Behind the wall

Rain lashes the windshield of a Mercedes-Benz S-class, city lights smeared across the glass. In the back seat, Victoria Hale, a 38 years old woman, calm and collected, extremly clean and flawless, taps rapidly on her tablet. Her posture was stiff and firm, her face unreadable. Victoria was a CEO of a multinational company. She had an Ice cold exterior, was brilliant and hyper-discipline. She keeps people at a distance and doesn't laugh. At the wheel, Daniel Cruz, a 36 year old man, sleeves rolled up, drives with calm and focus. He hums softly, off-key but content. “Do you mind?” Victoria said never looking up. Daniel stops humming. “Sorry, ma'am.” He said embarassed. Daniel turns off the radio and silence swallows the car. Victoria’s eyes flick up, sharp. She looks at him through the rearview mirror. Something unspoken flickers in her eyes, the faintest trace of regret in her expression, quickly burried as she returns to her tablet. Daniel Crus is Victoria’s driver. A former mechanic, practical, grounded, kind hearted but unpolished. He dreams of having his own garage. Daniel wonders why Victoria is always cold. He wished to tell her about his feelings for her but she had this wall she built around herself and would not let anyone shake it. It was hard to have a simple conversation with her. On the other hand, Victoria also liked Daniel, but she couldn’t let him see her vulnerable side. Every man she came across was after her money, they only come to use her and dump her later, she can’t let herself fall inlove with onother man only for him to break her heart in return. Victoria was once married, her ex husband drained her emotionally and financially, leaving scars of mistrust. She secretly lingers on moments with Daniel, watching his hands on the wheel, the way he listens. But she says nothing. The car rolled smoothly up the long, winding driveway, its tires crunching lightly against the gravel. Ahead, tall wrought-iron gates swung open as the uniformed gateman bowed politely, allowing the vehicle through. Beyond the gates stretched a manicured paradise. Rolling lawns, trimmed so perfectly they looked painted on the earth. Lining the driveway were towering oak and jacaranda trees, their branches arching above like a royal canopy. The mansion came into view at the end of the sweeping path, an architectural masterpiece of pale sandstone glass, with towering columns that framed the grand entrance. The place was breath taking, it was beautiful and screamed wealth. The car came to a stop. Daniel stepped out of the car to open the door for Victoria, he had an umbrella with him, it was still raining. Victoria couldn't help but stare a little. Daniel stood tall with an effortless command of presence. His height casting a natural authority over the space around him. His skin carried a rich dark tone, smooth and flawless, giving him a striking allure. Daniel was so handsome with broad sholder and muscles that seemed to take away Victoria's concentration. “mam we are here.” Daniel said snapping Victoria out of her fantasy. Victoria stepped out of the car. Daniel walked her to the door. “have a nice evening mam, see you tomorrow.” Daniel said and Victoria just gave him a nod and went inside the mansion. After closing the door she melted at Daniel being so close to her, even though doing his job he was a gentleman.