Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the kitchen. Victoria emerged from her room, her steps echoing faintly in the quiet house. As she entered the kitchen, she paused, her gaze falling upon Nicholas, a member of her father's political alliance, seated at the table.
Nicholas looked up from his cup of tea, a faint smile touching his lips. "Good morning, Victoria. How's your sleep?"
"Fine, thank you," Victoria replied, crossing the room to pour herself a cup of tea. She couldn't shake the feeling of tension that hung in the air whenever Nicholas was around.
Their families had been allies for years, but Victoria had always found him aloof and mysterious.
Nicholas watched her closely, his dark eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts. "I trust your father is well?"
"Yes, he's in good health," Victoria replied, taking a seat opposite him at the table.
Victoria felt a subtle shift in the air as Nicholas leaned in closer, his gaze lingering on her face with a newfound intensity. She tensed slightly, instinctively recoiling from his proximity, but she forced herself to maintain her composure.
"Nicholas, I must remind you of the boundaries of propriety," Victoria said, her voice steady despite the flutter of unease in her chest.
Nicholas chuckled softly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Forgive me, Victoria, if I overstepped. I merely find myself captivated by your beauty and intellect."
Nicholas's persistence was unsettling, his flirtatious gestures growing more bold with each passing moment. He reached across the table, his fingers lightly brushing against Victoria's hand as he spoke, his voice smooth and persuasive.
"Victoria, there's no denying the connection between us," Nicholas murmured, his gaze locked with hers. "I see the fire in your eyes, the passion that burns beneath the surface. Together, we could be unstoppable."
Victoria's heart quickened at his words, but not in the way Nicholas had intended. Instead of excitement, she felt a pang of discomfort, a sense of unease that gnawed at her insides. She withdrew her hand instinctively, a frown tugging at the corners of her lips.
Victoria forced a polite smile, though her mind was racing with discomfort. "I appreciate the compliment, Nicholas, but I must insist on maintaining a professional relationship," Victoria replied, her tone firm.
Nicholas leaned back in his chair, His smile faltered, a flicker of irritation crossing his features before he masked it with a charming facade once more. "As you wish, Victoria. I meant no offense."
Victoria nodded curtly, her gaze fixed on her tea as she struggled to regain her composure. She couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that lingered in the wake of Nicholas's advances, a nagging sense that there was more to his intentions than met the eye.
As Mr. Jaxon, Victoria's father, entered the kitchen, a sense of relief washed over her. She greeted him with a warm smile, grateful for his timely arrival.
"Good morning, Father," Victoria said, her voice steady as she rose to her feet to embrace him.
"Good morning, my dear," Mr. Jaxon replied, returning her embrace with a fond pat on the shoulder. His gaze then shifted to Nicholas, a polite nod of acknowledgment passing between them.
"Nicholas," Mr. Jaxon greeted, his tone cordial yet reserved. "I trust you're enjoying your stay?"
Nicholas inclined his head respectfully. "Indeed, Mr. Jaxon. Your hospitality has been most gracious."
Mr. Jaxon's expression softened slightly as he turned his attention back to Victoria. "I've been thinking, my dear. It's been too long since we've had a proper dinner together. Why don't we invite Nicholas to join us tonight? It would be a good opportunity for him to also get to know your savior."
Victoria's heart sank at her father's suggestion, a sense of dread creeping over her. She exchanged a quick glance with Nicholas, whose eyes gleamed with anticipation
"Of course, Father," Victoria replied, her voice strained as she forced a smile. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
Mr. Jaxon smiled, As his father excused himself and left the kitchen to attend to his personal matters, a subtle tension settled over the room. Victoria's senses were on high alert, acutely aware of Nicholas's presence lingering behind her.
Victoria sensed the intensity of Nicholas's stare drilling into her back, an unsettling sensation rippling down her spine, leaving her uneasy.
Nicholas's voice, a mere whisper, echoed in Victoria's ears, each word sending a chill shiver down her spine. His warm breath caressed her ear as he uttered praises of her beauty.
"Oh Victoria," he murmured, his words laden with admiration, "you're eternally enchanting. Your allure, your fragrance—it's irresistible, like the sweetest of blooms, beckoning me closer with every breath."
She resisted the urge to flinch, her jaw clenched with determination. She refused to let her guard down, to succumb to the charm that dripped from his every word.
"I suggest you keep your compliments to yourself, Nicholas," Victoria said, her voice low and icy. "I have no interest in your flattery."
Nicholas chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver of unease down Victoria's spine. "Feisty, aren't we? I like that in a woman."
Victoria's patience wore thin, her frustration boiling beneath the surface. She whirled around to face him, her eyes flashing with defiance.
"I am not interested in your games, Nicholas," Victoria said, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I have more important matters to attend to than indulging your ego."
Nicholas's audacity knew no bounds as he reached out to pull Victoria closer, his hand closing in around her arm with a firm grip.
Before Victoria could react, his touch sent a surge of anger coursing through her veins. With a swift and resolute motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Nicholas's cheek.
The sound echoed through the kitchen, a sharp crack that shattered the silence. Nicholas recoiled, his hand releasing its hold on Victoria as he stumbled backwards, a look of shock mingled with amusement on his face.
Victoria's chest heaved with exertion as she glared at him, her eyes blazing with fury. "How dare you," she spat, her voice laced with contempt. "You have no right to touch me without my consent."
He smirk widened into a self-satisfied grin as he straightened himself, his cheek tingling from the force of Victoria's slap. "Impressive, Victoria. I must admit, I didn't expect such fire from you."
Without another word, Victoria turned on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen, her heart pounding with adrenaline. She needed to put as much distance between herself and Nicholas as possible, to escape the suffocating presence of his manipulative charm.