II. Strange Encounter.
. . . . .
Gazing down from the height of my balcony, I am certain I saw a shadow lurking right below.
It appeared to be a man. A man with brownish hair.
It was quite difficult to distinguish his appearance correctly from my perspective high above the main building. Fortunately, the moon is shining brightly tonight. I can see fairly well in the dark, and with the help of the moonlight, I can ascertain that there are indeed intruders inside the Viviana manor.
Recently, when I went to the kitchen, I saw another intruder. Unable to discern the individual's hair color and deeming it not my concern, I returned to my room with a yawn. I couldn't be bothered that much to worry about something as trivial as them.
But now, to my astonishment, it appears to be not just one, but two of them. "Perhaps there are more. . ." I whispered, peering down at the unsuspecting man with a cold glare etched on my face. "Should I just let them be and have my family take care of it? I'm quite exhausted," I yawned. It's already 2:00 AM and it's quite breezy here on the third floor.
I twirled my hair absentmindedly as I looked down, bored.
My focus shifted back to the brown-haired guy when he suddenly tripped over seemingly nothing.
I blinked. Surprised. "Who does that? He's clumsy. It's disgusting and he's obviously not fit for this job." I remarked with a scoff. My gaze quietly trailed the peculiar man as he moved from the main building then made his way to the annex.
I decided to follow him. I leapt from my balcony. Despite its height, I was unconcerned about the possibility of a sprain.
Fortunately, I landed softly on the grass below without much problem.
So engrossed in his objective, he didn't notice my presence.
I pursued him for 45 minutes before noticing the snake crest on his right shoulder. "An intruder and a spy from that family, huh?" I murmured to myself. "He's not even aware I'm after him for a spy." With a shrug, I resumed my stealthy pursuit.
He went through the garden.
Oblivious to the fact that he's trampling over my cherished flowerbeds, I find myself unable to suppress the rising anger.
"Tsk, and here I was, planning on letting him be. But he seems to have a death wish." Should I kill him? Torture him? Should I step on him just as he did to my beloved flowers? I can feel a vein throbbing.
At that moment, I lost control of my temper. Emerging from my hiding place, I moved behind him and delivered a forceful kick to his back, propelling him toward the adjacent wall.
I swear I heard a crack.
Not sure if it's from him or the wall that made that concerning sound. 'Oops.' I internally panicked, I wasn't supposed to kick him that hard.
'Well that just happened, enough of that, should I intimidate him a little?' Yes. My subconsciousness cheered for that dark thought in my mind.
"Well well well. . ." I muttered darkly with a slight grin plastered on my face.
His groans of pain were audible as he struggled to his feet. A look of astonishment crossed his face when he saw me.
Adorned merely in my nightgown, with hair clipped up into a messy bun, my attire may seem improper. However, it appears he has a broken rib that demands more attention than my appearance.
I observed him as he slowly held his right arm up to his ear. I can't quite hear what he was saying and only was able to put two and two together when he suddenly cursed for someone to come to his rescue.
'Aww, what a cute little clown.' His eyes darted everywhere except from my direction. 'He seems to be looking for an escape. Too bad, I plan to mess around with him.'
I stopped dead in my tracks as he aimed his gun at me, his face contorted into a scowl. His brows were knitted together, and a fiery glare was directed at me.
Not quite of a gentleman it seems.
I laughed, though I was not really amused with that quirk of his. "Do you really think that is enough to stop me from killing you? Not only did you intrude my domain, but you had the guts to dare think you can kill me? A mere minion of a cowardly boss." I taunted.
I'm quite aware who sent him already but I can't really say it outright, in case I was wrong with my speculation.
Despite my declaration, he appeared to only tighten his grip on the firearm.
'I'm not really quite sure if I'll be able to dodge if he ever pulled the trigger. I've been quite rusty over the years of being away.'
I'm 23 years old, yet I feel as if I'm approaching my 50s, given how sluggish and sore my body constantly feels.
"Who are you?" His stern voice jolted me from my daydream, prompting a moment of hesitation. 'Should I reveal my identity?' Perhaps I should, perhaps not.
'Hmm...' I grinned sheepishly. "Me? Take a guess."
My existence was not really known as I've been told by my father that no one should know I exist.
Hence, my younger brother became the heir.
As the eldest, it seems I'm destined to be informed of everything regardless. I continued to receive reports despite being away for years. Clearly, I'm not complaining. I needed every information I could get to be sure my family are safe and is doing well.
Observing him as he racked his brain, trying to deduce my identity, a mischievous grin spread across my face. He appears bewildered and perplexed, akin to a puppy that has lost its way.
I pity him truly.
I softly sighed. 'Maybe it's about time I stop.' I opened my mouth to speak but stopped. I was once again caught off-guard when he threatened me with a Glock 18 at hand, "Don't move or else I'll shoot!"
Oh? He's quite funny.
I chuckled and decided to test it if he's true to his words and moved forward. I heard him shout "I warned you!" and bang!
He did pull the damn trigger.
Fortunate for me, I was quick enough to dodge. Now, he's in a mild panic, seemingly stressed, and at that moment, I chose to charge towards him.
I want to waste his bullets. I have to make sure that his gun no longer has any bullets.
No bullets is equivalent to no death and injuries after all.
I heard him curse under his breath when the gun only clicked now and there's no bullet coming out of it, "Fuck it!" He then prepared for combat.
'I must admit, his stance is quite impressive. However, I can tell he lacks a natural talent for this?' I thought with a scoff, leaping into the air to execute another kick, consciously restraining my strength this time.
Don't want him stumbling around. He already has a rib to worry about, I don't want him to be forever dead.
He blocked it but he was pushed away ever-so-slightly. Will this hurt his pride? Getting beaten by a girl doesn't seem to be good for a man's ego. Alright, I'll give him a praise then. A heads up. "Hmm. . . Not bad." Oh. 'It came off as sarcastic. Too bad.'
It actually sounded different in my head. Oh well. . .
He remained silent, the situation clearly affecting his mental state. His body was covered in wounds, with scratches, dirt, and blood intermingling. I couldn't help but let out a light laugh at the sight. "Hmm~ I pity you. You look so beaten," I remarked with a hint of sadism, though that was not my intention.
I'm genuinely worried about him. 'I think.'
What if it leads to a blood infection? That's something we definitely want to avoid, isn't it? Not my fault though, oh, actually, yeah. I was partially at fault. "Should've thought it through before breaking in." I muttered darkly under my breath.
I cautiously approached him but halted abruptly when I noticed something shining hurtling towards me. I had no choice but to leap backwards.
'A small needle?' I thought as I looked down on it. It seems like it's infused with poison. How smart but a ridiculous attempt on their part. Whoever they may be.
I glanced ahead and noticed a man with dirty-blonde hair, who was glaring at me with his steely gray eyes. 'Oh.' I thought. He was quite tall, possibly 6'1.
Both he and the brown-haired individual appear to be of equal height. This is likely the same intruder I caught a glimpse of back in the kitchen.
Observing their interactions, I conjured up various dubious scenarios in my mind. 'Hehe. . . they certainly make a charming pair.' I thought with an internal grin.
Yet, my expression remained an impassive poker face. Unbeknownst to them that I've been making a whole novel and fantasies in my head.
"TSK!"
Oh, oops. My train of thought halted when I heard the blond-haired guy click his tongue in annoyance. 'Uh oh, he seems pissed. Pfft—' I stifled the urge to laugh. It's best not to taunt them any further.
I watched him prepare to strike me. 'As if that would make any difference,' I thought, rolling my eyes. The only change from a few moments ago was that now, I might have to hide two bodies instead of one, should the blond decide to attack, that is.
However, I observed the brown-haired individual seizing the dirty-blonde's arms, preventing him from launching an attack. He yelled quite loudly "Don't! Let's retreat!" And they dashed away, glancing back to see if I was in pursuit. How absurd.
Oh dear.
It was not my intention to scare them off. I considered asking the brown-haired man to repair the flowerbeds he had damaged. "I suppose they're gone for good." I mused with a shrug. Turning away, I returned to the main building in silence.
"Who cares if documents were stolen from the Viviana manor?" I scoffed. "They were just counterfeits."
If they want to obtain the information they want, they will have to go through me. 'It's not that I actually have the information they need, but I feel obligated to protect everything that belongs to us Viviana's.'
I yawned and gazed up at the sky. "It's probably around 3:30 AM," I whispered to myself, shivering in the chilly air. 'I really should have brought a jacket.'
With a reluctant sigh, I decided it was time to head back to my room. The stillness of the night was unsettling, yet it also felt like a protective cocoon, shielding me from the outside world as I made my way back.
. . . . .
The morning came, and I still had yet to sleep, not that I complained. This was a normal occurrence for me now. I always had trouble sleeping due to insomnia, if I may dare say.
No amount of milk or lullabies could coax me into sleep. I yawned while rising from my bed, made it neatly, and stretched, hearing the occasional small crack. No issues with my body at all.
"Should I discuss that with father?" Pondering over the morning's events. "Perhaps I should. . . Or maybe after I take a shower. I feel sticky all over from sweat, and it doesn't seem appropriate to meet father feeling like this."
After some contemplation, I entered the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Taking off my night gown and undergarments. I stepped in the tub. "Ah, being in here makes me feel so calm. . . and sleepy. . ." I yawned and allowed myself to drift into a brief nap.
. . . . .
After stepping out of the shower, I rummaged through my cabinet, my fingers gliding over the fabric as I searched for the perfect outfit to wear for the day. The steam from the bathroom clung to my skin, and I welcomed the warmth as I considered my options.
I finally settled on a black mini skirt that hugged my curves just right, paired with an off-shoulder top that added a touch of elegance to my look. To complete the ensemble, I chose black stockings that wrapped around my legs like a second skin. Indeed, black was my color of choice. It complemented my complexion and exuded a sense of confidence that I cherished.
Well, besides that, I had a nagging feeling I would be seeing a lot of blood today. It was an unsettling thought, one that lingered at the back of my mind like a dark cloud. I shrugged it off, knowing that this sense of foreboding had become a part of my daily life over the years.
After being away for nine years, I returned home a week ago, only to discover intruders sneaking into the manor, stealing documents, and spying on the premises.
They were quite sneaky. I have a feeling that this has been happening for years. The security here is certainly not stringent. 'I must inform father about this.'
After putting on my outfit, I turned my attention to my shoe rack, scanning the array of footwear that lined the shelves. My eyes landed on a pair of sleek black ankle boots that seemed to call out to me. With their polished leather and sturdy heels, they exuded an air of confidence and style that perfectly complemented my ensemble.
I just think it goes well with my outfit.
I slipped my feet into the boots, feeling the snug fit embrace my ankles. The slight elevation added a touch of sophistication while still allowing for comfort and mobility— an essential combination for whatever the day might throw at me.
As I stood up and admired the complete look in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. The boots not only matched my black mini skirt and off-shoulder top but also added an edge that I loved.
I went outside and saw everyone dashing all over the place. I looked for the family butler and spotted him by the staircase. "Franklin. . ." I called his name as I stood behind him.
"Oh, good morning, little miss." Franklin greeted, his usual polite demeanor shining through despite the chaos surrounding us.
I pouted at his words, crossing my arms in playful defiance. "I'm not that young, you know. Just call me by my name."
He chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his steely gaze. "No can do, miss. It's simply part of my duties to address you with respect. May I ask what brings you here?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "I'm here to inquire about all the commotion," I said, gesturing toward the bustling crowd around us. "It seems like something serious is happening, and I want to know if everyone is alright."
I watched the butler closely. His mouth formed an 'o', and he cleared his throat. "Mr. Silvestre, your father, will be hosting a distinguished guest at the manor later at 2:00 PM. . ." he explained, a look of concern etched on his face.
His words caught me off guard, as I hadn't been informed of any special guests arriving today. I could sense the butler's unease, which only heightened my own curiosity about the situation. "Is that so? He seems quite the big shot, huh? Anyway, why do you seem so troubled by all of this?" I asked.
As I watched Franklin, I noticed him swallow hard and clear his throat, a telltale sign that something was amiss. His expression shifted from one of professionalism to genuine concern. "Your father is going to restrict you to your room for the duration of the guest's visit." he said, his voice low and serious.
I blinked.
Did I hear that right?
They're going to lock me up in my room, prohibiting me from going out. "Uhm. . . Why?"
"I'm not entirely certain, but I believe he intends to keep you concealed for now. You've been in Singapore for nine years, and, regrettably, not many people know or recognize you. I'm sure he will organize a lavish party to formally introduce you to society, young miss." Franklin said, offering reassurance with a gentle smile.
It does seem logical and reasonable. But will that stop me from peeking on whoever the distinguished guest is? No. Am I going to disobey father? Yes.
I am aware of how difficult and hardheaded I can be, and they surely understand my aversion to isolation. No guest will confine me to a room, I will not permit it. Never.
Whoever they may be. They're not that relevant to me.
And an idea popped up in my mind.
"And oh! Franklin, where's my father?"
"He's currently in his office. If you're going there, remember to knock before going in, okay?" he replied, his tone a mix of caution and formality. I nodded and went on my way, my mind still buzzing with the news Franklin had said.
Thinking about it, Franklin seems healthy and quite active despite being 62 years old. 'He's basically a grandpa that needs to rest now. When is he even going to retire? The poor old man was so loyal he remained single during his entire lifetime.' I mused with a chuckle.
I stood before my father's office door, raising my right hand to knock. After a brief pause, I heard a faint "Come in" from within.
As I opened the door, the corners of my mouth lifted slightly. Although we aren't very close, I'm aware that he holds a deep affection for me, akin to the care he extends towards Lorenzo, my younger brother. "Lucrezia? What brings you here?" He asked in genuine wonder. His dull eyes lately lit up at the sight of me.
I walked towards his desk and said softly, "Well. . . I have something to tell you father and maybe I have something I want to ask about. . ."
His interest was piqued, and he ceased his work to gesture for me to take a seat in the chair opposite his desk. I complied. "Well, let's hear it." he said with a soft smile, encouraging me to continue. His full attention was now on me.
It seems like this is his way of making it up to me since I was away from home for 9 years straight with no consistent contacts with them due to the busyness in life. I can only smile.
Will he get angry that I did not report this to him earlier? Oh welp, this is now or never. "I encountered an intruder last night. Well, 2 of them." I finally revealed.
I watched how his smile faded and turned grim. "What?"
"If I may ask, only for confirmation that my memory serves me right. The snake crest represents the Dimitri's, right?" I've decided to inquire further, as it's premature to jump to conclusions.
Engaging in a one-sided conflict with the Dimitri's is not a desirable situation at all.
He replied lowly after a minute pause, ". . . Yes."
So, I was right. "Oh, so they were indeed a spy from the Dimitri's." I closed my eyes and opened it again. "How intriguing."
I could hear him swallowing, as if a lump in his throat was making it difficult for him to speak. ". . .Did they do something to you?" he asked, his voice low and laden with unspoken promises, carrying an undertone of menace for the possibility of the spies of hurting me or doing something else to me.
He's worried about me.
I looked at my father and shrugged nonchalantly. "Do something to me? Oh, they didn't, but I sure did do something to them." I sardonically smirked.
Father only heaved a sigh at that.
Not quite sure if he sighed from relief or sighed because I kept causing trouble. Regardless, it feels good to know he cares for my well-being.
I can now feel his anger dissipating. "I don't even want to know what you did to them." He finally stated in a low voice.
I offered him a hollow smile and assured him that regardless of his comments, I would keep him informed. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Just kicking them around and causing a bit of chaos. It's actually a bummer they didn't cry," I continued.
The guy with brown hair was certainly resilient. Had it been a regular intruder instead of a spy, they'd be knocked out or, even worse, dead. Moreover, I'm absolutely livid that one of the thugs had the audacity to trample our garden and destroy a flowerbed.
He definitely deserved that kick.
I can hear father sigh once again, rubbing his temples upon listening to my explanation or ehemm story. He can only add, "I'm sure they're pretty stunned upon seeing you."
"No surprise about that." I agreed. To them, I'm a new face around here. An unknown addition that they must gather Intel about.
Another sigh left father as he spoke, "In truth, the eldest son of the Dimitri's requested for an audience. I needed to go to their estate. However, I'm unable to leave the manor and aside from that, they requested for Lorenzo to go in my stead if I'm unable to. Which, I profusely refused."
I looked at father, dumbfounded and puzzled. "Why? Lorenzo is already 20 years old. He seems capable enough to meet with the eldest son of the Dimitri's."
It's also about time he partakes with the family matters. Which includes going in father's stead. He needs to do his job as the heir apparent.
Father only sighed heavily, distressed about it as well. "That's the problem. Lorenzo doesn't like him that much. His terms were either you go with him to their manor or leave Dakari hanging."
Lorenzo's terms are impossible.
Now I understand why.
That sure sounds like a thing Lorenzo would do. "And the solution you came up with is having a Dimitri in this manor?. . ." I finally asked, 'So it was father who suggested the idea. Pity.'
"Well, yes. Dakari didn't dismiss the idea. I was curious about what made him agree to that idea instead, but now that you've explained what happened, I'm convinced he's looking to learn more about you, Lucrezia."
I pondered over it during my journey here and, after speaking with Franklin, I surmised as much. "I understand. So, am I restricted from going out when he arrives later?" I'm eager to understand his reasons firsthand. Although I have my theories, I prefer to hear it directly from him.
"No."
"Why?"
"No."
"Please—"
"No, Lucrezia."
I pouted and rolled my eyes. "It's not like he'll take any interest in me though." My statement was true. At least, that's what I believe.
"And if he does?" Father rebutted.
I confidently stood from my sit and proudly told him, "I'll escape, I'll leave, and I'll make sure I'm somewhere far away from him."
"You sure took after your mother Caterina. Always running away when the situation calls for it." He chuckled as he reminisced about my deceased mother, love was visible in his tone, the softness of his voice when my mother's name rolled off his tongue.
He loved mother dearly.
I softly smiled, "I never had the privilege to take after her brown hair. Father, your genes are quite strong. We inherited your black hair and not mother's, however, I was lucky enough to have her eyes. While Lorenzo is a carbon copy of you. Black hair and brown eyes."
It's now his turn to roll his eyes jokingly. "That's enough, you're going to make me sad." I laughed at that.
"Hahaha~"
He cleared his throat and added, "Regarding your question lately, alright, you're allowed to peek from afar, but you're not allowed to go anywhere near Dakari." His tone was authoritative, but a hint of concern is visible in his expression.
"And Lucrezia-," He held his hand out and gave me a key. "This, is my gift for you."
I raised a brow in wonder, "A key? For what?" I looked at him questionably.
"It's July 19 now."
"Huh?" I pondered the significance of today. "What's up with tod—" My eyes widened as it hit me, cutting me off as I speak. "Oh." That's right. "My birthday!" I gazed at my father, feeling silly for forgetting my own birthday. "I'm 24 now? Oh my. . ." I whispered, still in disbelief.
"Yes, happy 24th birthday Lucrezia."
Tears well up in my eyes, and I'm touched by the warmth woven into those words. I'm deeply grateful that my father remembers.
Ever since I was sent to Singapore, where I spent nine lonely years, I had ceased to celebrate my birthday.
I made a promise to myself long ago that I wouldn't celebrate my birthday unless I was with my family.
"Thank you. . . Thank you for remembering father." I went around the desk to hug my father tightly as I wept in his arms.
He returned my hug and patted my back soothingly. "Ssh. . . You're welcome, Lucrezia. Why don't you go see Lorenzo? He's in his room. Wake him up, it's already late."
I dabbed at my tears and stepped back. "I will. Thank you again, Father."
He gave a simple nod, and I hurried out of his office. Fortunately, I hadn't worn any makeup. Otherwise, the tears would have ruined it. Making it unsightly on my beautiful face.
My eyes were slightly red, a subtle sign of my crying.
As I made my way to Lorenzo's room, I unexpectedly ran into him. "Oh, there you are," I said cheerfully.
He gave me a puzzled look, taken aback to find me in this part of the manor. "Older sister?" He muttered.
"Mhm, your one and only sibling."
His confused expression was now replaced with smiles and goofiness. "Pfft— you're still the same." Lorenzo softly smiled and giggled.
"And you—" I pointed at him. "—Are still acting like a child."
"Oh c'mon, you as well?" He pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.
I smirked. "What? Was I wrong?"
"Not entirely so."
"See."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he said with a shrug, rolling his eyes before clearing his throat. "Oh, by the way sis, happy birthday!" he exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide smile.
I returned the smile. "Aww, thank you, little brother," I said, pulling him into a hug, which he returned warmly.
"Have you seen Father already? We picked out the best beach house in the world," he declared with pride.
The idea of them thinking this through warmed my heart. "Yes, I've already seen Father," I responded with a nod.
"Figured as much," he replied.
"Mhm," I murmured, stepping back as he did the same. "I don't know where this beach house is. Could you give me more details? I only have the key. I'm missing the specific information."
His face lit up once more with enthusiasm. "Of course, sister!"
With that, we walked down the corridor together, smiling and chatting about everything that had happened and all that was yet to come.
It deeply saddens me that I wasn't present to witness Lorenzo's growth, but he appears unchanged from the boy I knew nine years ago— a sweet child who has now become a respectful gentleman. 'He should marry someone who is right for him, for love, and not just to fulfill our family's duty.'
I want the best for us Viviana's and I intend to crush those who dare get in-between of our happiness.