1 A Budding Heart, Full Of Blossoms 1
A gleaming, gold-coated Bentley Bentayga arrives at the grand entrance of an immense mansion. The car is skillfully driven by a chauffeur, while a lady graces the back seat. The grand gate, with almost a theatrical flourish, swings open as they approach. Along the pathway leading to the mansion, ten men, positioned on both sides, hold exquisite bouquets. As the car glides by, they stand in a collective tribute of respect before seamlessly resuming their work.
The Bentley comes to a graceful halt right in front of the Mansion, where a Valet approaches. He opens the car door, extending a warm welcome with a respectful smile and a slight bow. "Welcome home, Miss," he greets with utmost courtesy.
The "White Villa," a symbol of elegance, majestically takes its place in view. Its exterior showcases exceptional architectural craftsmanship, while the interior is a testament to classic decor at its finest.
Meanwhile, Tris, the lady's son, curiously peeks through a window upon his mother's arrival. He offers a soft sigh and promptly closes the window, venting his bemusement, "Who sends their kids on blind dates these days," before heading to his study desk.
The chauffeur proceeds to the garage with precision, ensuring the car is parked in its designated space. Meanwhile, the lady, with an air of dignified pride, walks to the mansion's entrance. The doorman welcomes her with a respectful gesture, opening the grand door for her as she steps inside.
The interior of the villa radiates classical beauty, with a resplendent circular chandelier illuminating the open walkway leading to the living room. Two attentive maids diligently tend to a golden statue, a striking imitation of the lady. With a graceful stride, she passes them by, heading towards the resplendent living room.
Inside, an entirely different ambiance embraces her. The temperature is pleasantly cool, and a delicate fragrance lingers in the air. The decor, from furniture to lighting fixtures, shimmers in shades of glossy gold and soft, cloudlike gray. Every detail is impeccably coordinated, with diligent manservants and maids ensuring the utmost perfection.
She continues her journey, crossing the living room and ascending the sweeping, curvaceous staircase situated to its side. The butler promptly approaches as he catches sight of her, warmly acknowledging her presence. "I can see you've already ensured everything is in order," Miss Lynn acknowledges.
"Yes, Madame. I'll provide you with a schedule for tomorrow once you've had a moment to rest," he responds. She inquires about Tris, and he shares, "I regret to inform you that he hasn't eaten since morning. He's also declined any interaction, even with the maids."
They proceed to the left, heading towards her son's room while their conversation flows. "Unless we use the master key to his room," the butler suggests, bursting a playful giggle from Miss Lynn. As they reach the doorstep, they encounter two maids who remain at the door, holding his untouched dinner plates.
The butler knocks on the door, but there is no response. "Your mother wishes to have a word with you," he conveys, as they hear the sound of the door being unlocked from the inside.
The door swings open, and Miss Lynn enters first, finding Tris at his study table engrossed in his work on the laptop. He appears indifferent to their presence, continuing his typing.
The butler almost utters a word, but Miss Lynn raises a hand, indicating silence. "Leave the dinner on the table," she instructs the maids. "That will be all." The maids exit quietly with the butler.
Tris pauses in his typing and lets out a sigh as his mother approaches the table. She runs her fingers through his hair smiling. "I've planned everything for your upcoming birthday," she shares.
He rises from the table and moves to sit on the bed across the room. "I heard you haven't eaten since morning," she pauses, "What's wrong?" She inquires.
"Mom, you know I'm not fond of blind dates. I barely even know girls well enough for official dates," he admits. His mother giggles and moves closer. "It's time to open up to people. You've been isolated for a while, and you're on the path to recovery. You should give this a chance," she advises, gently guiding his face to meet her gaze. "Just this once, consider it a trip to France or anywhere you choose if it doesn't work out." She continues.
Tris sighs and slowly withdraws his face. "I'll take that as a yes," she says with a soft smile as she heads to the door. Just before exiting, she stops behind the door and turns her head playfully. "You wouldn't want me to return and find you still in your room, right?" she teases with a modest smirk, leaving the room.
He reclines on the bed, contemplating his situation with a sense of irony. [You've got to be kidding me], he muses, shifting to lie on his side. Glancing at his phone, he notes the time. [It's already 5?...], he reflects as he sits up.
He proceeds to the bathroom for a leisurely shower, emerging feeling refreshed. His hair is meticulously styled, more impeccably than ever before.
Returning to his room, he moves to his dressing room in the next chamber. The wardrobe boasts a wide array of male attire, from casual to smart casual, business, and cocktail ensembles. He pauses for a moment, pondering his choice, and finally selects an exquisite and expensive cocktail outfit, complete with a matching watch. Fully attired, he exudes sophistication.
With a quick decision, he opts for his cherished Lamborghini Aventador and embarks on his journey to the restaurant chosen by his mother for the blind date, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty guiding his steps.
April, his blind date, obsesses over finding the perfect dress, and her mother eagerly joins the search. Minutes fly by as they rummage through the wardrobe, but nothing seems eye-catching for the evening.
"Maybe I should just stay home, Mom," April hesitates. "I'll find you a nice dress. Could you let me search quietly?" her mother replies.
"You've never been this enthusiastic about one of my dates," April gasps sharply in amazement.
Ignoring April's reservations, her mother continues searching, seemingly unfazed by her daughter's comments. April sits on the bed beside the wardrobe and sighs deeply, lowering her head.
"I don't even know this guy..." she mutters, tossing aside a dress her mother throws her way without a glance.
Her mother triumphantly presents a stunning red dress, and April questions, "Isn't that your favorite dress that Dad gave you?"
Her mother dismisses it with a giggle. "Oh, stop it silly. It's been tucked away for you all this time. Try it on," she hands the dress to April.
April reluctantly fits it on, and it seems perfect, accentuating her figure. Her mother rushes to her room, returning with a handbag that matches the dress and a pair of shoes to complete the look.
"You look stunning," her mother beans. April forces a smile that slowly fades into doubt.
"Don't ruin it with your attitude. Be pleasant, and let's see where this goes," her mother advises, studying her outfit.
"You're letting me go on a blind date, Mom?" April questions.
"You're an adult. You can't spend your entire life waiting for someone you haven't heard from in years," her mother responds firmly.
"I know what I'm doing!" April asserts, gritting her teeth before leaving.
"Good luck, baby," her mother calls with a hint of laughter as April slams the door and heads past the living room to go outside.
Back inside, her mother picks up April's small dog, petting it. "I just hope she'll be happy..."
She turns to look at the bed and sees her pills beside the pillow, her morning dosage remaining untouched next to a glass of water. Worried, her mother collects them and also heads outside, past the living room.
"April!... April!..." she shouts, but April waves and takes a cab to the date location. She checks her phone, receives a low-battery message, and shuts it off.
Her mother returns with the dog and sends a text, "You left your pills in your room. I hope you sent some spares." She waits for a reply and tries calling April but finds her phone turned off.
"April..." her mother whispers as she sits on April's bed. She stares at the pills in her hand and turns to her phone hoping for a message, then sips the water with a heavy sigh.
[Maybe I shouldn't have let her go,] she contemplates, her thoughts filled with a bit of regret and worry, wondering if April sent some spare pills with her.
_Till I See You Again_
Next: The Cannon Event!
