His Villain

4. Vincent Romano

The day had transitioned into a velvety evening, as the radiant sun bid farewell, surrendering its reign to the luminous moon. Its ethereal glow cascaded upon the land, imparting a serene ambiance to the souls and kindling the hearts of ardent admirers.

Amidst this enchanted world, a woman found herself standing in front of a colossal structure that surpassed the definition of a mere house. It was a mansion-a grandeur that emanated power and opulence. The driver had dropped her off five minutes ago, ensuring the correct address was conveyed twice, yet the area seemed deserted, a desolation that oddly resonated with her preferences. Not a soul of ordinary mortals lingered nearby, sparking a flicker of doubt within her. However, doubt could not be attributed to this situation, for it was everything but an error. The gate bore a conspicuous plaque that read in bold, imposing letters: Vincent Romano.

Curiosity gripped her mind. "Why is no one here if there is an event scheduled for this evening? Has the party been canceled?" She pondered aloud, her voice interrupted by the sudden intrusion of a female voice.

Emerging from the main door, a robust woman with a tablet in her right hand and an earpiece rushed towards her, sporting a small smile on her face.

"Good evening, Ms. Ferrari. I am Maria Denzi, Mr. Romano's assistant. I hope you encountered no difficulties on your way here," she greeted, her voice brimming with genuine concern.

Returning the gesture, Celia nodded and replied, "Good evening, Ms. Denzi. The journey was smooth. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Celia's worry began to surface as she expressed her concerns to Maria. "Is the party canceled or over? It seems there are no signs of human presence, except for the guards and their dogs."

Maria's smile persisted as she reassured her. "No, that is not the case. You are here to perform exclusively for Mr. Romano tonight. It is not just a party. You should feel privileged, and we are compensating you accordingly." With confident strides, Maria led the way toward the mansion.

Caught off guard, Celia halted in her tracks. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed, shock coursing through her veins.

Maria's response dripped with arrogance as she confronted Celia's surprise. "Do you have a problem with that? It is your profession, and you shouldn't be startled if someone desires a private performance. Moreover, you should be grateful, considering you will be performing for him. We are paying you the requested amount," Maria retorted, her features reflecting her self-assured demeanor.

As they stepped into the elevator, Maria pressed the button for the third floor. The door closed with a gentle ding, and the elevator began its ascent. The interior was adorned with red carpets, while the walls boasted a combination of white and gold tones. Ancient statues guarded each corner, and an array of paintings and photo frames adorned the walls. Celia's gaze fixed upon a photograph of a couple-a man in his early forties standing beside a woman of the same age, both with radiant faces and delightful smiles.

"They are his parents," Maria informed Celia, breaking her trance. "Please try to focus. We are already ten minutes late, and he won't be pleased. Follow me." Maria swung open a door at the far end of the hall, the creaking sound resonating through the space. The room appeared shrouded in darkness, with only the flickering candles and wisps of smoke indicating its occupancy. Suddenly, a spotlight in the center of the room illuminated the surroundings, providing ample visibility. To Celia's right, a table displayed an assortment of soft drinks, water, and cookies. Doubts began to creep into her mind, amplifying the eerie ambiance of the mansion. She couldn't help but question the absence of anyone besides herself, Maria, and Mr. Romano, alongside the intimidating guards and their loyal canines.