Jackson stood at his penthouse window, gazing out at the city's twinkling lights. His eyes, lost in thought, reflected the turmoil brewing within.
He poured himself a whiskey, the amber liquid glowing in the dim light. As he sipped, his mind drifted to Lexi - her fiery spirit and his jaw clenched, He'd never intended to involve her in his world, She's just too gorgeous to be wrapped in the coil of the other world.
He turned away from the window and let his eyes scan the room. The sleek, modern decor seemed hollow, lacking the warmth he craved, Jackson's thoughts swirled, memories resurfacing like ghosts and he struggled to let them out.
The whiskey burned his throat as he swallowed and his gaze fell on a photograph on his mantle - a younger him, smiling with his family, A pang struck his chest. He'd lost so much and he suddenly wondered if she had... had she?
Jackson's eyes narrowed, he needed to stop thinking about her, it had to stop, he stridden to his bed and set the glass down on the bedstand, pulled his laptop beside him, working.
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Lexi woke up to the soft glow of morning light peeking through her curtains. She stretched, yawned, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her feet dangled in the air, hesitating for a moment before touching the cool floor.
She shuffled to the bathroom, flipping on the light switch. The fluorescent light illuminated her reflection, and Lexi gazed at her tired eyes. A quick shower and dressing later which took longer than expected because she'd nothing decent to wear apart from her jean baggy gown and white maxi top.
Lexi hailed a taxi, the only one she found as soon as she got out she slid into the backseat, giving the driver her mother's address.
"Victoria's Manor," the driver said, raising an eyebrow. "That's quite a place."
Lexi nodded forcing a smile, her mind drifting.
"Do you live there?"
"My grandma's place, She died"The taxi driver sighed and continued driving and speaking but her mind wasn't there, her mind was at the Place she was going, the place she rarely went to since her grandmother died which was 5 years ago.
Lexi's eyes wandered, lost in memories of her grandmother, Evelyn. A renowned painter, Evelyn's art studio had been a sanctuary for Lexi. The scent of turpentine and oil paints still brought back fond memories.
Evelyn's success had provided a luxurious life for their family. The mansion, adorned with Evelyn's vibrant artwork, was a testament to her talent but life took a cruel turn. Evelyn's passing left a void, and soon after, Lexi's grandfather succumbed to grief. The once-secure financial foundation began to crumble.
Debts, hidden by her grandfather's pride, surfaced after his death. The mansion, once a symbol of wealth, became a burden. Lexi's mother, Daisy the only daughter out of four children struggled to maintain the estate, but the weight of debt proved insurmountable. The lavish lifestyle dwindled, replaced by austerity.
Lexi remembered the day the creditors came, taking away precious family heirlooms. The mansion, now a hollow shell, stood as a reminder of what they'd lost, sometimes Lexi wished her grandmother was with her, she craved her presence, If Evelyn were alive, she wouldn't be working for Madame Isabella. She wouldn't be facing the hardships that came with financial struggle.
Lexi stepped out of the taxi paying the man and half-watching until it sped away, and gazed at her mother's humble abode.
Victoria's Manor stood amidst lush greenery, its stone façade gleaming in the morning sun. Ivy crawled up the walls, framing tall windows that sparkled like diamonds, Stepping out, she breathed in the crisp air, heavy with the scent of blooming flowers.
A winding driveway led to the grand entrance, where ornate wooden doors swung open to reveal a marble-floored foyer, a crystal chandelier hung above, casting rainbow hues across the room.
Lexi's heels clicked on the marble as she entered. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior – elegant furnishings, exquisite artwork, and flawless decor.
A mix of nostalgia and unease swirled within Lexi. This grandeur had once felt like home, but now it symbolized the distance between her and her mother.
"Lexi?" a soft voice called from the living room.
"Mother," Lexi replied, her voice measured as she swerved and smiled, Daisy burst into giggles rushing to her child in a swift move she hugged Lexi. "Mother.."Daisy studied her mother, A woman in her late fifties Here's a descriptive passage for a woman in her fifties with face etched with the gentle lines of time, still radiating a warm, gentle beauty. Her hazel eyes were still bright and mischievous, with a few wisps of grey woven through her rich, dark hair, which fell in soft waves to her shoulders.
Her features, softened by age, retained a quiet elegance - high cheekbones, a small nose, and a determined jawline. Fine lines bracketed her mouth, mapping the countless smiles and worries of years past, her figure though slightly rounded, still bore the curves of a woman who had once turned heads, Daisy smiled at the thought.
"Where have you been? Lexi, where have you been?"
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"It's just been a week Mom, just a week"Daisy frowns releasing Lexi from the hug and accessing her, Lexi rolls her eyes. "Don't tell me I'm thin"
"You are Lexi" Daisy fussed rushing to the kitchen, Lexi looked around wondering where the maids had gone this early Saturday morning, her mother caught her look and smiled. "I'd to let them go"
"Mom...*
"Stop yelling Lexi "Daisy screamed and slammed the cupboard she was opening shut, the sound echoing through the house."You're still working for that agency, aren't you?" Daisy accused, her voice laced with venom.
Lexi's defenses flared. "What's wrong with that, Mother? It's a job."
"A job? You're selling yourself, Lexi!, you want me to pay the bills with that money huh? you want me to pay the maids with that money?"Daisy yelled. "Let me sell this house, let me sell.."