The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Seraphina's opulent bedroom, casting a warm glow on the luxurious silk sheets. She stirred awake, the memories of the masquerade ball flooding her mind—especially the enigmatic dance with "Bob." His intense gaze, the feel of his hand on hers—it all felt like a dream.
As she stretched, trying to shake off the vivid memories, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Miss Devereux, your bath is ready," came the maid's voice from behind the door.
"Thank you, Marie. I'll be down shortly," Seraphina replied, her voice still heavy with sleep.
She took her time in the bath, the warm water soothing her. As she dressed in a casual morning gown and descended the grand staircase, the aroma of a lavish breakfast greeted her. Another maid had laid out an exquisite spread, but her father, as usual, was absent, engrossed in his business dealings.
Sitting down to eat, she couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of the mysterious man from the night before. "My life is so dreadfully dull," she muttered, pushing her food around her plate.
Just as she was about to take a reluctant bite, the sound of heavy footsteps approached. Vincent Devereux entered the dining room, his imposing figure casting a looming shadow. His face bore a stern expression, as always.
"Seraphina," he began, his voice commanding, "Allaire Moretti is waiting for you downstairs. You're going on a date."
"A date?" Seraphina's heart sank. "Do you even care about what I want, Father?"
Vincent's eyes narrowed. "This isn't about what you want. It's about securing our future. Now, get ready."
Seraphina stood, her temper flaring. "I am not a pawn in your business deals, Father!"
"Enough!" Vincent's voice was like a whip. "You will do this. Get dressed."
Fuming, Seraphina stormed up to her room. She rifled through her wardrobe, pulling out an elegant, deep emerald gown that hugged her figure and cascaded to the floor in a waterfall of silk and chiffon. The dress was adorned with intricate beadwork that caught the light with every movement. She let her long, black hair fall in loose waves over her shoulders, framing her face like a dark halo.
When she descended the grand staircase again, this time dressed to impress, Allaire Moretti was waiting in the foyer. His dark eyes widened, a look of admiration and something more dangerous flickering in them as he took in her appearance.
"You must be Seraphina," he said, his voice smooth but with an undercurrent of something darker. "You are breathtaking."
Seraphina met his gaze, her eyes cold and defiant. "Thank you," she replied curtly.
Vincent and Mr. Moretti joined them, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. "Why don't you two get to know each other better?" Vincent suggested, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Allaire extended his arm, and with a reluctant sigh, Seraphina took it. As they walked to the car, her mind raced. She needed to find Lucien Salvatore—before it was too late.
The limousine waiting outside was a testament to Moretti's wealth and power. The ride to the restaurant was silent, tension crackling between them. When they arrived at the exclusive venue, Allaire led her to a private table, the ambience luxurious and intimate.
As they sat down, Allaire studied her with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "You know, Seraphina, I've heard a lot about you."
"And I've heard enough about you," she shot back, her tone icy.
Undeterred, Allaire leaned in closer. "This could be a beneficial arrangement for both our families."
"I'm not interested in arrangements," Seraphina retorted, her voice sharp. "I have my plans."
Allaire smirked, his eyes darkening. "You might find that your plans are more complicated than you think."
Seraphina's response was cut off by the arrival of a young woman, her eyes blazing with jealousy. "Allaire, what is this?" she demanded, glaring at Seraphine.
"Isabella," Allaire said, his voice dripping with irritation. "This is Saraphine, my fiancée."
Isabella's face twisted in anger. "Fiancée? How could you, Allaire? We were supposed to be together!"
Seraphina's stomach churned with disgust. She stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Keep me out of your petty dramas," she said, pulling her arm free from Isabella's grasp.
"You think you can just walk away?" Isabella hissed, grabbing Saraphine's arm again.
Seraphina's eyes flashed with anger as she yanked her arm free. "Don't touch me," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "I have no part in this."
She stormed outside, her heart pounding. As she waited for her driver, she grew increasingly frustrated. Thirty minutes passed, and there was still no sign of him. She turned and saw Allaire emerging from the restaurant, searching for her.
Desperate to avoid another confrontation, Seraphina spotted a car parked nearby and quickly slipped into the back seat without thinking. The door closed behind her, and she immediately pulled the suit jacket of the person next to her over her face to hide.
The car started moving, and as she slowly lifted her head, she found herself staring into the familiar eyes of "Bob."
"Bob?" she whispered, shock and recognition flooding her.
Lucien's eyes locked onto hers, filled with equal parts surprise and intrigue. Seraphina still clutched his suit, her heart pounding as the car sped away, leaving her tumultuous morning behind.
"You again," Lucien said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"I—" Seraphina stammered, struggling to find her words. "I didn't mean to... I was just trying to get away."
"From the person you're bound to marry?" Lucien teased, his tone light but his eyes serious.
Seraphina's expression hardened. "Yes. He's insufferable. My father insists on this arrangement, but I can't stand it."
Lucien studied her for a moment before speaking again, his tone now colder. "And you think hiding in random cars will solve your problem?"
Seraphina bristled at his dismissive attitude. "I just needed to escape. Is that too hard for you to understand?"
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "You rich girls are all the same. Thinking money and connections can solve everything."
Seraphina's eyes flashed with defiance. "And what do you know about my life, Bob?"
Lucien smirked, but his eyes remained cold. "More than you think."
The car drove a little further before Lucien spoke to the driver. "Matteo, stop the car."
Matteo complied, pulling over to the side of the road. Lucien turned to Seraphina, his gaze piercing. "Get out."
Seraphina stared at him, stunned. "What?"
"You heard me," Lucien said coldly. "Get out."
Seraphina hesitated for a moment, then her eyes blazed with anger. "You don't want me to see your boss, I won't ask you nicely again," she said, her voice trembling with rage. She reached into her purse and pulled out a bundle of money, throwing it at Lucien's feet. "Take this and get lost."
Lucien's eyes darkened as he stepped out of the car, followed by Seraphina. They stood face to face on the side of the road, the tension between them palpable.
"You think money can buy everything, don't you?" Lucien said, his voice low and dangerous. "Well, it won't buy you an introduction to my boss."
Seraphina's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm not just any spoiled rich girl. I have my reasons for wanting to meet Lucien Salvatore."
"And what reasons are those?" Lucien asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
Seraphina took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "That's none of your business. Just tell me how I can meet him."
Lucien took a step closer, his eyes boring into hers. "You think you can handle someone like him?"
Seraphina didn't flinch. "I can handle more than you know."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the air between them crackling with intensity. Finally, Lucien spoke, his voice a low growl. "Get back in the car. We'll talk."
Seraphina hesitated, then nodded, climbing back into the car. Lucien followed, closing the door behind him. As the car started moving again, the tension between them remained thick, neither willing to back down.
"So, tell me," Lucien said, his voice softer but no less dangerous. "Why are you so desperate to meet Lucien Salvatore?"
Seraphina met his gaze, her eyes filled with resolve. "I have a proposition for him. One that could benefit us both."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "And you think he'll be interested?"
"I think he won't be able to resist," Seraphina replied, her voice steady.
Lucien studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "We'll see about that."