axel her eyes were fixed on Lena. "Asshole!" Henderson huffed his expression turning completely dark. A sinister smile marred Axel's face as his hand left Vivian's waist. He made steps to Henderson's spot and then leaned forward. "I'm going to make Lena mine, just the way I took your wife, " he whispered in Henderson's ear before stepping backwards. Henderson's eyes were bloodshot, and rigid cords formed in his neck. Anger surged through his veins, but when he made to go to Axel, Lena held him back. "Have fun, Bain." Axel snickered. He veered to his wife, wrapping his arm around her waist he kissed her cheeks and with that, they walked off. "Are you okay Henderson?" Lena inquired tapping Henderson on the shoulder as he watched Axel's and Vivian's retreating figure. Ignoring Lena's question, Henderson took Lena's wrist after he turned to her. He had just noticed the bruise from Axel's tight and painful grip. "Did Axel do this to you?" He questioned. His voice was daunting but they held concern at the same time. Lena stared at his face, she had never seen Axel as furious as he looked right now.