Verena hopped into a taxi and told the driver her home address. She leaned back in the seat, tired from the dinner, and she had to get ready for the night shift later.
The taxi pulled up to her apartment building, and Verena stepped out, her steps laden with weariness.
She made her way up the dimly lit stairwell, the sounds of distant chatter and footsteps echoing around her.
Upon entering her apartment, the dim glow of a single bulb cast an amber hue over the small space.
Her eyes were drawn to the modest layout—an open area with a sofa lounge, a compact kitchen, and a single room with an attached bath.
It wasn't lavish, but it was hers—a sanctuary from the demands of her daily routine.
The anticipation of a warm shower cocooned her as she entered the bathroom, the soothing rush of water providing respite from the rigours of the day.
However, her frustration heightened as the stream dwindled into a trickle before finally ceasing altogether.
A sigh of exasperation escaped her lips, and without a second thought, Verena grabbed a bucket, filled it with water, and brought it back to the bathroom. She poured the water into the bathtub and managed to finish her shower.
She filled the tub with water, the gentle splash having a calming cadence as she allowed herself a moment of reprieve. The warm water enveloped her once again, massaging away the tension that had built throughout the dinner.
After drying off, Verena put on a comfortable bathrobe, gave the fabric a gentle caress against her skin, and walked out to lounge. Feeling thirsty, she decided to pour herself a glass of water.
As she turned around with the glass in hand, she was startled to see a man standing right behind her.
She was so surprised that some of the water in her mouth spilled out, and the glass slipped from her fingers, shattering as it met the floor.
Amidst the shattered glass and the weight of the unexpected intrusion, there stood Louis. His gaze swept over Verena, a calculated scrutiny that seemed to linger a moment too long on her body.
Then, his attention shifted to the still-open door, his contemplative gaze tracing a path to the point of entry.
With an air of casual inquiry, he voiced his question, "Is this how you usually stay at home when the door is left wide open?"
Verena's mind whirled and eyes widened, still reeling from the shock of his sudden appearance. Her lips parted in an attempt to reply, but the words seemed to escape her grasp, lost in the tangled web of her emotions.
Had I forgot to lock the door on my way? No that can't be. I never this before or might he knew how to enter from a locked door.
Her astonishment only deepened as she managed to sputter out a single query, "Wh— What are you doing in my house?"
Louis's response was laced with an innocence that held an undertone of unintended mischief, "I didn't realize I couldn't come here. I mean, I thought..."
Verena glared at him, he opened his mouth clearly not knowing what to say. Not uttering a word will keep him in her good books because for now he certainly was getting on her nerves more than anything.
"Why are you here?" Louis hesitated at her question, his gaze shifting around the room as if searching for an answer that evaded words.
Verena's heartbeat quickened at his silence, her mind a whirlwind of questions and apprehensions. She clenched her fists, her inner voice screaming at her to demand an explanation.
Without warning, she turned abruptly, retreating into her room in a rush of movements. Emerging moments later, her appearance had transformed.
Clad in her hotel uniform, she faced Louis, her expression a mask of composure despite the chaos within her. His gaze locked onto her attire, his brows furrowing in a subtle frown.
"Why are you dressed like that?" he questioned, the query carrying a hint of genuine puzzlement.
Verena didn't miss a beat; her voice was calm yet obstinate. "I took a night shift. I was out with you today, remember?"
How could he forgot such important time of his life? Louis's silence held a weight that lingered in the space between them. He regarded her with an intensity that seemed to pierce through her facade, seeking something beneath the surface.
And then, almost imperceptibly, he began to move, walking past her towards the room. Her heartbeat quickened in response, a strange mixture of curiosity and nervousness coursing through her veins.
He opened the doors of her small wardrobe; his actions were deliberate and measured. Verena watched, a mix of confusion and trepidation building within her.
Her voice wavered as she questioned his intentions, "Louis, what are you doing?"
His response came as a matter-of-fact directive, a command that cut through the air, "Pack your things."
Her confusion deepened, the words not quite settling in her mind. She repeated her query, her voice tinged with incredulity, "Pack my things? Why?"
Louis's gaze met hers, a steely resolve in his eyes as he met her questioning gaze. His tone held an edge of authority as he offered his succinct explanation, "Because you have somewhere to go."
Verena's disbelief mingled with defiance, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions, "And why do I have to go there?"
His answer came in the form of an intent gaze that narrowed the space between them. Louis closed the distance, his presence enveloping her as he looked down at her, his voice low and unwavering, "Because it's time."
Verena held her breath, she tilted her head back to meet his gaze. He was towered over her by a good ten centimetres.
Verena's heart raced as his gaze bore into hers, their proximity igniting a silent conversation that transcended words.
With a steady voice, Louis explained his reasoning, his words measured and pragmatic, "We only have six days before the ceremony, and we barely know each other. It's practical for us to live together during this time to practise being a couple. We need to appear convincing, even if it's just for appearances."
Verena's understanding blossomed, the pieces falling into place as she absorbed his explanation. She nodded, acknowledging his rationale.
The logic was clear—this was about appearances, about presenting themselves as a united front to the world, despite the underlying contract of their relationship.
Pushing past Louis, she moved towards her suitcase with a determined fire in her eyes. She began to pack her belongings efficiently, each item meticulously placed as she sorted through her meagre possessions.
Louis watched her, his gaze shifting from her to the room around them. He had come with a simple purpose—to hand her a book—but now he found himself witnessing the reality of her living conditions.
"I've finished up my packing." Verena's voice broke into silence, interrupting his thoughts.
He turned to find her standing there and nodded in response. Gently, he took the suitcase from her, the weight a stark reminder of the life she carried with her.
As they walked out of the apartment, Louis passed the suitcase to Joshua, who greeted Verena with a nod before placing the bag in the car's trunk.
Louis motioned for Verena to join him, opening the car door for her. She slid onto the seat, her heart brimming with a mix of emotions—relief, uncertainty, and a newfound sense of ease.
Sitting there beside Louis, Verena couldn't help but reflect on the man who sat next to her.
He had exposed a side of himself that she hadn't expected—a gesture of care and practicality that was at odds with her initial perception.
She realised that he wasn't all harshness; there was a depth to him that defied easy categorization.
Louis's presence in the car exuded a certain calmness, a departure from the initial impressions Verena had held of him. Her gaze flickered towards him.
She admitted, her voice laced with introspection, "You have a different personality than I expected."
His eyebrow quirked up in mild amusement, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips, "Is that so? Care to share what you expected?"
Verena's gaze turned to the passing cityscape, a hint of nostalgia in her voice, "I thought you might be more distant, less inclined to engage in conversation. But you seem... different."
Louis's eyes held a warmth that softened his features, "Circumstances can bring out various facets of a person. A person can change a person too."
Her posture relaxed against the seat, and the silence that followed was comfortable, almost companionable.
The words kept ringing in her mind 'a person can change a person too' and she closed her eyes.
Then, Louis's voice cut through the quiet, a question that seemed to hold more weight than its words revealed, "What about your job?"
Verena glanced at him, her response was, "I work at the hotel you own." Had she been aware of it from the beginning of her job, she wouldn't have gotten involved in that area. But now he's aware of her and is using her own plans to control her.
His interest was piqued, his tone conversational, "And do you want to continue working there?"
Her inclination towards silence led her to a momentary pause before she answered, "I hadn't really thought about it."
Louis's gaze was thoughtful, "Well, now that you're going to be my wife, I can provide you with anything you desire. Would working there be something you'd like to do?"
Verena considered his question; the idea of her working at the same place he owned held a certain appeal. She nodded slowly, her voice soft, "Yes, I think so."
Louis's lips curled into a faint smile, his words gentle yet assured, "You don't have to if you don't want to. I can provide you with anything you need. But if it's what you want, I won't object."