Mr CEO, Love me gently

Chapter 4

As the Prescott’s black Audi glided through the city streets, Elena sat beside her father, her mind numb with a mix of emotions. The chauffeur navigated the traffic with ease, finally pulling up to the San Francisco Civic Union Bureau. Elena's gaze drifted out the window, her eyes taking in the unassuming facade of the building where she was about to embark on this new chapter of her life. With a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts and prepared herself for what lay ahead.

As the car came to a stop, her father turned to her, his expression a blend of paternal concern and reassurance. "Ready?" he asked softly. Elena nodded, her voice caught in her throat. Together, they stepped out of the car and into the bright sunlight, the cool breeze a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. They walked side by side into the building, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the lobby as they made their way to meet Luca Moretti, the man she was about to marry.

Meanwhile inside the bureau, Luca Moretti stood tall, his black suit tailored to perfection. His white shirt was open at the collar, revealing a hint of his tattoo. His dark hair was slicked back, showcasing his sharp features. He glanced at his watch, his eyes lingering for a moment before he returned his hand to his trouser pocket.

As he waited, his thoughts drifted to the woman he hadn't seen in fifteen years. He wondered if she would remember him, if she would be different from the girl he once knew. His anticipation grew, but he kept his emotions in check, his face a mask of calm.

When he turned, his grey eyes locked onto Elena and her father, and for a fleeting moment, they sparkled with joy. But Luca quickly suppressed the emotion, adopting his usual stoic demeanor. As he approached them, his expression remained neutral, but his thoughts were a jumble of excitement and curiosity.

As the Prescott father and daughter duo approached, Luca extended his hand for a formal handshake with Elon, their palms meeting in a firm grip. His gaze shifted to Elena, and he gave her a brief, curt nod. "My father regrets that he won't be able to join us," Luca said, his voice smooth and composed. "A pressing matter arose, requiring his immediate attention in Spain this morning."

Just then, Elena's eyes locked onto Luca's, and a spark of recognition flashed across her face. "Wait, you're the stranger from the plane," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "We sat next to each other on the flight to San Francisco. I woke up from a nap, and you were gone." Luca's expression was momentarily taken aback, before he smiled politely. "I didn't notice you," he said, his tone neutral. "Small world, indeed."

Elon chuckled, breaking the brief tension. "Let's focus on the task at hand, shall we?" he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. With a nod, Luca led the way to the office where their marriage would be formalized, the father and daughter duo following closely behind.

With the formalities finalized and out of the way, Elena bid her father a farewell, the weight of their agreement settling in. As they had previously discussed, she would be moving in with Luca, a prospect that still felt slightly unsettling. Luca turned to her and offered his arm, a gesture that felt both warm and foreign. Elena hesitated for a moment before taking it, and together they walked towards his car.

As they reached the vehicle, Luca opened the door for her, his eyes meeting hers in a brief, courteous smile. Elena slid into the passenger seat, feeling a sense of transition as she left her old life behind. Luca got in beside her, started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot.

The silence that filled the car was surprisingly comfortable, with only the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing car breaking the stillness. Elena felt a sense of calm wash over her as she gazed out the window, watching the scenery blur by. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and what this new chapter in her life would bring.

As they drove away from the city, the busy streets of San Francisco gave way to a more secluded area. Elena noticed the scenery changed from skyscrapers to rolling hills and green trees lining the winding road. The farther they drove, the more exclusive the surroundings seemed, with high hedges and trees blocking the view of the surrounding properties.

Elena rolled down the window, letting the gentle breeze waft in. The soft wind caressed her face, carrying some of her worries away with it. She released her hair from its secure bun, and her wild strawberry blonde curls tumbled free, bouncing gently in the breeze.

The private road stretched out before them, with trees casting shadows on the pavement. The air grew quieter, with only the sound of the engine and leaves rustling in the breeze. Elena felt like they were entering a different world.

As they drove deeper into the estate, Elena felt a strange sense of familiarity. She felt like she had been there before, even though she knew she hadn't. The trees, the road, everything seemed to feel familiar, but she couldn't explain why. It was a weird feeling, but also kind of comforting.

When they reached the gatehouse, the gates swung open, and they continued driving. The mansion came into view as they crested a small hill. As expected of the Moretti family, the house was stunning, with a mix of classic and modern styles. The grounds were beautifully manicured, with perfectly trimmed lawns and colorful gardens.

The mansion itself was breathtaking, with a facade that shone in the sunlight. Elena's eyes widened as she took in the size of the property, the details, and the obvious wealth that had gone into its design. Elena felt a little awestruck by the grandeur of it all. Her attention snapped back to Luca when he cleared his throat, his soft voice saying "Welcome home." The words carried a hint of sentiment that caught her off guard, and, strangely, it brought a smile to her face.