Vincent pulls his sleek black car up the winding driveway of his sprawling mansion,the evening sky a deep indigo.He steps out,his coat flaring and heads straight to the Grand foyer where Franco his trusted right hand waits by a marble table,a glass of whiskey in hand.
"Franco", Vincent says, voice low but urgent,"I need a classic dress for Anna, something elegant black,silk. Have it delivered to her address this evening. No delays".
Franco nods,eyes flicking to a tablet, already typing."you got it ,boss. I'll get sisterette on it, she'll have it at her door by 6:30PM.
Vincent's gaze drifts to the city lights beyond the windows,a faint smile playing on his lips."make sure it's perfect, she's going to need it for a family thing".
Anna stared at the sleek black box on her doorstep,the evening lights from the street casting a soft glow on the pavement. She lifted the lid, and the silk dress shimmered like midnight-perfect,just as Vincent described. Her heart thumped,she slipped it on, feeling the weigh of expectation settle on her shoulders and caught her reflection:poised, elegant.
Just then,her phone buzzed with a text from Vincent"got the dress,hope it fits well?". She smiled,a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling up. She typed back ,"it's perfect,see you at 6:30AM".
Anna stepped out of the Uber and paused at the wrought iron Gates of Vincent's mansion,the house loomed ahead,it's stone facade illuminated by warm, golden lights that spilled from tall windows, casting a soft Halo on the manicured lawn and highlighting the Mable columns that framed the Grand entrance.A sweeping staircase of polished wood led up to massive double doors etched with intricate patterns.
She inhaled, feeling the crisp morning air brush against her skin,and let her eyes wonder over the sprawling gardens-perfectly trimmed hedges ,a fountain whose water caught the light like liquid diamonds,and lanterns now dimmed from the night before. For a moment she was carried away by the sheer beauty of it all,the elegance and quiet power of the place making her heart thump louder .
The heavy door swung inward,and one of Vincent's staff greeted her ,a poised woman in a crisp uniform, stepped forward with a warm smile"Good morning,Ms Anna. She ushered Anna to a plush armchair by the large bay window,it's cushions sinking sofly under her weight."please make yourself comfortable and wait for Mr Ornaldo"the maid said with a polite nod before disappearing down the hallway. Anna's eyes roamed the elegant room,high ceilings with crown moldings,a crystal chandelier casting gentle light,and walls lined with tasteful art. She traced the intricate patterns on the rug with her fingertips,her mind buzzing.
Suddenly,the sound of footsteps on the polished marble stair case echoed through the foyer. Vincent descended with effortless grace,his dark hair perfectly styled,a tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. He moved like he owned every inch of the space,and when his eyes met Anna's a slow, confident smile curled on his lips.
"You look stunning"he said, his voice low and smooth as he reached the bottom step.
Anna's breath caught,her thoughts tangled in his handsomeness and for a heartbeat she couldn't form a word. She blinked, snapped back to reality and managed a soft "Good morning Mr Vincent",her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. Vincent's smile widened just a touch,and he stepped closer, his presence filing the room. "Morning, Anna, ready for today?" He asked,eyes scanning her with a mix of curiosity and expectation.
~đź–¤~
They drove to Vincent's family house, Vincent leads Anna into the grand dining hall,he strode to his mother, pulling her into a warm hug and murmuring,"it's been too long,mom". Mrs Maureen a stunning looking beautiful woman in her late 50's smiled and said "have missed you son,am happy to see you".
He kept his expression neutral,even as his eyes flicked to his ex Sheila,whose presence surprised him-he held his composure,a mask of calm. He slides into his chair, Sheila's eyes narrowed as she approached Anna,her voice dripping with barely concealed venom. "So you're the one Vincent's brought home", she said, her tone icy. Anna met her gaze, unflinching,"yes I'm Anna. It's nice to meet you, Sheila's smile was sharp. "Nice to meet you? I doubt that . What makes you think you belong here?" Anna's response was calm,"I don't think I belong anywhere I don't, but Vincent invited me. Vincent's mom watched,small knowing smile playing on her lips.
Mrs Maureen, loaned in,eyes bright with curiosity,"Vincent, who's the young lady you brought with you?" She asked ,her voice soft but probing. Vincent turned,his gaze locking onto Anna, and for a heartbeat the room held it's breath. He broke the silence with a simple, steady word:"she's my girlfriend" Anna felt a jolt, almost choking on her own surprise,but Vincent's land found hers,his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles, a silent, reassuring stair-step that steadied her pulse. She let out a breath,a small,practiced smile forming as she played along , slipping into the role of his "girlfriend" with a calm she hadn't known she could summon.
Sheila's face twisted,a flash of surprise,anger and jealousy colliding in her eyes- she clenched her jaw ,then forced a thin smile. "Well isn't that unexpected",she said voice tight,as she shot a sharp look at Anna,then at Vincent,as if daring him to explain. But he kept calm and ignored her.
Vincent's mom raised an eyebrow, watching the tension simmer, while Anna kept her posture steady,eyes flicking between Sheila and Vincent.
Mrs Maureen, softened as she asked Anna about her work,her smile warm and genuine."so what do you do dear?", She asked,eyes twinkling. Anna replied with a bright smile,"I'm Vincent's PA and a graphic designer, Mrs Maureen nodded, impressed,"that's wonderful, you must be very creative". The dinner chatter flowed and after pleasant goodbyes, Vincent took Anna's hand, leading her out to his car as they drove away.