Ms. Steele

I jolted awake, my heart pounding. My dreams were never pleasant, but this one had been different. Usually, I would wake up with a start after falling in my nightmares, but tonight, a silhouette had caught me. Someone with black curly hair, brown skin, and deep brown eyes, dressed in a flowing white dress, had taken me in their arms. 

I shook my head, trying to dispel the lingering sense of longing that clung to me. I didn't miss people—I never did. My life was meticulously controlled, devoid of unnecessary attachments.

It was strange, this feeling of connection to someone who didn't even exist. I rubbed my eyes, glancing around my room, hoping the familiar surroundings would ground me.

My bedroom was vast and luxurious, designed with an eye for both comfort and opulence. The four-poster bed I sat on was draped in rich, burgundy velvet, the sheets made of the finest Egyptian cotton.

The walls were lined with dark mahogany paneling, interrupted by grand windows framed with heavy, gold-trimmed curtains.

A chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow over the room. On one side, a plush sitting area with a deep red leather couch and a marble coffee table created a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.

I pushed back the silk covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet sinking into the thick Persian rug.

A quick glance at the antique clock on the nightstand told me it was 6:00 AM—too early, yet too late to fall back asleep. I stood and walked toward the large, ornate mirror that took up an entire wall. My reflection stared back at me, a cold visage that rarely showed any emotion.

This morning, however, something was different. My usually green eyes had a reddish tint, and when I opened my mouth, I saw the unmistakable gleam of fangs. I took a deep breath, focusing on calming myself.

"It's strange," I muttered to my reflection. "I still manage to maintain my usual human appearance." Slowly, the redness faded from my eyes, and my fangs retracted. "Being a vampire is complicated," I said with a sigh.

Deciding to shake off the remnants of the dream, I headed to the bathroom. The ensuite was as luxurious as the bedroom, with marble floors, a large claw-foot bathtub, and a spacious glass-enclosed shower.

I turned on the water, letting the steam fill the room before stepping under the hot spray. The heat was comforting, and I let it wash away the lingering unease from my nightmare.

After my shower, I wrapped a plush towel around my waist and walked back to the mirror. It was 6:45 AM now, and I had to be at the office by 7:30. I didn't have much time to dawdle. I quickly dried my hair, brushing it back into its usual sleek style.

My closet, a walk-in larger than most apartments, held an array of impeccably tailored suits. I selected a charcoal gray suit today, paired with a crisp white shirt and a black tie.

The suit fit perfectly, accentuating my tall, lean frame. I completed the outfit with a pair of black leather shoes and a Rolex watch, its simple elegance matching my ensemble.

Ready for the day, I made my way downstairs. The grand staircase led to an expansive living room, tastefully decorated with modern art and minimalist furniture. A few servants were already busy with their morning tasks, but I paid them no mind. They were here to work, not to engage in conversation.

One of the servants opened the front door for me, and I stepped outside. Parked in the driveway was my Lamborghini Aventador, a sleek black machine that was the epitome of power and luxury.

The car's aerodynamic design and aggressive lines made it look like it was in motion even when standing still. I preferred driving myself; the control it gave me was something I couldn't surrender to a driver.

I slid into the driver's seat, the leather interior fitting me like a glove. After adjusting my sunglasses, I started the engine, relishing the roar that filled the quiet morning. The power of the car was exhilarating, a perfect start to what I already sensed would be a long day.

"I have a feeling it's going to be a long day," I said aloud to myself, more to break the silence than anything else. With one last glance at the house, I pulled out of the driveway and headed toward the office.

The city was just waking up, the streets gradually filling with the morning rush. As I navigated through the traffic, my mind wandered back to the dream.

Who was that person, and why did they evoke such a strong reaction in me? I prided myself on my emotional control, yet this phantom from my dream had shaken me. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, pushing the thoughts aside. There was no room for distractions in my world. 

I had a business to run, and today was crucial. I needed to find a new model for a perfum brand. The photoshoot was supposed to be a turning point for our brand. Everything had to be perfect, and I couldn't afford any slip-ups—not from me, and certainly not from anyone else.

Arriving at the office building, I parked the Lamborghini in my reserved spot and took a moment to collect myself. The imposing structure of Steele Enterprises loomed above me, a testament to my hard work and ruthless determination. I stepped out of the car, straightened my suit, and made my way inside, ready to face whatever the day had in store.

As I entered the lobby, my assistant, Lydia, approached with my schedule for the day.

"Good morning, Ms. Steele," she said, handing me the tablet. "You have a meeting with the marketing team at 8:00, After that, there's a conference call with the investors at 2:00."

"Thank you, Lydia," I replied, scanning the schedule quickly. "Ensure that everything is set up perfectly for me to choose a model. I want no mistakes."

"Of course, Ms. Steele," she responded, her tone professional and efficient.

I made my way to the elevator, my thoughts already shifting to the tasks ahead. Despite the lingering oddness from the dream, I pushed it aside. Today required my full attention, and I wasn't going to let a mere dream distract me from achieving perfection.

As the elevator doors closed, I took a deep breath, ready to dominate the day.