His lethal Addiction

Twisted Fate

The grand oak doors of Stephen's office swung open with a flourish, announcing Scarlett's arrival. Her fiery emerald gown trailed behind her like a triumphant banner, a stark contrast to the sterile greys and blues of the corporate haven. No secretary dared question the princess's impromptu visit; her aura demanded an audience.

Stephen, usually an embodiment of steely composure, looked up from his work with a flicker of surprise softening his sharp features. Despite his reputation as the "dark prince," his facade faltered around his younger sister. He gestured to the seat opposite him, the gruffness in his voice a mere formality, "Scarlett. What brings you here ?"

Scarlett, ever the whirlwind, sank into the plush chair with a sigh. "College is finally over, Brother," she rolled her eyes dramatically, "I thought why not trouble my brother a little, you don't even come to the family castle "

Stephen let out a dry laugh " How are you my little sister hope fully the bastard brother of ours isn't giving you a hard time" Scarlet let out a huff and replied "You know Edward brother he can joke even on the death of someone" Stephen let out a chuckle unlike him his Siblings had emotion besides anger and thirsty desire they were the light in his dark world they were capable of bring out a smile on his stoic face and now there was someone else too " he is making you feel less of a burden in the collage isn't he? " of course he is" Their conversation flowed easily, peppered with lighthearted banter and updates on their lives. Scarlett, who was here to ask not just about her brother but something more hesitantly decided to bring up the topic

"Speaking of College brother," she began casually, "I couldn't help but why you help Ballari not like I mind your generosity but" she paused for a moment judging her brother's expression and to her surprise he, was looking at her with a smile and nothing and who Stephen was it was very hard to read what was beneath what he showed "it's very unlike you to just help someone also how did you even know about it? " she completed her sentence

Stephen's gaze snapped to hers, his expression hardening. His little sister was a smart girl but not as smart as he was she would never be able to judge what he was up to nor was he going to tell her she would mind her newfound best friend being a toy for his brother and he was certainly not looking for a drama

" I did it because I wanted to Scarlett and she seems to be a good friend of you and Edward so I did what was best for her about offering her the job she seems to be a woman full of dignity she would not have just accepted the money as a charity so I offered her to work as chief for me" Scarlett met his gaze overwhelmed with her brother being concerned for her friend blinded by the love and respect for her brother she couldn't see the twisted desire he held beneath the gentlemen mask "Omy god brother you are the best and speaking of her cooking she cooks the best she will make you crave for more"

Perhaps he was craving not for just her skills but for her body her soul everything that belonged to her he carved to possess her for eternity "Of course tell me have you had your lunch? " he asked not in the mood to answer more to his little sister's questions "No brother I'm hungry" said Scarlett "then let me take you to a nice place" said Stephen packing up his work. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation welcomed Ballari to Mrs Fontaine's cosy cafe. It had been three days since she last saw the kind-hearted proprietor, and today marked her return. Ballari, determined to express her gratitude and bid farewell, ventured to the café after her college hours.

As she approached the quaint establishment, Ballari hesitated before entering. Thoughts of parting with the warm ambience and friendly faces tugged at her heart. Mrs. Fontaine, spotting Ballari, rushed to greet her with open arms, her eyes reflecting genuine care.

"Ballari, my dear! How wonderful to see you. I've missed your presence," Mrs Fontaine exclaimed, enveloping her in a motherly embrace. "I missed you more Mrs Fontaine how was your trip to your village?" Both Ballari and Mrs Fontaine and the chair nearby "Ohh dear it was very good away from the city life fresh air and good food I will take you with me next time" Ballari curiously listing to every detail Mrs Fontaine was telling her " I miss my home back in kingdom D it was exactly the like your village" she said her face fell from the mention of her family she missed them so much and especially her brother "I understand Ballari don't worry I'm here for you" said Mrs Fontaine Ballari got up and hugged the old lady with a heavy heart, Ballari shared the news of her departure, explaining that Prince Stephen had appointed her for a new venture. Mrs. Fontaine, perceptive and understanding, nodded knowingly.

"My dear, I'm genuinely happy for you. You've got a golden opportunity, and I won't stand in your way. The doors of this café are always open for you. Remember that," Mrs Fontaine reassured, patting Ballari's hand. "thank you so much" Grateful for the support, Ballari spent a few more hours assisting Mrs Fontaine, cherishing the familiar surroundings before bidding her final farewell. In the evening, a call from Mark, Prince Stephen's assistant, added a new layer of intrigue to Ballari's day. Within 30 minutes, a car arrived to whisk her away to the enigmatic prince's castle. On her way, her mind kept drifting to the part about how her fate was changed she was friends with the sweet royal siblings and was working for their brother something about Prince Stephen scared her to her core there was something in his deep blue eyes that says that every rumour of cruelty about him was true. Look he gave her back when he was at the bakery and told her that this wasn't just about cooking but her helpless. Castle emerged from the horizon, a breathtaking silhouette against the evening sky. Though its beauty was undeniable, it emitted an eerie vibe that sent shivers down Ballari's spine. The car pulled up to the grand entrance, and Ballari was escorted inside

by one of the guards As Ballari entered the castle's interior, she was mesmerized by its richness and exoticism. The grandeur of dark wood, opulent furniture, and intricate tapestries created an ambience that was simultaneously alluring and unsettling. The corridors were adorned with portraits of stern-faced ancestors, and the air seemed to carry the weight of centuries. inside she saw a lady standing there in her mid-40s her dark Brown hair styled back in a sleek bun and she was dressed in what Ballari guessed was her uniform

"Hii I'm Amanda the head maid. you must be Ballari? " said Amanda with a charming smile Ballari instantly knew she was going to get along with her "yess nice to meet you Amanda I'm Ballari the new cook" she introduced herself with a gentle smile "Great we were informed about your arrival come I'll show you the kitchen" she took Ballari's hand in hers and guided her In the expansive kitchen, the head maid provided a detailed tour, explaining the location of every cooking appliance, drawer, and cupboard. Ballari absorbed the information, feeling the weight of Prince Stephen's culinary expectations. The head maid emphasized creativity but warned of the prince's particular tastes

Alone in the vast kitchen, Ballari couldn't shake the strange feeling that clung to her since entering the castle. It was as if the walls whispered ancient secretandnd the very air held a mysterious energy. As she prepared to cook for the enigmatic prince, Ballari couldn't help but wonder if she had stepped into a world where beauty masked a darkness waiting to be unveiled.