The Abandoned Wife Makes A Come Back

CHAPTER NINE

Veronica and I decided to go to the address before shopping. The drive was a ways from the hustle and bustle of the city, located in a secluded wooded area the more elite like to live to get away from the public. There was a guard at the gate who saw us and simply ushered us in without a word.

V was famous but I didn't think she'd be that famous given the other cars had to present ID. Either way we followed the GPS and pulled up to a secluded, very luxurious, home farther away than of the others.

It was two stories with large windows that seemed to be two-way, given the mirrored reflection. The area around the house was well kept with beautiful flowers and shrubberies as well as beautifully crafted waterways that seamlessly blended into the scenery. Everything about the house on the outside screamed luxurious and cozy.

We stopped in the driveway and just admired the house and the breathtaking scenery around it. It didn't seem to match Vincent's dark, dangerous aura and yet it matched him perfectly. He was quite the enigma to me.

Before we could decide whether or not to get out of the car, a kind elderly man approached us. He was tall and thin with long gray hair tied neatly back and cool blue eyes that reflected warmth and wisdom. He wore a white button up with a black tie, vest and pressed slacks. He was poised and professional as he bowed to us respectfully.

“My name is Edgar, the young master asked that I greet you ladies and get you settled in”

I looked at him in confusion.

“Young master? You mean Vincent?”

He smiled warmly. “Yes my lady, he knew you couldn't resist coming here as soon as possible so he's prepared everything for your arrival.”

I smiled softly at the thoughtfulness and nodded softly. V and I got out of the car and followed Edgar inside to find out it was simple but beautifully designed.

The overall color scheme was cool colors, soft grays and complimentary shades of blue. There were dark wood finishes around the house such as the tables, stools at the breakfast bar and shelves.

There was a slate colored circular sectional that faced a sleek stone fireplace with a large plasma screen TV hanging above it. In a corner of the living area there were two large, dark wood bookshelves filled with an impressive collection of books. There was also a cozy chair big enough to curl up with a good book illuminated by a modern looking reading lamp.

The kitchen was spacious with all the modern amenities in a clean stainless steel look. The cupboards were dark wood just like the base of the kitchen island and breakfast bar, the countertops were a quality dark gray marble granite finish that radiated luxury.

There was a dining area tucked away in a separate area but not completely cut off from the inviting floor plan. The table and chairs were finely crafted and matched the overall theme of the house with a single soft gray decorated table cloth with a bowl of decorative fruits in the center with a single white candle on either side.

The walls of the home were bare with few works of art but nothing personal or family related. It was all meticulous and clean but it lacked warmth.

“Is this…Vincent's home?” I asked Edgar as he sat us in the living room.

He smiled sadly, his eyes reflecting concern as he pondered my question. He sighed softly.

“I suppose you could say that young Miss…he's not often around.”

I looked at Veronica who shrugged, when Edgar left to bring us refreshments she leaned in close to whisper in my ear.

“Vincent comes from Big money, like…his dad and mine are old golf buddies but despite their closeness the two are polar opposites…Vincent's dad is a beast, brutal in business and how he runs his family.”

She looked at me and put her finger to her lips, showing me it was sensitive information.

Veronica's father was a beloved man in the elite, doting on his children to the extreme and even me. He was more like a father to me than my own, protecting me when my father would berate me or favor Nadia. I couldn't picture such a bright, loving and family oriented man to be friends with someone so fearsome and cold to his own family.

I also questioned if Vincent struggled with his childhood but I figured that was a conversation for a later day. If we grew that close. In honesty I wasn't sure what I was to Vincent. I hadn't felt secure asking giving everything in my life but I felt myself growing more anxious the more I thought about it.

V and I sat quietly, playing games together on our phones until Edgar returned with a tray of snacks. It was a variety of sweet and savory treats all neatly organized on a silver serving tray. My favorite were the small finger sandwiches, both light and filling.

V dug into the caramel corn, her one snack weakness. I requested Edgar to join us and to tell me stories of Vincent, wanting to learn more about the quiet, brooding man.

He hesitated but eventually caved in. He sat, telling me small stories and answering my questions about Vincent. I kept my questions simple and generic, nothing too personal.

Edgar’s eyes shone with pride as he reminisced old memories, he seemed to truly care for Vincent. Watching him grow from youth to the man he is now. It was nice to see a more normal side to the dangerous man I've met.

We got so lost in the old tales that none of us heard the slow but heavy steps of Vincent until he stood behind the couch, causing Edgar to jump up and greet him.

“Young master…I..I was just telling the young lady…”

Vincent’s eyes narrow, his cold gaze reflecting he was unamused at the topic of his past. “Don't tell her useless things, old man.” he grumbled before disappearing upstairs for a while.

Edgar sighed softly and offered a soft smile to me as I looked at him curiously.

“The young master is…very private.”

I looked down. “I didn't mean to get you into trouble…”

He chuckled warmly “don't worry yourself young Miss. Now. I must start on dinner, will your friend be staying?”

V and I weren't sure about staying but Edgar was very patient.

“I know the young master would love it and I will be making a rather delicious roast.”

Veronica. Easily seated by food began to salivate. “Yes! Yes! Definitely staying.”

I chuckled and smiled at Edgar. “We'd be honored.”

After an hour or two Vincent came downstairs in a simple pair of black shorts and no shirt, his hair damp from a shower. He looked at us but said nothing as he walked into the kitchen.

Curiously I peeled in to see him cooking alongside Edgar, the pair looked close as things were chopped, seasoned and cooked.

Vincent looked stoic but seeing him in the kitchen again was a rather endearing sight. I nudged V to come with me as I offered to help, together we all cooked and enjoyed a fairly cozy memory.

When everything was done Edgar shooed everyone to the dining area. He quickly set the table and served the food with a pleased grin as we all chatted casually, eager to eat.

After we were served he took his own seat and we all ate a delicious meal together.

The atmosphere was warm and the company made my heart swell. Before my divorce I had become accustomed to eating alone, in cold silence but since the divorce I've never felt such warmth and happiness. Honestly, I barely enjoyed such a warm meal before my marriage.

It was a bitter sweet thought but I didn't let the past sour this happy moment, I just prayed to have more like it. Many more.