Ava
I only have an hour to get to Mr. Stanford's house for the interview and I would very much appreciate it if I won't get any distraction from Derek. I can't avoid the fact that I crossed him last night and knowing him, I know he won't be happy about it and surely, he would want to teach me a lesson.
"Please be gone. Please be gone." I kept mumbling to myself as I open the door, I headed downstairs and pass through his bedroom silently. It would be hard to climb down the stairs with my heels on so I slip it out of my feet and tiptoed on our wooden staircase as I hold my breath.
I managed to pass through the living room without incident, only one step to the door and then...
"Ava!"
"Shit." I hissed and shut my eyes.
I turned slowly and saw him at the end of the dining table eating ice cream. I gulped and forced a smile "Good morning" I greeted him.
He doesn't look happy, like usual "Come here." He ordered.
"Of course Derek," I said in a low voice, feeling nervous and frustrated that I might miss my appointment today.
He handed me a brown envelope, much to my surprise and confusion. I gave him a questioning look "What is this?" I asked.
"You'll find out soon enough. Just hold on to it and don't open it until I say so," he said in an authoritative voice.
"Okay. I'm leaving." I hesitantly said.
He took a spoon full of ice cream and ignored me, I'm not sure if I should leave or wait for him to respond, so I decided on the latter to avoid the worst.
"Go," he said without even looking at me.
I released the breath I was holding and walked out of the dining room. Something is not right. Derek seems in a nice mood today. He's not all smiles or whatnot but he's not difficult too. I'm not sure if I should be happy or worried about it, Knowing Derek, whatever the reason behind his changed behavior was not good.
I arrived in Scarsdale. The wealthiest village in New York City, where Mr. Stanford is staying. Looking at the surroundings, I immediately felt out of place. I grew up with wealth, given that my father was a pilot and was at his prime back then, but when he died, leaving us in too much debt, I forgot about wealth already and learned how to live as simple as I could, even after I married my husband.
I can't bypass the class of the place as I drive through the streets. It's not just rich in large houses, but of quiet too. Residents feel secure. They can freely do their morning run and walk their dogs out under the beautiful sun.
I breathed heavily when I finally found the house. Contrary to what I have expected, and what I have read about Mr. Stanford, the house is unlike any other when it comes to its size. It is a lot smaller compared to the neighbors, and it sits in the middle of a perfectly maintained lawn without any gates on.
I turned off the ignition and rolled down my car window to inspect the house, making sure I'm at the right address, which I am. I took off my seat belt and jumped out of my car and locked it. I breathed heavily as I glance at my reflection through the car window, I should have worn a much better outfit today. I smoothed the crumpled part of my black pencil-cut dress and made sure I have everything I need before walking towards the said house.
It looks larger when you get a little closer. I also noticed that though it doesn't have a gate, the door and windows are made of high-quality and top-of-the-line security systems. I'm not an expert in architecture but I can clearly tell that the house was made intricately.
"Impressive," I whispered to myself. I finally reached the front porch and pressed the doorbell twice.
"Who is it?!" A woman behind the intercom exclaimed.
"Ava Kensington from Vertis Magazine. I have an appointment with Mr. Stanford today. He's expecting me." glancing at my watch, I noticed it's already five minutes past nine, very unprofessional. A moment of silence fell and then, the double door automatically opened and it revealed the beauty of the house.
Indeed, you can't judge the book by its cover. I have underestimated his house. I took a few steps inside and the double door closed behind me at the same time the chandelier lights up, giving the receiving area a soft glow. Everything is white. From the walls to the furniture and accessories, giving a fresh and comfortable feeling.
A middle-aged woman just came out of nowhere with a sweet smile on her beautiful face "Welcome to Stanford residence, Ms. Kensington. I'm Jenna, I'm Mr. Standford's housekeeper. " She extended her hand for a shake and I gladly took it, reciprocating her smile.
"You can call me Ava. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too. Come follow me," she said.
I just smiled and nodded. I followed her as I look around the house, welcoming the fresh scent of lemon in the air. The inside of the house is even prettier. The plain white walls complimenting the big art canvases scattered everywhere. The paintings look expensive and chosen carefully. The man got a taste indeed.
The rest of the living room is adorned with a fireplace, a flat-screen tv on the wall facing the couch, and a center table with books over it. Everything is elegant.
"Would you like some tea?" Jenna's voice brought me back to reality.
"Ahm, no. I'm fine but thank you for asking." I laughed nervously.
The walk on the hallway beside the stairs feels like forever, but gladly, Jenna stopped and I followed suit "That door will lead to Mr. Stanford's study. He's already there." She instructed.
I gulp as I look at the wooden door at the end of the hallway "Thank You, Jenna."
"I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything." She smiled before retreating and vanishing to the other side of the house where the kitchen was.
I bravely took the hallway towards my first assignment. My heart beats the same time as my heels meet the ground on my every step. I've never been this nervous all my life. I'm used to talking to people. I love people. But interviewing a business magnate is a different story. I can't mess this up. I released a nervous breath before lifting my hands up to knock on the door.
"Come in." to my surprise, a deep and cold voice called out behind the big oak door, curious since I haven't knocked yet.
My hand shakes as I slowly open the door. How did he know someone is going to knock? Does he have superpowers? The door creaks and I slowly and silently slid myself in. And there he was. Mr. Lucas Stanford in all his glory. His back is on me, but I can clearly tell he's hella hot just by his stance and broad back.
"Uhm, how did you..." I started.
"Surveillance." he cut me off the same time he turns around to face me.
Damn, he shouldn't have. I hate to describe him because I'm sure I'd sound like a fangirl. He's tall and well built. He has dark brown messy hair, thick brows, projecting nose, sharp jawline, and the most amazing blue eyes. Not to mention his height, well-built body under his perfectly tailored suit, and confidence. I wonder why he has so few pictures on the internet. Mr. Stanford is an Adonis. Period.
"Are you done gawking, Miss Kensington?" Mr. Stanford asked amused.
I shook my head and was startled when I realized he's already standing in front of me. I found sea-colored eyes looking intently at my face and it's kind of intimidating. I stared at him for a while as I laugh nervously.
"Yes. Yes, I'm done." I laughed and swallowed nervously furthermore I wanted to mentally slap my face for being so obviously dazed.
"Lucas Stanford." He extended his hand and I took it immediately. His hand is cold and rough, it sends a shiver down my spine but I managed to shake it off.
"Ava Kensington from Vertis Magazine Mr. Stanford. Delighted to meet you." I replied and forced a smile on my face.
He holds my hand longer than I expected and I noticed how his brows furrowed when his eyes darted on the corner of my lips. I knew right away that he had seen my bruise, I hate myself for running out of concealer when I needed it the most.
I regretted looking at him, his eyes have something magnetic in them that I can't stop staring at. For a while, the world stood still. Time stopped. All I recognize is his hand holding mine as he stares intently at my face and his see-colored eyes. I have seen those eyes somewhere before. But whom? Where?