In the expansive living room of Nicholas's mansion, a woman sat in a long summer dress, adorned with a sunshade, a seashell necklace, and yellow low heels.
Maids rushed around the room, a frenzy of activity, but the woman remained composed, sipping her juice, her legs crossed and eyes shielded by the sunshade.
Beside her stood the old butler, Butler James, his expression worried.
The woman, her voice low and curious, questioned Butler James, "How many ladies has Nicholas brought into this house?"
Butler James, sighing, replied, "None, Madam. As you are aware, Nicholas is not one to bring women home.
He prefers his own company and doesn't like physical intimacy.
However, recently, a lady has been living with him.
"The woman's face grew sterner, her lips puckering into a small pout, as she huffed in annoyance.
"A lady living with him? How dare he go against me! Doesn't he know I'm his mother and I still have a say in his life?"
Butler James, sensing the rising tension in the room, attempted to calm the woman down.
"Madam, Nicholas is a grown man. He has his own preferences and he's entitled to make his own decisions. Please, don't let this upset you."
But the woman, now visibly agitated, crossed her arms over her chest and scoffed.
"Upset me? Hmph! He hasn't seen anything yet. I'm going to show him who's boss in this house. I'm still his mother, no matter how tall he gets."
Nicholas and Mike cautiously entered the living room, only to be met with the sight of Nicholas's mother, whip in hand and seething with rage.
Upon spotting her son, Vivian's face contorted into a mask of fury, and Nicholas quickly darted behind Mike in a desperate attempt to shield himself.
"Welcome home, son," Vivian snarled sarcastically, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I see you haven't forgotten how to disobey me, even after all these years."
Nicholas cowered behind Mike, his eyes wide with terror as he pleaded with his mother.
"M-mom, I haven't seen you in a year! Don't you think this is a bit excessive? And Kiara? You can't be serious about that!" he stammered, his voice shaking.
Vivian, undeterred, continued her tirade.
"I will not tolerate this disrespect, Nicholas!" she roared, whipping the air in front of her with ferocity.
"You will obey my commands or suffer the consequences!"
Nicholas, growing increasingly panicked, sidestepped towards the safety of Butler James, putting distance between himself and his mother's whip.
"Mom, please! I'm not trying to defy you! Kiara and I just didn't work out, and I really like Lana! She's the real deal, I swear!" he cried, desperation tinging his words.
Vivian's eyes blazed, her face contorted in a combination of anger and disbelief.
"Is that so?" she snapped, turning her attention towards Mike, who had just re-entered the room, leading a timid Lana by the arm.
Vivian's gaze was fixed on Lana as she approached, her bare feet padding softly across the cold floor.
The young woman's silky hair flowed freely, and her eyes shone with an emerald green radiance that captured Vivian's attention.
As Lana beamed a warm smile, Vivian could feel her shock and skepticism begin to melt away.
'She's absolutely stunning,' she thought to herself, a small smile creeping onto her own face.
'Nicholas must have hidden depths to have found someone this exquisite.'
"Good evening, Mrs. Anderson," Lana greeted, her voice soft and pleasant.
Vivian waved away Lana's formality, a gesture of affection and acceptance.
"Please, call me Vivian," she replied, her tone warm and inviting.
"I must say, Nicholas hasn't mentioned anyone as lovely as yourself."Lana blushed, a gentle flush creeping across her cheeks.
'Oh my God mom, I just fucking mention her to you' Nicholas thought still hiding behind butler james.
"Thank you, Vivian," she replied.
"I'm surprised Nicholas hasn't told you more about me. We've been dating for some time now, and I'm just thrilled to finally meet you."
Vivian, sensing an opportunity to learn more about this mysterious woman, leaned in conspiratorially, a smile playing on her lips.
"So tell me, Lana," she whispered, "what is it about my son that caught your eye?"Lana laughed softly, a sound like a gentle breeze on a summer's day.
"Well," she began, her voice soft and warm, "I'll admit that Nicholas is handsome, but it's his heart that truly captured me. He's so kind and compassionate, and he always puts others before himself. He's a rare gem, really."
Vivian's smile widened, a hint of pride evident in her expression.
"I'm glad to hear that my son is showing his true colors," she replied.
"It seems like you've brought out the best in him."Lana's smile mirrored Vivian's, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Oh, I wouldn't go that far," she teased.
"I think he's always been this way. But I'm glad to be a part of his life, and to have the chance to get to know you."
Vivian chuckled, her laughter a low, rich sound that filled the room.
"You're quite charming yourself, Lana," she replied.
"If Nicholas is half as lucky as I think he is, he won't let you slip away."
Lana's cheeks flushed again, her hand rising to brush her hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture.
"Well, I certainly hope so," she replied, her voice soft and sincere. "I can't imagine my life without him."Vivian's expression softened, her gaze turning towards Nicholas, who was still lingering nervously in the background.
Nicholas, who had been watching the exchange with apprehension, allowed himself a small, relieved sigh as Lana's performance continued to charm Vivian.
'Lana is truly talented,' he thought to himself, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the tension in the room dissipated.
Lana's voice was like honey, smooth and sweet as she continued, "Thank you, Vivian, It's clear that Nicholas learned his respect for women from you. He's been nothing but a gentleman."
Nicholas's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing as Lana's words dripped with double meaning.
Vivian beamed, her pride in her son evident in her expression.
"I'm glad to hear that he's treating you right," she replied.
"Respect is so important in a relationship."Lana nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"It certainly is," she agreed, her smile turning mischievous.
"And I must say, Nicholas has shown me a level of respect that I never could have expected."
Nicholas, now fully aware of the hidden message in Lana's words, felt his heart pounding in his chest, a nervous sweat breaking out across his forehead.
Vivian's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing a hint of mischief in Lana's tone.
"Oh? Do tell, Lana. I'm curious to hear more about my son's newfound respect for you."
Lana, seemingly unfazed by Vivian's probing, leaned back against the couch with a sly smile.
'Lana don't you dare' Nicholas thought as he make eye contact with Lana who was now smirking.