8th November was the date when Viviana Cassius's private jet landed, marking the end of yet another extravagant weekend abroad. Her trips were always special, punctuated by lavish shopping sprees in the most exclusive boutiques around the world. Everything about her screamed opulence and exclusivity.
Viviana's outfits were masterpieces, handcrafted by the finest seamstresses after being designed by top designers in the industry. Her jewellery was out-of-this-world unique, with accessories customised for her. But it wasn't just her lifestyle that turned heads; her beauty was equally striking. Though she was naturally pretty but she still made sure to ggo under the knife several times to get that flawless look that was unmatched.
Luck had been on Viviana's side since childhood and at times when it was not by her side, she simply bought. Life was that simple for her, as the sole heiress of Alister Cassius, an old and immensely wealthy business tycoon. Alister owned a chain of companies under the trademark of Cassius Inc, He held shares in every major industry in the country and was named the richest man of the country a few hundred times in several magazines. If he wished, he could practically name Viviana the queen of the country, and no one would dare contest it.
Awaiting Viviana's arrival was a long line of sleek, black cars, a testament to the protocol that ensured her journey back to the mansion would be smooth and undisturbed. As she descended the jet's steps, she surveyed her surroundings through her designer sunglasses, perched perfectly on her freshly sculpted nose. Behind her, a line of servants struggled with her mountain of baggage, the fruits of her latest shopping spree.
"Miss, welcome back," greeted a neat man in a black suit, his gloved hands clasped in respect, head slightly bowed. "The chairman is waiting for you at lunch. This way, please."
Viviana clicked her tongue, giving him a condescending look. "I have a meeting with a friend. I will see him tomorrow," she said, brushing past him.
"Miss, the chairman is not feeling well. He really wishes to see you," the man insisted, stepping in front of her to block her path.
"How dare you stop me? Do you wish to die?" she screamed, her face contorting with anger.
"Miss, these are orders from the chairman. He really wishes to see you. It has been a month since he last saw you. Please, Miss," he almost begged.
"Get out of my way," Viviana's voice dripped with icy resolve, her forehead veins popping as her fury peaked. The man didn't move from his spot as they were orders from her grandfather.
Viviana stood for a moment, glaring at him before snapping her fingers at her secretary, who was following closely. Instantly, her secretary handed over her phone. Viviana dialed a number, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Hello?" A weak, shaky voice answered after a few rings. "Vivi! My child, I heard you landed. I sent some men to pick you up for lunch. I have your favorite food ready."
"That man! Fire him," Viviana demanded.
"Huh?" Alister paused, not understanding.
"What do you mean? Did something happen?" he asked, worry lacing his tone.
"He stood in my way! I am so angry I feel sick! Just fire him already!" she screamed. The man's face paled at her words, knowing speaking up would only make things worse.
"Okay, I will do as you say. Just come home," Alister pleaded, hoping to calm her.
"I am not going home today. I have plans with my friends. I will meet you tomorrow or so. Bye!" she said curtly, ending the call and handing the phone back to her secretary. She walked away arrogantly towards the airport's entry gate, leaving the cars and servants deserted. Her secretary followed closely, handing her a cup of cold coffee as they walked into the crowded terminal.
"Miss, your coffee," she said, giving it to Viviana, who paused to make another call.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the waiting area. A fragile boy, not older than fifteen, rushed through the crowd, slamming into Viviana and spilling coffee all over her. She fell backward, hitting the floor hard.
"Ack!" Viviana shrieked, grabbing the back of her head as excruciating pain shot through it. Though she had just fallen back, she clutched her head as if it had suffered a severe impact. Tears sprang to her eyes almost automatically. It felt as if someone had bashed her head with a heavy vase, causing it to split open, and she imagined blood spilling outwards. Her vision blurred, and her ears rang. She saw a bizarre vision: a few buttons of an elevator, blood on the floor, and some deceitful words. The pain persisted, and it was a scene she had never seen before, so it couldn't have been a memory. Yet, it was undeniably her in the vision. Time around her seemed to dilate, her ears ringing with bells of warning. Her own breathing became too audible to her. The pain grew more intense, and Viviana's grip around her hair tightened. Only when she felt a harsh jolt on her shoulder did she snap out of the painful vision and back to reality.
"Miss! Are you okay? Miss?" Her secretary's voice pierced through the fog.
Viviana blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. The faces of concerned onlookers came into focus, and the reality of the situation dawned on her. She was on the cold, hard floor of the airport, surrounded by a growing crowd.
"I... I'm bleeding," Viviana stammered, still holding the back of her head, finally letting out a breath that echoed in her head.
"You are?" The secretary's voice was filled with concern. "Where?"
"My head is bleeding! Can't you see that?" Viviana's chest heaved with panic, tears streaming down her cheeks. She glanced toward the boy who had caused the commotion. He was now trying to stand, his face bruised, his eyes dark and hollow.
"Miss, you're okay. You're not bleeding," the secretary reassured her.