As Anthony navigated the opulent corridors, his keen gaze absorbed every lavish detail, each facet of the mansion's grandeur. Yet, on this particular day, an unspoken unease hung in the air, prickling at his senses. Mr. Jaxon is not in the mansion today.
Drawing nearer to Mr. Jaxon's room, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The usually pristine door stood slightly ajar, a subtle invitation or a warning. Anthony pushed the door open, each creak of the hinges echoing like a solemn warning, his pulse quickening with every tentative step into the dimly illuminated chamber.
"Mr. Jaxon?" Anthony called out, his voice barely above a whisper. There was no response, only the eerie silence that enveloped the room like a shroud.
Carefully, Anthony began to search the room, his movements deliberate and methodical. He checked every cabinet, every drawer, but found nothing out of place. It was as if Mr. Jaxon had simply hide every documents and evidence.
Anthony crouched behind the heavy curtains, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the door to Mr. Jaxon's room swing open.
As the footsteps grew nearer, Anthony held his breath, praying that whoever it was wouldn't spot him. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the flickering candles on the mantelpiece. Shadows danced on the walls, adding to Anthony's unease.
Suddenly, a figure stepped into the room, their silhouette looming large against the darkness. Anthony strained to see who it was, but their features were obscured by the shadows.
His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. Who could possibly be visiting Mr. Jaxon? And why the secrecy?
As the figure moved further into the room, Anthony noticed something glinting in their hand. His breath caught in his throat as he realized it was a key. The key to the locked cabinet in the corner of the room, rumored to contain Mr. Jaxon's most valuable possessions.
With the stranger gone, Anthony felt a wave of relief wash over him. Slowly emerging from his hiding spot, and slipping out of the room.
As he made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, Anthony's mind buzzed with questions and his next move.
Reaching the kitchen, he stood in the spacious kitchen, gulping down water to quench his thirst after a grueling workout, the cool water cascading down his throat. Just as he was about to set the glass down, Victoria entered the room, her eyes widening as she caught sight of his glistening physique through his damp shirt.
"Anthony," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, "I didn't realize... I mean, I had no idea you were hiding such... uh, well-defined abs."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Anthony's lips as he set the glass down, the droplets of water leaving a trail on the countertop.
"Yeah, been putting in the hours at the gym," he lied but replied casually, though there was a hint of pride in his voice. "Gotta stay in shape, you know?"
He laughed, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Perhaps, you like a taste of my 'breads'?"
Victoria's blush deepened, but she couldn't help but roll her eyes at his playful flirtation. "Smooth, Anthony. Real smooth."
He couldn't resist the urge to tease Victoria further, even if it meant risking her short temper.
"You know, Anthony," she began, a playful glint in her eyes, "you might want to work on your drinking skills. Looks like you're wearing half of that water."
Anthony glanced down at his shirt, noticing the damp patches where the water had splashed. He chuckled, feeling a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Guess I'm just too thirsty for my own good."
"Well, at least now I know why you're always so eager for a refill."
As Anthony attempted to dab at the damp spots with a dishcloth, Victoria couldn't resist teasing him further. "Careful there, don't want to catch a cold from all that exposure."
Rolling his eyes but unable to suppress his grin, Anthony retorted, "Thanks for the concern, Mom. I'll try not to catch my death of cold in the kitchen."
Victoria's pout deepened as Anthony's blush intensified. Their playful banter had taken an unexpected turn, and a sudden tension crackled in the air between them. Despite the warmth of the kitchen, a chill seemed to settle over them as they locked eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't tear his gaze away from Victoria's, drawn to the vulnerability he saw reflected in them. Without fully understanding why, he found himself leaning forward, closing the already narrow gap between them.
Victoria's breath caught in her throat as Anthony's movement mirrored her own. Every instinct screamed at her to pull away, to break the spell that had woven itself around them. But as she felt his breath ghosting over her skin, a part of her longed to surrender to the moment.
Their lips were mere inches apart now, the air charged with anticipation. Time seemed to stand still as they hovered on the brink of something unknown, something that held the power to change everything.
But just as their lips were about to meet, the maid saw them from a distance. Startled, Anthony and Victoria sprang apart, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Unable to tear her gaze away from his toned physique. "It's hot" she managed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I mean... how about we take those hot abs of yours out for some iced coffee? I think they deserve a break from all that hard work."?"
There was a moment of silence between them, the air thick with tension as Anthony took in her words, the rhythm of his breaths the only sound in the room.
Anthony laughed, feeling relieved at the light-hearted turn of the conversation. "I couldn't agree more. Coffee sounds perfect."
And with that, they grabbed their keys and headed out into the warm sunshine day. Anthony drove towards the Treat Sweet Serenity Café, Victoria sat beside him. She couldn't help but steal glances at him, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
His easy confidence behind the wheel only added to his charm, and she found herself drawn to him more and more with each passing mile.
"You're staring again," Anthony chuckled, glancing at her briefly before returning his attention to the road.
Victoria felt a flush creep up her cheeks. "Am not," she retorted, trying to sound nonchalant as she looked away.
"Sure looks like it to me. Admiring the view, are we?"
Rolling her eyes, Victoria couldn't resist firing back, "In your dreams, Tony." She emphasized his nickname with a playful smirk.
He laughed, the sound filling the car with warmth. "Oh, don't act like you're not impressed by my driving skills and rugged charm."
She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips despite her efforts to appear unaffected. "You wish, Anthony. Let's just focus on getting to the café in one piece, shall we?"
Anthony didn't response anything but he smirk secretly, hiding his pink cheeks.
As they arrived into the parking lot of the Treats, Sweet Serenity Café, Victoria couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these.
The door chimed softly as they stepped into the café, greeted by the enticing scent of freshly baked pastries. Victoria's eyes widened with delight as she took in the cozy interior, where can't catch people's attention. Her gaze immediately drawn to the display case filled with an array of sweet treats.
They made their way to a cozy corner booth, sinking into the cushioned seats with a contented sigh. A friendly waitress approached, a warm smile on her face as she handed them menus.
"Welcome to Sweet Serenity Café. What can I get for you today?" the lady, her tone cheerful and inviting.
"I'll have a chocolate croissant and a rich mocha coffee, please," Victoria replied
As Victoria placed her order, her eyes caught the gaze of Anthony. The lady turned to Anthony, pen poised expectantly. "And for you, sir?"
Anthony glanced up, his gaze meeting Victoria's once again before he cleared his throat. "I'll have a strawberry shortcake and a dark chocolate mocha, please,"
By the arrival of their orders. They eat and sip their coffee silently but they are looking each other for a second and look away again. Finding peace and comfort with the coffee and presence of each other.
As they finished their coffee and eating pastry, Victoria felt a chill run down her spine as someone slid into the seat beside her. She turned to see Lily, her high school bully, smirking at her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little Vicky," Lily said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Still hanging out with losers, I see."
Victoria felt a surge of anger and humiliation wash over her, but she forced herself to stay calm. She glanced at Anthony, who was watching the exchange with concern in his eyes.
"Leave her alone, Lily," Anthony said, his voice firm. "We're just trying to enjoy and having some peace here. But I only see some trash"
Lily laughed dismissively. "Or what? You'll cry to mommy and daddy like little Victoria used to? Come on, don't tell yourself a trash!"
Victoria felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she refused to let Lily see how much her words hurt. She took a deep breath and stood up, facing her tormentor with steely determination.
"I'm not the same person I was in high school, Lily," Victoria said, her voice steady. "And I won't let you bully me anymore."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the diner, leaving Lily speechless and Anthony staring after her in admiration.
Outside the café, Victoria leaned against the shadows of the wall, where people can't see her. Trying to steady her racing heart. She felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her – anger, sadness, but also a strange sense of liberation.
Anthony emerged from the diner a few moments later, his expression concerned. He placed a gentle hand on Victoria's shoulder, offering her silent support.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"Yeah, I think so. It's just...seeing Lily again brought back a lot of memories."
He gently caressing her hand, "You don't have to pretend like it didn't affect you, Victoria. It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling."
Sensing her turmoil, he gently placed his hand on her cheek, his touch a tender reassurance amidst the chaos of their thoughts.
"Victoria," he murmured, his voice a soothing melody that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. "You don't have to carry your burdens alone. I'm here for you, always."
She breath hitched in her chest as she locked eyes with Anthony, finding solace in the genuine compassion shining in his gaze. With a soft exhale, she leaned into his touch, allowing herself to be enveloped by the warmth of his embrace.
"Thank you, Anthony," she whispered, her words barely audible above the gentle rustle of the leaves swaying beside. "I've been struggling, but being here with you... it feels like a home."
In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the world falling away to leave only the intimate connection between them. With a tender touch, Anthony lifted Victoria's chin, his heartbeat echoing the rapid pace of hers as he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers in a kiss filled with tenderness and longing.
As their lips met, it was as if the universe itself had orchestrated their union, weaving their destinies together in a tapestry of love and hope that transcended the constraints of reality. In that fleeting moment, their hearts danced in perfect harmony, bound together by an unbreakable bond forged in the depths of their emotions.