Roman returned from his run, feeling invigorated and refreshed. He spent some time doing exercises to cool down, then headed to the lavish shower in his spacious bedroom suite to wash off the sweat. As the sun set, casting a warm orange glow over the grand mansion, Roman made his way to the expansive kitchen to prepare dinner.
With a skilled hand, he expertly cooked a tender steak, searing it to perfection on the high-end cooktop. Alongside the steak, he sautéed a medley of colorful vegetables - crisp bell peppers, succulent mushrooms, and vibrant broccoli - all perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and herbs. The aroma of the sizzling food filled the air, making Roman's stomach growl with anticipation.
As he finished plating the meal, he stepped back to admire his handiwork. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and the vegetables were arranged artfully around it on the fine china plate. The crystal glasses and silverware sparkled in the soft light of the kitchen, adding to the elegant ambiance.
"Bianca, come eat!" Roman called out, his voice echoing through the marble-lined halls of the mansion.
A moment later, Bianca appeared in the kitchen, her eyes widening as she took in the mouthwatering spread before her. "Wow, Roman, you're a culinary genius!" she exclaimed, digging in with gusto.
Roman laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've heard that compliment enough, Bianca," he said, chuckling.
Bianca playfully rolled her eyes, mumbling under her breath, "Ungrateful, that's what you are."
Despite the lighthearted banter, they both savored their dinner, enjoying the delicious flavors and each other's company. As they finished their meal, Roman and Bianca retired to their respective rooms, feeling content and full.
As they bid each other goodnight, Roman smiled, grateful for the warmth and comfort of their little family. He knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he and Bianca would face them together, as long as they had each other.
With a sense of peace, Roman settled into his plush bed, the softness of the pillows and the silence of the mansion lulling him into a restful sleep. Little did he know, tomorrow would bring new adventures and unexpected surprises.
Roman woke up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day. He washed up, dressed in his finest attire, and headed downstairs to start his morning routine. As he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by the sight of Bianca, her long legs bare beneath a shirt that barely reached her thighs. Roman's gaze lingered, and he quickly looked up to meet Bianca's smirk.
"What's wrong, Bibi? Why are you looking at me like that?" Roman asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Bianca's smirk grew wider. "Nothing," she said, her voice dripping with mischief. She left breakfast on the table, telling Roman to eat up, and headed upstairs, leaving him feeling both puzzled and intrigued.
With his appetite piqued, Roman sat down to enjoy his meal. Afterward, he gazed into the air, and his stats appeared before him in a holographic display:
Name: Roman Vitali
Currency: $
Wealth: $559,000
Stats:
- Strength: E rank
- Speed: E rank
- Stamina: ∞
- Charm: B+ rank (upgraded from B rank)
Roman smiled, satisfied with his wealth and stats. Today, he planned to purchase a car, so he made a mental note to keep his budget under $100,000.
With some time to spare before leaving, Roman headed to his office to indulge in a book. As he settled into his chair, he couldn't help but think about Bianca's enigmatic behavior earlier. He shrugged it off, focusing on his reading, but the thought lingered in the back of his mind.
Roman closed his book, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. He headed upstairs to inform Bianca of his plans. "Hey, Bibi, I'm leaving now. I might come back late, so don't worry if you don't see me until tonight."
Bianca nodded, her eyes fixed on her phone. "Be careful, Roman."
Roman smiled and headed out, dialing Michael's number as he walked. "Hey, Michael. What's the location of the person who's going to help me?"
Michael's voice came through the phone, clear and concise. "Meet him at Cafe Europa on 5th Street, in the commercial district. He'll be waiting for you."
Roman hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address. As they drove, he gazed out the window, taking in the sights of Brookville's bustling streets. The city was indeed massive, one of only four major cities on the island of Nova Haven - the largest island in the country.
The city was a hub of affluence, where the rich and powerful resided in extravagant estates, their manicured lawns and sparkling fountains a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city below.
The skyscrapers, gleaming with glass and steel, stood as sentinels of prosperity, their peaks hiding the lavish penthouses of the elite. The city's avenues were paved with gold, or so it seemed, as designer boutiques and high-end restaurants catered to the refined tastes of the wealthy. In Brookville, the land of the rich, extravagance was a way of life.
After a 20-minute ride, the taxi stopped in front of Cafe Europa, a cozy establishment nestled among towering skyscrapers. Roman paid the fare and stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as he entered the cafe to meet his mysterious benefactor.
Roman pushed open the door to Cafe Europa, stepping into the quiet atmosphere within. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped him, a welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. As he scanned the room, his eyes met the gaze of a young man seated at a table near the window.
The cafe was almost empty, with only a pair of couples engrossed in their own conversations at separate tables. Roman's attention, however, was fixed on the young man, who was dressed in designer clothing that seemed to shimmer in the soft light. His attire was impeccable, a stark contrast to Roman's more casual wear.
As Roman's eyes locked onto the young man's face, he felt a jolt of shock and confusion. He knew exactly who it was.