Chapter 9: Lunch Alone
1300 Words
Cia stood before the mirror, her father's words echoing in her mind. " Today is crucial, Cia. Jackson Watson is the key to securing our family's future. Make a good impression, and our alliance will be set ."
She took a deep breath, smoothing out her elegant white dress. Her father's mansion was abuzz with activity, the staff scurrying to prepare for the breakfast meeting.
" Remember, Cia, Jackson is a man of great influence ," Captain Ray Skywalker said, his voice firm but encouraging, as he handed her a delicate silver necklace. " Show him your charm, your intelligence. Make him believe you're the perfect partner."
" I'll try, Father ," Cia replied, her voice laced with doubt.
" Try? " Her father's eyes narrowed. " You will succeed, Cia. Our family's legacy depends on it ."
With a final glance, Cia descended to the dining room, where Jackson Watson awaited.
" Good morning, Cia ," Jackson said, rising from his seat, his smile charismatic. "You look stunning."
" Thank you, Jackson ," Cia replied, taking her seat.
Over breakfast, Jackson regaled them with stories of his business triumphs, from acquiring rare art pieces to expanding his trading empire. Cia listened attentively, her smile masking her growing unease.
As they finished their meal, Jackson suggested a stroll around the mansion's gardens. The sun cast a warm glow over the lawns, but Cia's discomfort intensified.
" I've traveled the world, acquired some of the rarest pieces," Jackson said, his voice dripping with pride. " My museum is the envy of many. I'm thinking of expanding into art galleries next ."
" That sounds impressive ," Cia said, feigning interest.
Jackson chuckled. " Impressive? I'm a visionary. My business acumen is unmatched ."
As they walked, Cia's mind wandered. Why couldn't she muster enthusiasm for this supposedly perfect suitor? He was handsome, successful, and connected – everything her father wanted for her. Yet, his boastfulness grated on her nerves.
As Jackson's car disappeared from view, Cia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment in herself. Her father's words echoed in her mind : " Today is crucial, Cia ."
Captain Ray Skywalker approached her, his expression expectant. " So, how did it go? "
Cia sighed, her shoulders sagging. " I don't know, Father. I tried, but...I just couldn't connect with him ."
Her father's face softened, and he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. " Cia, you're too hard on yourself. Remember the story of the Lotus Flower from your favorite anime, 'Sakura Blossoms'? "
Cia's eyes widened, nostalgia washing over her. " The one where the Lotus Flower blooms in the muddiest waters, yet remains unsoiled? "
Her father smiled. " The same. Just like the Lotus, you must grow strong, resilient, and unwavering in the face of adversity. Your beauty and worth aren't defined by one person's opinion ."
Cia's eyes misted as her father continued, " In Japanese culture, the Lotus symbolizes the journey to enlightenment. It reminds us that our true beauty lies within, untouched by external forces ."
He paused, his eyes locking onto hers. " You are my Lotus Flower, Cia. Don't let anyone dull your radiance ."
Cia smiled. There's no one who she loved more than her father. He cherish a lot and showed her more love after she lost her mother five months ago. Five months ago but she's still living in her heart.
Touched by her father's words, Cia felt a surge of determination. " I won't, Father. I promise to find someone who'll make you proud, someone who'll see my worth ."
Captain Ray Skywalker's face lit up with a warm smile. " That's all I ask for, Cia. Now, let's focus on the upcoming charity gala. We'll find your perfect match, and our family's future will be secured ."
Cia nodded, a newfound sense of purpose igniting within her. Little did she know, fate had other plans.
" I'll like you to stay her till afternoon, Cia. I'll make sure you enjoy your stay here ", said her dad.
Cia nodded, taking in her father's instructions. " I'll stay here until afternoon, Father. Then I'll head to rehearsals ."
Captain Ray Skywalker smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. " Good. I have a meeting with an important guest later. I'll see you at dinner ."
Cia curtsied, then retreated to the garden to clear her mind. As she strolled, she overheard the maids whispering in the hallway.
"...Damien Glen is coming today ," one maid said, her voice barely audible. " Captain Skywalker invited him personally ."
Cia's curiosity piqued, she lingered, listening.
"...heard he's devastatingly handsome ," another maid chimed in. " And wealthy beyond measure ."
When their eyes suddenly met hers, she could see how shocked and embarrassed they were.
" Milady ", they chorused and bowed, before hurrying away. She only looked away from them.
As she continued walking past the drawing room, her stepsisters, Grace and Monica, entered the drawing room, their voices carrying. They didn't notice she just passed.
" Did you hear? Damien Glen is coming today ," Grace said, her eyes sparkling. " We must make a stunning impression ."
Monica smirked. " I'll make sure he notices me. I'll bat my eyelashes, and he'll be hooked ."
Grace giggled. " I'll wear my new designer gown. He won't resist me ."
Cia rolled her eyes, disgusted by their shallow tactics.
" We'll lure him into marrying one of us ," Monica declared. " Imagine the prestige and wealth that comes with being Mrs. Glen ."
" He's the most handsome among every guy I've met. I'd like to date him ", added Grace.
Cia felt a shiver run down her spine. She had no interest in Damien Glen, but her stepsisters' scheming annoyed her.
When she stopped eavesdropping, Cia wondered:
Who was Damien Glen, really?
What brought him to her father's mansion?
And why did her stepsisters think they could snag him so easily?
*
Cia slipped into her sleek black dress, her hair styled in loose waves, and makeup subtly accentuating her features. She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, ready for her rehearsal.
In the drawing room, she found her father, still waiting for his guest. Cia frowned, glancing at the clock. 2 pm. Damien Glen was ridiculously late.
" Father, isn't Damien supposed to arrive this morning ? " Cia asked, her brow furrowed.
Captain Ray Skywalker checked his watch. " Yes, he is. I'm starting to think he's not taking our meeting seriously ."
Cia's lips pursed. " Perhaps he's not as interested as you thought ."
Her father's expression remained calm. " I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He's a busy man, after all ."
A guard approached, bowing slightly . " Miss Cia, your lunch is served in the dining room ."
Cia nodded and followed him. The dining room's grandeur took her breath away. The long, impressive glass table shone, surrounded by nine empty chairs. She took her seat, facing an array of exquisite dishes.
Before her lay steamed lobster with garlic butter and lemon slices, alongside grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables and quinoa. Pan-seared salmon with capers and browned potatoes tempted her taste buds, accompanied by a colorful vegetable stir-fry with tofu and steamed jasmine rice. At the center of the table, a creamy mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley wafted its enticing aroma.
The aromas tantalized her taste buds. Cia picked up her fork, wondering the particular dish to to choose.
Just as she was about to eat, the sound of footsteps echoed outside. The door swung open, and a tall, dark-haired figure entered.
- Writer
