Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 1

The classical music resonated throughout the ball room,men in tuxes dancing with women in gowns,matching the slow tempo of the melody. Here I am,standing next to my parents as they interacted with the guests. I'm not loquacious,everyone knows that. That's why they always have that first impression of me as a cold-hearted bitch and honestly,I could care less about their opinions.

Seeing no reason to be here,I excused myself to take a breath outside. My parents did not even spare a glance,only kept on conversing with their colleagues. Stepping outside,I breathed in the fresh air deeply. The moon was full,exposed on the night sky,glowing in its brightest. The stars were twinkling like glitters as I skimmed them,looking for the constellations that may be visible tonight. I spotted Pisces,Virgo and Cassiopeia.

"I take it you abhor parties?"A deep,husky voice chimed from behind,startling me slightly.

"Abhor is a strong word. I don't hate parties but I don't love them either."I admitted,sipping the wine I had gotten on my way here. He hums in what seem like understanding.

"E tu?"I quired.

"Same as you."He answers with a grin,looking up,the moonlight illuminating his features. I took the chance to take in his appearance. I would be lying if I said he didn't look handsome. He is breathtaking. His emerald eyes reflecting the moon as he stared at it,the subtle jaw,the firm biceps and all. He was gorgeous.

Not saying that I am interested in him though. I have more important priorities than relationships.

"Come ti chiami?"He asks,turning to me. Lost in his eyes,I was speechless. What is happening to me? I have never been like this before.

"Mi chiamo Victoria."I informed,finally having the voice to answer his question.

"Hmm..Well then,Miss Victoria,my name is Vincenzo,lieto di vederla."

"Allo stresso modo."

We fell into a comfortable silence,only the hum of the wind as it pass by and our breathing were heard.

"My Lady."Someone addressed. Looking behind,I saw Alec,my favorite butler,kneeling in respect.

"Alec. What is it?"

"Forgive me for interrupting but I have been tasked to send you a message from the Lord."

"You may continue."

"Yes. His highness is requesting thy presence immediately,my Lady. He said it was urgent."

"Very well then. I shall head to him. You are dismissed."

He stood up and bowed slightly before leaving. Sipping the wine,I turned to Vincenzo to bid farewell only to find out he was not there. Strange. I brushed it off and went back in to see my stupid-excuse-of-a-father. Speak of the devil,Alec did not tell me where my presence was requested,so where will I be heading then?

~•~

Turns out,he was on the podium,sitting on an ivory colored seat with golden linings like the king he is. Mia madre was beside him,drinking champagne. I made my way to them rather acquiescently,my chin held high as I stared at the guests. Finally,I reached the podium and stood in front of my parents,forcing a polite smile and a curtsey as a sign of respect. Although I would rather give none.

"Papa,mama. I was notified that you were seeking for my presence."

"Yes,mia figlia. I wanted to introduce you to someone later on. Right now,I want you to just sit down and enjoy yourself."My father flashed me a smile,something that left me flabbergasted. My father was smiling at me. I mentally groaned as I realized the depth of that smile. The meaning behind it.

'You can't leave. Stay here,I have something for you to do later.'

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes and glare at him,I sat down on the couch across my parents. My gaze shifted to Alec whom was with the other butlers. Pulling out my phone,I texted him to come over so we could talk,that's if,he wants to. (Un)Surprisingly,he dismisses his acquaintances and head towards me,a smile plastered on his face as he bows.

"What may I be of service,My Lady?"He curtseys,although I could hear hints of playfulness in his voice,making me giggle softly. Alec is a nice guy. He's always there for me when times gone rough.

"Nothing. I was just looking for some company."

We talked for a bit. During our conversation,I could feel my parent's gazes burning through my skull. I know for a fact that my parents are such proud and venal creatures. They do not like how I am interacting with Alec,a butler. As the heiress,they expect me to be the usual snobbish spoiled brats like most of the heiresses and heirs are. I disagree strongly, which is another reason why I am often cognized as the black sheep in my family and clan.

"Ehem."Father cleared his throat loudly,evidently showing his irritation as he spoke;

"May I talk to Victoria?"

Alec lingered his questioning gaze on me for a minute,silently asking whether I'll be fine being left alone with these pseudos. I just sent him a curt nod in response,and he went back to his friends again,albeit rather reluctantly.

"Yes father?"I raised my left eyebrow at my father,apparently failing to hide my annoyance as his eyes narrowed and shot me a warning look. For the second time,I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and held the stare instead. I won't be backing down and acting all weak just because we are in front of a crowd. That will be granting my father's wish. He wants to show everyone that he can control everything,anything,anyone he likes,although he can't.

Minutes later,he was the first to look away,averting his eyes to peer above my shoulder. Mentally smirking in triumph,I sipped the champagne I am holding.

"Father,who was it that you wanted to introduce to me? I'm getting tired of waiting."I complained while twirling the glass,knowing that it will piss my father off.

"You will know soon. Be. Patient."He answered through gritted teeth.

I simply shrugged and drank my liquor,my face falling slightly when I found out it was already empty. Sighing,I put the glass on the waiter's tray that passed by and leaned against the soft ivory furniture,waiting (im)patiently for the person I am wasting my time onto.

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