“No more distractions,” Adrianna mutters to herself, positioning herself before the mirror, the reflection staring back at her with uncertainty and trepidation. After tossing aside blouse after blouse, she settles on a black silk dress that hugs her curves and elegantly accentuates her figure.

All she wanted to do at the moment was to sink her body into the softness of her bed, but she had to fulfill her father's demand.

Makeup checked. Her luscious hair was parked back in a messy bun with some free hair running down the frame of her face. She runs a quick check on her appearance, grabs her car key, and drives to the restaurant.

“Take the final right turn to reach your destination.” The GPS announces. Adrianna lets out a nervous breath as she finally reaches the restaurant. Through her drive, she couldn't shake off the impending mystery of the date which looms large on the horizon of her mind.

From what her Father told her, the Vallerand family has two sons as rumors may have it. But the first son was tonight but she still feels unprepared. For the past five years, she has gone to ten, if not more arranged dates, orchestrated by her Father yet she can't pick interest in any of them. Maybe because her heart still beats for Lance. Maybe because the thought of Lance still spreads warm feelings across her heart.

The restaurant is a lavish affair—the ambiance wraps around her like silk. The glowing chandelier reflects a glow that dances upon porcelain plates, and the soft hum of classical music adds to the atmosphere of wealth and exclusivity.

A man who seems to be in his mid-forties stands at the upscale door. A polite smile on his face.

“ Good evening, Miss,” he says, his demeanor exuding warmth as he leads her to a table draping in pristine white linens, candles flickering illuminating the space with a warm glow. “Your table, reserved for the evening.”

Adrianna hesitates as she enters the empty but radiant expanse, waves of shock crashing against her. “Reserved?” she echoes her voice betraying the uncertainty that grips her heart. Her eyes scan the whole empty restaurant. “You mean all the spaces she reserved?”

The manager nods, oblivious to the unveiling of her surprise. “Yes, the entire restaurant has been booked. “It's quite an occasion.”

“Quite the occasion,” she murmurs to herself, suspicion welling up within her. Just as she begins to process the staggering implications, the figure sitting in the distance breaks her reverie, making her blood run cold.

Lance

“What are you doing here?” she blurts, disbelief mingling with indignation. “You are interrupting my evening!”

Lance leans back in the pushchair, an enigmatic smile tracing his lips, his demeanor casual as if they were merely exchanging pleasantries. “Ah, Adrianna let's not conflate the situation,” he replies, dismissive yet amused. “I believe we have a date. The details may need to be—amended.”

Her heart stumbles—Searching for clarity, she instinctively reaches for her phone, her fingers guiding her to search for the Vallerand family on the internet. The confirmation strikes her with undeniable force. Lance was indeed her mysterious date. “But how on earth is that possible?”, she wonders. “How was he able to hide this piece of information from everyone?”. Who was she kidding? He introduced himself as a Vallerand earlier that day.

“You were the Vallerand son? I should have known,” she spats, frustration boiling over. “You deliberately lured me into this.”

Lance leans back, a predator watching his prey. “Let's not make this unpleasant. You've arrived now, so let's discuss something more important than your tantrums.”

Choosing her pride over caution, she hesitates, but the weight of his presence tugs her. “Why do you think I will follow your order? She shot back, her temper flaring.

“Have a seat, Adrianna,” Lance drags her name. She could feel the sneer in his tone. Her body betrays her mind as she feels the sting of fear ripples through her. “What do you want from me, Lance?”

Lance's eyes glimmer with a wicked gleam. “A contract,” he says as if he is tasting the words in his mouth. “I offer you a choice—become my mistress, Adrianna.”

Adrianna slams her hand on the table, feeling fury, confusion, and heartbreak at the same time. She stands to leave, her heart pounding against her ribs. “You want me to be your plaything? This whole thing is absurd and I'm not interested.”

“Sit,” he commands, a forcefulness woven into the directive that felt more like a threat than a request. He points to her chair. Adrianna searches his eyes for clues. This Lance seated across her is a ruthless predator. She suddenly feels sweat forming on her palms. She sits, narrowing her eyes to his, in a bid to hide her fear.

“Where were we?” he says, producing a slim flash drive from his jacket pocket, as if it were a dagger, holding it delicately between his fingers. “I offer you a choice, Adrianna. Become as you said,” he pauses then smirks, “My plaything or watch as your father is pulled deeper into a web of ruin.”

“Is this a joke to you? You're threatening my family?

A chuckle erupts from his lips. “Not a threat, Adrianna; a preposition. I possess dirt on your father’s financial dealings——money laundering, fraudulent activities that can crack the fragile foundation of everything he has built.” He leans closer, the air slick with tension. “Five years ago, you both made a selfish decision, but now you have to make the decision yourself.” He studies her horrified face, the face he remembers five years ago, even in his nightmares. “I could ensure that nothing comes to light but you must agree to my terms—but the decision is yours to make.”

By now her heart was racing faster than a ticking clock, every beat resonating with overwhelming urgency. With a finger click, Lance summons Robert, and he hands a MacBook to Lance. The screen lights up drawing her attention. Her eyes widen in horror as she watches her father's delicate body showing on the screen.

“How was he able to locate her father? How powerful is this Lance? Her eyes dart towards the flash drive. She wonders what it may contain. As if on clue. Lance tosses the Flash Drive to her. “It contains all the evidence.”

“So? Lance asks in a calm tone. Adrianna can feel her mind reeling, scrambling for response amid a flooding wave of disbelief and tumult. “ am clueless, Lance, I don't know what to feel or Sa—. The ringing tone emitting from her phone pauses her speech midway. A glance at the screen proves her sister was on the other side of the line. “Adrianna, it's Father!” she says, distress lacing in her voice. “The hospital called to inform us that his condition worsened but the doctors were able to calm the situation. I’m scared, Anna.” Victoria sobs.

“Everything will be alright, I will be back soon.” She informs her before reluctantly ending the call, to face Lances. A mocking smile dances across his face and she lets out a shaky breath.

“I need time to process all this.”

“Five days,” he reiterates, a calculative smile flickering across his lips. “I await your decision. Choose wisely”—And besides, you look sexy tonight, I had a hard time taking my eyes off your body.”