What the war left us

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pastries as Aggy sat in the quaint coffee shop. The walls were painted a soft pink, adorned with delicate floral patterns that gave the place a whimsical charm. The gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of cups created a cozy atmosphere. She took a sip of her latte, the warmth spreading through her hands as she held the cup.

Aggy reached for her phone, staring at the email she had received days ago. The anticipation that had built up over the past month was finally giving way to relief. She sighed, a smile tugging at her lips.

She stood up, her chair scraping softly against the polished wooden floor. She was an average-height woman with short, curly hair that framed her face. Her pink lips curved into a serene smile that seemed to draw people in. There was a peaceful aura about her that made those around her feel at ease.

As she stepped out of the coffee shop, the city of New York buzzed with its usual energy. The streets were alive with people hurrying to their destinations, the sound of car horns blaring in the distance. She stood on the edge of the sidewalk, waving down a taxi. One pulled up, and she slid into the back seat, glancing out at the bustling cityscape.

Her thoughts drifted to the man she was about to meet. What would it be like to meet the famous Calen Levi? she wondered. What stories lay hidden in his past, waiting to be uncovered and shared with the world?

The taxi ride to the airport took about an hour, the city's skyline gradually giving way to the sprawling airport grounds. As she stepped out of the taxi, she took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs. The enormity of the journey ahead hit her—this was a dream come true.

Aggy looked around the busy airport terminal. People moved with purpose, the sound of rolling luggage and airport announcements filling the air. She whispered to herself, "I wonder what is in store for me," as she made her way through the terminal, clutching her boarding pass tightly. Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves as she prepared to board the plane that would take her to Oakland and, hopefully, to the story of a lifetime.

Aggy stepped into her hotel room, letting her eyes scan the space. The room was elegantly decorated, with soft lighting and plush furnishings that gave it a warm, inviting feel. She sighed, reaching for her phone to make a call. As she paced around the room, she waited for the call to connect, but it went straight to voicemail. Frustrated, she dropped the phone on the table and walked over to the open balcony door.

From there, she could see the beautiful city of Oakland spread out before her. The clean, blue water shimmered in the sunlight, and people in bikinis lounged on the beach, enjoying the day. The roads were busy with traffic, a constant reminder of the city's vibrant life. Aggy took out her notebook, intending to jot down her thoughts, but then she closed it, unable to focus.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it to find a tall man in a white corporate shirt and trousers standing there. He handed her a letter with a polite, "For you, madam."

"Thank you," she said, taking the letter. The man bowed slightly and left.

She shut the door and opened the letter, her curiosity piqued. "From the Royal Halls House," she whispered as she began to read:

The Royal Hall 

May 25, 2024

Dear Aggy,

We are pleased to extend an exclusive invitation to you for a special dinner party at the Royal Hall House, hosted by the esteemed Mr. Calen Levi. This gathering is in honor of Mr. Levi's illustrious career and his recent achievements that continue to inspire many.

The dinner will commence at 10 PM sharp, and we request your presence to be a part of this distinguished event. The dress code for the evening is red velvet, reflecting the elegance and grandeur of the occasion.

To assist you in preparing for this event, we have enclosed a card that grants you access to Kriss , premier boutique renowned for its exquisite attire. You may select a dress of your choice, courtesy of Mr. Levi.

Here are the details for the boutique:

Kriss

123 Fashion Avenue, Oakland, CA

Please present the enclosed card to the staff upon arrival. We trust you will find something that perfectly complements the evening's ambiance.

We eagerly anticipate your presence and hope you will join us in celebrating this remarkable occasion. Should you have any inquiries or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Warmest regards,

Evelyn Carter

Event Coordinator, Royal Hall

Aggy took out the card attached to the letter and checked the time on her watch: 2 PM. She sighed, realizing she had plenty of time to prepare but also feeling the pressure of the upcoming event. Grabbing her jacket, she headed out of the hotel to find the store.

The streets of Oakland were alive with activity. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue over everything. Aggy walked briskly, her thoughts racing. She wondered what the evening would hold, what stories Mr. Calen Levi might share, and how this opportunity could shape her career.

Kriss was a chic boutique located in the heart of the city. The storefront was sleek and modern, with large glass windows displaying elegant dresses. As she entered, a friendly attendant greeted her and helped her find the perfect red velvet dress for the evening.

Aggy admired her reflection in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves and giving her an air of sophistication. She felt a flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness as she thought about the dinner party.

Back at the hotel, she carefully hung the dress in the closet and started getting ready. As the hours passed, her anticipation grew. She wanted everything to be perfect. The invitation to such an exclusive event was a dream come true, and she was determined to make the most of it.

By the time she was dressed and ready to go, it was nearly 9:30 PM. She took a final look in the mirror, smoothing down her dress and checking her hair. Satisfied, she grabbed her clutch and headed out the door.

The Royal Hall was an impressive venue, its grand façade lit up beautifully against the night sky. The entrance was lined with guests arriving in their finest attire. Aggy felt a mix of awe and nervousness as she walked up the steps and into the hall.

Inside, the atmosphere was even more breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the gentle clinking of glasses. Waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, offering champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Aggy took a deep breath and stepped further into the hall, feeling the weight of the evening ahead. She was here to uncover the story of Calen Levi, a man whose past held untold secrets and whose present was shrouded in success and mystery. This was her chance to delve into his life, to capture his story, and to share it with the world. As she mingled with the guests, her excitement grew, knowing that tonight could be the start of something extraordinary.

Someone tapped her from behind. When she turned, she saw a tall, striking man standing there, waving. He was about 6 feet 5 inches tall, with a strong, athletic build that spoke of both power and grace. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his sharp, piercing blue eyes held a depth that intrigued her. He had a chiseled jawline and a hint of stubble that added a rugged charm to his refined appearance. He wore a crisp white shirt that contrasted beautifully with his tanned skin, and tailored trousers that completed his polished look.

For a moment, both were lost in each other's eyes, a silent connection forming. The noise of glass breaking snapped them out of their reverie. They both looked in the direction of the sound. The man cleared his throat.

"You must be Aggy," he said, his voice smooth and confident.

"Yes, Aggy Freeman," she replied, trying to steady her racing heart.

He extended his hand for a shake, his grip firm yet gentle. "I'm Reign Levi. I've been asked to escort you to meet my father," he said.

"Your father?" she replied, surprised. "Sorry," she chuckled. "I just never knew Mr. Calen Levi had a son."

"Well, he does," Reign smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Shall we?" He gestured in the direction they should go.

"Of course," she said, still a bit flustered.

As they walked, Aggy's curiosity got the better of her. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it that the world knows nothing about you? Everyone knows about your sisters and your entire family, but there's nothing about you online," she said, her voice tentative.

Reign nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I used to be in the public eye when I was younger, but I grew to hate the fame lifestyle. I wanted something peaceful and private, so I made sure to stay out of the spotlight."

"That's incredible," she said, genuine admiration in her voice. "Sorry if I seemed nosy."

Reign smiled warmly, his eyes softening. "No need to apologize. It's natural to be curious. I appreciate your interest."

As they continued to walk through the grand hall, Aggy couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. Meeting Calen Levi was already a significant moment for her, but encountering his enigmatic son added another layer of intrigue. The atmosphere was charged with the anticipation of uncovering stories that had remained hidden, and Aggy was ready to delve deeper into the lives of the Levi family.

"So, how did you end up working with your father?" she asked, hoping to learn more about Reign's role in the family.

Reign's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious look. "I actually took a different path for a while. I traveled, studied different cultures, and even did some humanitarian work. But eventually, I felt a pull to return home and support my family. My father needed someone he could trust, and I wanted to be there for him."

Aggy nodded, appreciating his openness. "That sounds like quite a journey. It must have been challenging to balance your desire for privacy with the responsibilities that come with being part of such a prominent family."

"It has been," Reign admitted. "But I've found ways to manage. It's all about finding the right balance. And honestly, meeting people like you who are genuinely interested in our story makes it worthwhile."

Aggy smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Reign. As they reached the door to Calen Levi's study, she took a deep breath, ready to embark on the next chapter of her adventure.

As they approached the door, Reign turned to Aggy. "I'll have to leave you now with my father," he said, his tone polite but slightly regretful.

"Alright then, it was nice meeting you," Aggy replied, her smile warm and genuine. She watched him leave, his tall figure disappearing down the corridor. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity about him, a desire to unravel the mystery that seemed to surround him.

With a deep breath, she turned back to the door and opened it, revealing Mr. Calen Levi seated inside. "Hello, Mr. Calen Levi," she greeted him, her voice filled with excitement.

"Ah, Aggy Freeman," Mr. Levi said, rising to his feet and extending a hand. "Please, call me Calen."

Aggy shook his hand firmly, feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of working with such a renowned figure. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Calen," she said, her voice tinged with awe.

"The pleasure is mine, Aggy," Calen replied, his smile warm and welcoming. "Please, have a seat."

As they both settled into their chairs, Aggy couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "I must say, I've been eagerly anticipating this meeting," she admitted. "Your work has been such an inspiration to me."

Calen chuckled modestly. "Well, I'm flattered to hear that," he said. "I must admit, I'm curious to hear more about your project."

Aggy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she launched into an animated explanation of her plans. "I'm a graduate of Cambridge University, with degrees in literature and English language," she began. "I've always been fascinated by stories of resilience and courage, and your life story is a prime example of that."

Calen listened intently, nodding along as Aggy spoke. "It sounds like you have a clear vision for your book," he remarked. "I'm intrigued to see how you'll weave my experiences into your narrative."

"I'm hoping to capture not just the events of your life, but the essence of who you are as a person," Aggy explained. "I want to explore the challenges you've faced, the decisions you've made, and the values that have guided you along the way."

Calen nodded thoughtfully. "It's certainly a lofty goal," he said. "But I have no doubt that you're up to the task."

Aggy's cheeks flushed with pride at his words. "Thank you, Calen," she said earnestly. "I'm truly grateful for this opportunity."

"It's my pleasure, Aggy," Calen replied, his gaze warm and encouraging. "I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us."

With that, they delved into a discussion about the finer details of Aggy's project, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they exchanged ideas and insights. As the meeting drew to a close, Aggy couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.

Well, we will start on Monday at 10 o'clock. This is my home address," Mr. Levi said, taking out a pen and paper and jotting down the details before passing it to her.

"Thank you so much," Aggy said, her gratitude evident in her smile.

"I hope you are enjoying yourself at the party," Mr. Levi remarked.

"Yes, I am, sir," Aggy replied, rising from her seat. She opened the door and turned to bid him farewell. "It was nice finally meeting you, sir," she said, her voice tinged with excitement.

Mr. Levi smiled warmly. "Likewise, Miss Freeman," he replied before she left, the door closing softly behind her.

Aggy sighed contentedly as she made her way to the elevator, her heart still racing with excitement. She checked her phone for notifications but found none, her mind buzzing with thoughts of her upcoming project.

As she returned to the party, a man called out to her, and she turned to face him just as the camera clicked, capturing her moment of joy and anticipation.