CHAPTER 4

The first time he saw her, he thought she had no worries at all. Seeing her so confident even among those bodyguards, it looked like everything was just perfect for her. Seeing her earlier at the hall during the engagement, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Instead of concentrating on the people who were getting engaged he had his eyes on her the whole ceremony. Thanks to that, he accidentally heard most of the conversation they had later, which was more of the white witch venting out her anger towards the Grant family. Thanks to that conversation, the identity of the mysterious sister was revealed. The white witch was Samantha after all but why were they calling her Violet? Judging by the way Violet's family was reacting when she was making out her statement, he could tell that every word she said was true. They seemed not to care at all; it was as if they didn't consider her as part of the family. There was nothing wrong with her appearance; he liked it though it scares him sometimes.

He followed her and it felt like she wasn't fine at all. She was trying to be high and mighty but she was deeply hurt. She reminded him of his own situation, being trapped and not knowing what to do but at least she was braver than him. She lashed out her family and said everything she stored in her heart unlike him. Every day he continues to tolerate what they do to him.

He saw Rita and knew that she was about to come his way and thought of an idea immediately took out his cell phone. He managed to evade from her and left the state house, it was no longer fun to hang around the place.

It's has been three days after the engagement of the first son which made the headlines especially with the appearance of the white witch. Instead of Damon and his fiancé becoming the headlines, Violet topped them off and he was happy about that somehow. Suzy deserved it, she was very ungrateful. He was busy going through Violet's pictures when Laura showed up next to him.

'You were there at the engagement party so why do you keep on looking at those pictures?'

'I just find her fascinating. Everywhere I go, I end up meeting her like fate bringing us together.'

'Oh, since when did you become a romantic person?'

'Just now, I guess. It's all her fault; she tends to bring out a different me every time.'

'Look who is talking, aren't you seeing that Rita Norris?'

'Don't even talk about her.'

'Why?'

'I think that girl is hiding a lot more things from me and i am going to find it one by one.'

'While you are on that topic, I heard there is a legend when it comes to private investigations.'

'Really? Why didn't you tell me earlier?'

'I just found out about it a few days ago from this other guy; he said that person will anyone or anything as long you have what it takes.'

'As in?'

'Money or whatever that person wants from you.'

'Then do you know how I can get into contact with person?'

'Let me ask him again, I will give you the contact when I get them.'

'Good then, I will be waiting.'

'How about we go to our lecture now, I don't want to be late today.'

'What's going on with you today?'

'You don't know!'

'Know what?' he asked as he packed his stuff.

Laura grabbed him, leading him towards the exit so that they go straight to the lecture hall.

'Don't just grab me, tell me.'

'I heard the new Professor is hot, and I can't wait to see him.'

'Don't you hang around a lot of hot guys? Why do you want to add one more to the list?'

'Him and you my friends are different. With him i can have a chance to seduce him, make him mine for eternity unlike you dirty players.'

'I am not one.'

'Don't even start, my dear. Just shut up and follow me to class.'

'Yes, ma'am.'

Laura kept on surprising him every time, he had lost count of the times Laura had said the same statement. Was it back in high school? She was about sixteen years old when she had her first crush and that didn't turn out well. As for the rest, he just brushed them off. For now, he was going to see what this new guy looked like.

When she left her parent's home at eighteen, she started her own businesses and with time they grew, thanks to the people that supported her. She was twenty-two when her mentor showed her that place in a vision, that land was beautiful full of this energy that one couldn't explain. Never been used for something, to others it was like a waste land, maybe that is why they left it like that for that long. So when she inquired about the land, she was lucky that she bought the land equivalent to a farm for much less than what she gained after doing all her protects on that land. Two years after she purchased the land, her club was finished as well as the three roads connecting the club to the main road. She had the club built in such a manner for some reasons. Firstly, she wanted it to be mysterious, secondly she wanted her customers to have that privacy that couldn't be found anywhere, and thirdly she wanted them not to forget about nature. They should spend their money in a relaxed and natural place; even if they make noise no one can report that because she was the only one in that area. Within a year Lucid Dreams was already flowing with customers and because people were born different she made sure she catered for all ages as well as their different needs. Lucid Dreams had the following levels; bronze level for ordinary customers who comes and buy their drinks and enjoy their time with friends or alone which was the lowest level with no benefits; second level being silver followed by gold then platinum. The higher the levels go the more expensive it became and more privacy and secrets. Her club was visited by politicians, big businessmen and those who were in high places. Because of that she built another separate building that accommodated their undying needs. At the age of twenty-five Lucid Dreams was now complete, the main building having about five floors to cater for bronze, silver and gold. The separate building was only for the VVIPs the platinum. Each section had its own parking slots including the underground parking space to accommodate each and every customer that comes to the club. There were rules which might look stupid to others but those who knew her, knows that it's a life or death situation. With Lucid Dreams complete, she began the construction of her home which was about a kilometer from the club but at the same land. She had a mansion built there which caters for all her needs. Another gate was built which connected the mansion and the club. After another year the mansion and the necessary roads were all completed. The mansion had three roads as well as gates which all took her to the main road but different directions. The club was surrounded by a wall and had security men all over it to protect the place. The second wall in that place was the wall that surrounded the whole land including the mansion and the club. The last wall was the one covering the mansion only with three different gates that led to the roads made within that parameter. Each and every gate was guarded even though no one ever broke in, there were fruitless attempts though.

Her mansion had an underground parking space for most of the cars that she owns since they were many to count. The mansion had many guest bedrooms, she had them built thinking that one day maybe her family would come and spend time with her, but they never came. The most important bedrooms in the mansion were her daughter's bedroom and her master bedroom big enough to be a three-bedroom house for a normal family. Ever since she was raped mercilessly by Martin and his thug friends, she was always suffocated in a small place; which is why she made a vow that when she made enough money she was going to drive big, live big and spends big too. Because she didn't like all the beds she saw in the shops, she hired a carpenter who designed and made her a huge rectangular bed which placed in the middle of the room decorated with different drapery styles almost daily. Her dressing table was in her bedroom on the other side of the room, her bar shop in the other corner, the couch and massage chair in the other as well as her television sets placed where she can see it even when she is in bed. An adjacent door took her to her own personal gym which allowed her to see outside, at night she could see the beautiful sky as well as any TV channel she wanted since there were three TV’s installed in the gym. Another adjacent door led to her bathroom which had a twin bathtub and allows her to relax even during the time to cleanse herself and lastly her closet that took most of the space. Half of the closet was full of her clothes mostly white, while the other side had her shoes, designer bags and other accessories which did not include jewelry. Her jewelry set i.e. necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, head chains, hair chains, chokers, watches, armlets as well as anklets were all in the middle of the closet placed in glass boxes that kept them as they were.

She has an office in the mansion where she conducts most of her business, a personal library that keeps all of her rare and unique book collection, a gallery where all of her artwork is stored and kept and her own personal swimming pool. Other rooms like the kitchen, lounges, sitting and dining are there. Another library opens to all employees, gym and swimming pool. There is also the annex where her employees reside in for those that do not commute to and from their own homes.

She built a gazebo where she spends some of her free time when she is at home and also she built another bath house which is separate from the main mansion. This bath house was purposely made for her, once every week she bathes there and conducts business from there. And it was currently the place that she was in at that moment.

Her body dipped in that tub huge enough to accommodate more than fifteen people, the tub filled with warm water with different kinds of flower petals floating on top. It was one of those days where she baths herself using the natural ingredients found in her sacred garden. The place was filled with aromatic perfumes and the scent of the aster flowers that she was using that using day. She has three personal maids who attend to her though Anne is always around her. Anne apart from being her daughter is also the manager of the house; she is the one responsible for all internal affairs of her mansion. She is in charge of hiring and firing employees and maintaining daily transactions of the mansion.

Her personal maids were currently with her at the moment, helping with her bath. Because her hair was just too long, she could not wash it herself so one of the maids was in charge of her hair every day, the other two were helping her to scrub and apply that perfume on her body. Sitting there relaxed and enjoying as those hands roamed all over her body, she heard the door being opened and judging by the way it happened, it meant one thing. Her baby was back home.

Anne appeared right in front of her smiling, she had been gone for half a day and she was already missing her.

'Good afternoon, mother.'

'Good afternoon, you are back.'

'Hope, I didn't make you worry?'

'I should get used to it. So what did you find?'

'I came with Martin; he is right outside the door.'

'Is that so? That's good then. I had things I wanted to talk to him about.'

'What should I do with him then? Should I tell him to wait inside?'

'Nope, don't do that. He has work to do and I don't want to delay that. Bring him inside; I will have a chat with him.'

'Okay. Let me go and fetch him.'

Anne left and Violet dismissed her maids and told them to bring some refreshment. With the maids leaving, Martin entered and she could see that he was a bit scared to look at her.

'Don't worry Martin, I won't bite. Take a seat where I can see you, Anne please help him.'

She watched as Anne gave him a seat directly opposite her, they were not that close since she was buried in the water and he was on the dry floor.

'So tell me Anne, what did you find?'

'When I went to inquire on Dylan Dark from Martin, we found something interesting instead.'

'What is it?'

'Just like what the news says, everything it is as it is but there are a few mysteries when it comes to Dylan. Mrs. Dark is not his real mother and he is currently looking for her.'

'That is fascinating. What else did you find?'

'Martin, tell her.'

'It's like this Violet......'

From what Martin was explaining, it seemed like one of their activities they do includes private investigations which is done through Martin's company. Because of that Dylan wanted two issues to be investigated, one being his mother and the second his girlfriend Rita Norris and he was willing to pay anything especially for his mother. What a filial son he was.

'So have you started the investigations yet?'

'We haven't, the request came in yesterday and when Anne came I couldn't assign it to anyone. I wanted to know what you have in mind about the kid.'

'You did the right thing then. Here is what you are going to do with the case .......' Violet explained everything to Martin who understood it right away.

'I will do as you say. Is there anything else?'

'Oh yes, it's very important. I need you to withdraw every man you put on my family.'

'Huh!!!' Anne seemed shocked with the news.

'Why?'

'Those ungrateful human beings, even after that night they never called. I think those resources are better being used somewhere else where they can generate money for the company. I don't have money to spend on them anymore.'

'So you mean everyone?' Martin asked again and his question made her think it over again and reached another conclusion.

'No, let me revise it again. Withdraw everyone except for Lucy; she is cute as a pie and more lovable than the rest. If they ask, then tell them to use their own money for their own security. I Violet am not going to curry any favor with them. I am sick and tired.'

'But...'

'If you want to lose your job over my family matter then keep on doing what you are doing Martin. Just because I spared you even after what you did doesn't mean I can't be brutal to you. Do this and handle your affairs well and it’s time for you to take a vacation too.'

'I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that.'

'It's okay, you are human too but don't ask my choices. I know what I am doing.'

'I will remember that. You said I should go on a vacation; you are not punishing me right?'

'When was the last time you spent a full weekend with our family?'

'I don't remember.'

'Which is why I’m giving you this opportunity to keep your family before it is too late. Spend some time with them and leave your work to your subordinates.'

'Thank you, I will handle it well.'

'Good then, you may take your leave.'

'Enjoy the rest of your day,' he said as he took his leave.

When Martin left, Anne came and sat close to her and began to comb her hair.

'I love it whenever you do that,' Violet said as she pats her daughter's hand.

'I know; which is why I do it.'

'A woman after my own heart.'

They both laughed.

'Can you pass me that tray of grapes?'

'Sure,' Anne said, left her for a while to take the tray and came back and gave it to her.

'Thank you,' Violet said as she received the tray. One by one she ate the juicy grapes while enjoying the way Anne was combing her hair.

'Are you sure about the vacation thing with Martin?' Anne asked her.

'He is already thirty-six and he doesn't even have a family of his own. Don't you think he is pathetic and he deserves a break for once?'

'Another benevolent thing our white witch did,' Anne said laughing.

'You seem to be in good spirits, what happened to you?'

'Nothing much,'

'You know you can't lie to me. I will still tell.'

'Okay, I saw a guy.'

'OMG! You did what?'

'I just saw him only at the company, we didn't even talk but I like him.'

'My daughter is finally growing up and you are already thinking of ways to get away from me.'

'No mother, it's not like that.'

'Then tell me.'

'I will never leave you; I will always be here with you.'

She couldn't help herself but laugh this time, Anne thought that she meant it which is why she was going to let her think like that for now.

'I don't know what to think. Help me out of the tub.'

'But...'

'I feel like going out all of a sudden.'

'Are you mad at me?'

'How can I do something like that? That will be beneath me, for sure.'

'Then why are you leaving the bath early?'

'Let's just say the water went cold,' she said as she froze the water the moment she stepped out of the tub.

'Oh,' she could not say a word but helped her to put on her gown and took her back to her bedroom.

She went through her closet till she found what she was looking for.

'Are you sure about that outfit?'Anne asked her.

'Yes, I want to feel like a kid again for today. So I’m wearing this.' Violet said as she looked at the white skinny jeans and vest she had picked from her closet. 'Find me some heels, will you?'

While she put on her clothes, Anne was busy looking for heels that she could wear. She picked a six-inch silver high heeled stiletto shoes and brought them to her. She put them on as well as a few accessories to complete her outfit. She put a simple silver hair chain to hold her hair in one place, a plain choker and a watch.

'Are you not changing?'

'I will go right now.'

'Okay, be quick then. We have a lot to do.'

Violet went outside to look at the new garden right in front of the mansion while she waits for Anne to come down. Looking at how the flowers were blooming made her think about another aspect of her life, relationships. She quickly brushed it off because her car arrived at that moment with Anne in it. Without delaying she helped herself and sat comfortably in the limo as it drove off. Looking at what she had achieved over these past years, she was proud and happy. She got carried away by looking at those trees and cars when she heard Anne saying that they had arrived at the mall. This mall belonged to the Darks, the Darks were like a plague, they were found everywhere even in places one could not think of. To be honest, she could not remember the last time she went to a mall to buy clothes or anything. Most of these things were done by Anne and she had her own personal designer whose sole responsibility was to make her clothes. She wanted to see how people were doing, how different was it than the last time she did it. They entered another boutique and they seemed to recognize both of them especially Anne.

'Welcome. How can we be of service today?'

'We are just looking around. If we found something we will show you.'

'Okay, please enjoy.'

Violet left the talking for Anne while she roamed all over the place looking for something that may fascinate her and she did. She stopped and looked at the clothes, she had never worn something like that and she wanted to try it.

'Mother, what did you find?' Anne asked as she approached her.

'What do you call these things?' she asked as she pointed at the shorts hanging in front of her.

'They are more like bum shorts. Do you want them?'

'They look cute and short. I will take them, and if you want something just pick whatever you want.'

'Thank you,' she said smiling. She called over the shop assistant, 'Bring me her size in white, make them three and another two one black and one blue my size.'

'Okay, I will bring them to the till.'

'Okay then.'

Violet went on with her shopping and picked a few dresses, flat shoes, and a couple of heels, some bags and lingerie.

They finally went to a jewelry store where she was amazed by what she saw.

'You must be Violet,' the man in front of her said.

'Do I know you?'

'No, you probably don't but I do know you,' he said putting on a smile. She didn't want to use her powers to find out what this man knew so she asked him.

'How?'

'In this country, you must be the only woman who buys a lot of jewelry and wear them every day. You brought a new era when it comes to how one put on jewelry. Just like now, you have almost every piece.'

'You must know a lot about me.'

'I know enough. I made a couple of your sets so I only know about that.'

'If I still wear them it means you are one hell of a good craftsman sir.'

'I'm flattered. So what can I do for you today?'

'Recommend something.'

'It’s my pleasure to serve you.'

The man knew his works and she was pleased by it, he knew exactly what she wanted. She even saw Anne smiling and she knew Anne agreed to her thoughts. Thanks to the sweet mouth of that man she ended up spending a huge amount of money in that shop, not that it mattered. She still has much more in her bank accounts as well as other places. She picked a sapphire set which comprised of the necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring. A topaz necklace, a diamond set and lastly a ruby set for Anne. Though she hated anything with red, she wouldn't deprive Anne of jewelry she couldn't stop looking at. As a thank you gift, the man gave them a butterfly twin bracelet pair which she gave one to Anne and one for her.

It was getting late and she was hungry so she decided to stop at Lotus Palace for dinner. Because they knew her as a regular customer, it was a piece of cake for them to get a table. They took their order and while they were waiting for their food she excuse herself from the table. She went to the restroom and on her way back she met someone she knew, a person who was on her mind lately Dylan Dark. She could tell that he wanted to say something but was afraid of doing so. So she started it herself.

'Oh, we meet again.' she said as she stopped in front of him and extended her hand. Dylan hesitated but shook her hand finally and she put on a smile.

'What's your name?'

'Dylan. Dylan Dark.'

'Oh, so you are that old man's son. Sorry about that.'

'It's okay and you are?'

'Violet! Call me Violet.'

'It's nice meeting you again.'

'Indeed it is. We just keep on bumping into each other for this past month. If I was your age, I would say maybe its fate that is bringing us together but it's a small world after all.'

'You never know,' he said.

'I have someone waiting for me, I need to go back.'

'Are you dining here?'

'Yes, we are.'

'You wouldn't mind if I join you?'

'Are you not going to eat with your family?'

'Currently busy at the moment and i just can't stand to dine alone now that i met a familiar face.'

'You are welcome to join us, be our guest.' she said as she led him back to the restaurant.

The most shocked one was Anne when she saw her arriving with Dylan.

'What's going on?'

'Anne, this is Dylan Dark. We just happen to bump into each other lately so here we are.'

'He will be dining with us?'

'Another person at the table won't bring any harm.'

'I'm Anne, nice meeting you.'

'Dylan, it’s nice to meet you too.'

They took another order for Dylan and had a peaceful and lovely dinner time together. It was nice for a change to have more than two people dining together even on a normal day without sharing any sarcasms or holding grudges towards each other.