Lily's Morning
Lily groaned as she rolled over, squinting at the bright light streaming through her dorm window. She grabbed her phone, blinking to adjust her vision, only to be greeted by the time—9:15 AM.
"Oh no!" she gasped, bolting upright. The seminar was set to begin at 10:00 AM, and she had overslept.
Jumping out of bed, she scrambled through her suitcase for the outfit she had meticulously picked out the night before—a stunning red dress she had bought just for special occasions. The material was sleek and elegant, hugging her figure perfectly, with a modest neckline and sleeves that added just the right amount of sophistication.
She slipped into it quickly, her hands fumbling as she reached for the zipper. She pulled it halfway up with ease, but as she tried to tug it the rest of the way, it refused to budge.
"Come on!" she muttered in frustration, yanking at the zipper harder. It remained stubbornly stuck. She twisted and turned, attempting to get a better angle, but it was no use. Her cheeks flushed as she realized she was running out of time.
Why is my roommate never around when I need her? she thought, exasperated.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the zipper gave way and slid into place. Breathing a sigh of relief, she grabbed her bag and heels and hurried out the door, muttering apologies to herself for cutting things so close.
---
Luigi's Morning
Luigi Giovanni adjusted the cuff of his perfectly tailored black suit, his reflection in the mirror revealing the epitome of power and elegance. His sharp blue eyes scrutinized every detail, from the sheen of his polished shoes to the precise knot of his tie. This wasn't just a seminar—it was a stage, and Luigi Giovanni never stepped onto a stage unprepared.
As he descended the grand staircase of his estate, flanked by two of his most trusted men, his mind wandered briefly to the university. It wasn't often that he attended events like these, but he knew the value of being seen. His presence alone would remind the world of his influence.
"Let's go," he commanded, stepping into the waiting black car.
---
The Seminar Begins
The university's grand hall was buzzing with anticipation as the seminar began. Students and faculty alike filled the rows, the atmosphere a mix of formality and excitement. Luigi entered through a private entrance, escorted to a reserved seat in the center of the hall. His arrival sent a ripple through the audience—his reputation preceded him, and his commanding presence only amplified the air of tension.
Luigi sat with his usual composure, his piercing gaze scanning the room with disinterest. The speaker at the podium droned on, outlining the significance of the scholarships and the bright futures of the recipients. It was all routine for him, a backdrop to his world of power plays and strategic moves.
But then, something shifted.
---
The Red Vision
The door at the back of the hall opened quietly, and a figure slipped inside, attempting to be inconspicuous. Luigi's eyes, however, were drawn to the movement.
A flash of red caught his attention, standing out like a beacon against the sea of muted tones in the room. His gaze locked onto her—an elegant young woman in a striking red dress, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She moved with a mix of urgency and grace, her cheeks slightly flushed, as if she had hurried to make it on time.
His breath hitched for a moment, his usually composed demeanor faltering. What was that beauty? he thought, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her.
The girl in red made her way to an empty seat, her focus on the seminar as she adjusted her dress and settled in. Luigi couldn't look away. There was something about her—something captivating and entirely unexpected.
For the first time in years, Luigi Giovanni felt genuinely intrigued.
---
Lily's Arrival
Lily slid into her seat as quietly as she could, grateful to have made it without causing a scene. She adjusted her bag and tried to focus on the speaker, but she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her.
She glanced around briefly, her eyes grazing over the audience, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Shrugging it off as nerves, she turned her attention back to the stage, completely unaware of the man whose piercing blue gaze remained fixed on her.
And for Luigi, the seminar had just become far more interesting.