CHAPTER ONE
525 Words
WHISPERS IN THE VINES
The murmur of nature and the silent resolve of its labourers filled the Carla vineyard. The horizon was lined with rows of verdant grapevines, their fruit brimming with potential. Ravenna Alfonsi picked ripe clusters with precise hand movements and skilled precision. She enjoyed the rhythmic simplicity of her work, the way the dirt and vines appeared to communicate with her.
Her dark locks that escaped her red bandana were caught in the golden warmth of the afternoon sun. She stopped to stretch, looking up at the majestic Carla mansion on the hill. It was a palace for those who lived high above, and she would never set foot there.
her place of employment. Reminding herself that the wealthy and powerful had nothing to do with her, she shook her head and went back to work.
However, destiny had other ideas for today.
"Do you work this hard all the time?"
She was shocked by the rich, smooth voice. Ravenna's fingers flew to her chest as she turned abruptly. Carla was leaning against a trellis a few feet distant. His presence was instantly captivating due to his dark hair dishevelled by the breeze, his immaculate white shirt, and his sleeves pushed up to reveal powerful forearms.
Ravenna narrowed her eyes and straightened. "Do you ambush people all the time?"
His confidence was unsettling as he grinned. "Usually not. But I was drawn to you.
Ravenna shrugged her shoulders and turned back to the vines.
“Mr. Carla , I'm doing my job. Some of us have actual tasks to complete.”
“Carla ,” he clarified, taking a step forward. "Call ma,Carla ."
She avoided eye contact with him. "Carla , what do you want?"
His voice was light but relentless as he replied, "I want to know more about you."
Ravenna couldn't help but make a quick, disbelieving laugh. "I am merely an employee. Nothing can be known.
"I don't think so," Carla remarked, his eyes glimmering.
With her hands on her hips, she finally turned to look at him. "And with someone like me, what does the Montenegrin heir want?"
Carla 's grin grew softer. "Supper."
Ravenna's heart skipped a beat as she froze. "Pardon me?"
He said calmly, as though it were the most normal thing to do, "Have dinner with me."
Ravenna gazed at him, looking for evidence of contempt or hatred, but all she saw was genuineness. More than any jest or insult, it made her uneasy.
With caution, she stated, "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not?" With a hint of wonder in his voice, Carla inquired.
She stated plainly, "Because we're from different worlds." Carla Carla is who you are. I am... no one.
Carla furrowed his brows. "Avoid saying that. You are not a nobody.
Ravenna's cheeks began to flush, but she shook her head swiftly. "I have to return to work."
Carla left, confused that Ravenna had said that.
He was dejected by her utterances. The walk along the field was quiet and aimless as he was lost in his thoughts. wondering what he could do to win Ravenna over.
- Writer
