When Shadows Fall in Love

The sun filtered softly through gauzy cream curtains, casting golden beams that danced across the vast, elegantly decorated bedroom. The walls, adorned with delicate floral patterns, complemented the soothing colour palette of pastel blues and whites, creating an airy ambiance. A light sea breeze slipped through the slightly open window, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and blooming jasmine, ruffling the crisp white sheets on the king-sized bed. The sheets, freshly laundered, shimmered in the morning light, adding to the room's serene charm. Seraphine lay curled beneath the covers, her long, silky hair cascading like a halo on the plush pillow, catching glimmers of sunlight. Her face, peaceful and serene, was framed by the soft fabric, as her gentle breaths rose and fell in a rhythmic harmony with the tranquil atmosphere of early morning. The soft rustle of the curtains mingled with the distant sound of waves, creating a symphony of calm that enveloped the room. On the bedside table, a porcelain vase held fresh peonies, their delicate petals adding splashes of colour to the scene, while a book lay open, pages fluttering slightly in the breeze, inviting the quiet magic of the moment to linger just a little longer.

Then—

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The door flew open with the grace of a kicked-open treasure chest, slamming against the wall like it was auditioning for a role in a demolition derby. Lucien burst in, barefoot and drenched from head to toe, wearing nothing but a dripping black bathing suit. He held his phone like it had just delivered the secret to immortality—or at the very least, the location of the nearest ice-cream truck. "Oh my God, she's sleeping?!?!" he spoke loudly announcing his presence, dripping enough water to qualify as a new indoor fountain.

"ANGEL!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. "MY ANGEL, WAKE UP! WE'RE GONNA SPOIL THAT KID SO BADLY HE'LL COME OUT WEARING DESIGNER DIAPERS!!"

He turned her with his wet hands and shook her until she feebly gave in and got up.

Seraphine shot up, blinking in shock, hair sticking out in every direction. "What the hell, Lucien—why are you wet?!"

"I was bathing in the sea when the news came in—I didn't even towel off!" he declared, throwing his wet phone onto the bed like it was the Holy Grail. "Zenith Complex just got picked up by five global investors. Five! The projections say we'll hit our first million in three weeks."

She blinked. "You ran all the way upstairs… soaking wet... to tell me?"

"Damn right I did."

"And… you're tracking our unborn child's wardrobe budget?"

Lucien beamed. "Absolutely. I'm ordering a diamond-studded pacifier later today."

She groaned and pulled a pillow over her face. "We're not spoiling the baby, Lucien."

"Too late. I already looked at miniature tuxedos1 last night. He's going to look like Justin Bieber on his second birthday."

Seraphine peeked out from under the pillow. "You said he?"

Lucien froze, with a horrified expression on his face then dramatically said. "Don't tell me… I jinxed it?"

"Lucien!"

He both broke into laughter and headed into the living room, the aroma of strong coffee and fresh toast wafting in from the kitchen. Everything was perfect. Too perfect. Seraphine paused for a second at the threshold, her eyes narrowing slightly. Something in the air felt off—like the universe was holding its breath. A creeping unease tugged at her belly, but she shoved it aside. It must be the baby.

Lucien plopped on the velvet couch and stretched like a cat, then lazily looked up at her. "Hey," he drawled. "You know what I realized while I was swimming?"

"That you should stop terrifying your pregnant wife first thing in the morning?"

"No, that too. But mainly... I need a cigarette."

Her face froze. "Lucien Vade Castellano!"

He raised his hands in defence. "I know, I know! I promised no smoking indoors after you threw the ashtray out the window."

"No smoking at all. When will you understand its bad for your health?"

He sighed, then scooted closer, grabbing her hand and kissing her knuckles. "Okay. Okay, baby. I'll quit."

He continued under her pressurized glare, "For real this time. For you… and for our little bean. Deal?"

She softened. "Deal."

"And don't worry," he smirked, "I'll just take up yoga or something. Or scream into pillows."

"That's more like it."

He jumped up again, doing a half-spin. "Anyway! I'm a full-blown hotel tycoon now, madam. Lucien Vade, CEO of my fathers company and now the Owner of the Zenith Complex."

"Oh my God," she laughed. "You make it sound like a villain origin story."

"Please, I'm a sexy villain. You're the hero that tamed me."

Before she could reply, her phone buzzed on the coffee table.

MOM flashed on the screen. Seraphine froze. Her blood ran cold.

Lucien noticed the change in her expression instantly. "Who's it?"

She stared at the screen like it might bite her.

"Umm..." she said slowly. "Just my... mother."

She picked up the phone and walked onto the balcony for privacy. Lucien respected the distance, though his brows creased. The moment she answered, her mother's voice came through, syrupy sweet—unnaturally so.

"Seraphine, darling! We saw the news! The Zenith Complex? That's your Lucien, isn't it? How's he? Oh my—he's made quite the name for himself."

She swallowed. "Yes. He's doing well."

"Oh, my dear child," her mother said, voice sugar-laced and manipulative. "You must be so proud. And your… partner—Lucien, is it? You always knew how to pick a man."

Seraphine's fingers clenched tightly around the phone.

"I just wanted to say…" There was a theatrical pause. "We're so sorry for how things turned out back then. We didn't understand, we were scared for you, you know? Young girls… they don't always make smart choices."

Her voice darkened slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

"Well, we just think… maybe he planned all this. Maybe he knew you were an asset. And don't forget, sweetheart—he was a playboy once."

Seraphine's jaw clenched. "He's not anymore. And he never used me."

"You don't know that, dear."

"I do. I live with him."

"We were just… reminiscing," her father chimed in from the background. "About the good old days. Before you… left us."

"You disowned me," she said quietly, teeth gritted.

"Oh, don't be dramatic, sweetheart," her mother sighed dramatically, "We'll talk when we see you. We're boarding later today."

Her eyes widened. "You're what?"

"Oh, we're coming to visit. You're our daughter. We want to… reconnect. And Lucien has a lovely estate, doesn't he? And after all parents are supportive like us aren't they?"

"I don't need your support," she said sharply. "And I don't need your lies. I chose him, and he chose me. You never tried to know him. You never even gave me a chance. Don't pretend to be interested now just because you saw a few zeroes in the headlines."

"Oh, don't be so reluctant, we just want to see our lovely daughter."

"Don't ruin this by showing up. You've done enough damage, so stay away"

Click.

The call ended.

She stood motionless for a second, heart racing. How the hell did they discover his location? 

"Babe?" he asked, noticing her pale face. "Are you okay? You look like you saw a ghost. What did they say to you, tell me!"

She opened her mouth to speak—but then froze.

"They want back in," she muttered. "They think they can gain something now."

Lucien paused for a moment, his expression shifting to a faint smile. "Let them try," he said confidently. "This mansion has security tighter than a presidential vault. Now, let's start packing." He took her hand gently, his grip firm yet reassuring. "I won't leave you ever. You're mine, and I'll never let anything ruin our lives. Not now, not ever, my angel. I promise you that."

His eyes held a fierce determination, a promise forged in unwavering resolve.

And just like that, the mood tried to settle—but unease clung to her like a shadow.

A Few Hours Later...

As Lucien's jet landed on the private airstrip near the Vade estate, the black Rolls-Royce awaited their arrival. The car speedily drove them and soon they were in front of their home's gates. 

Seraphine sighed. "Home sweet—"

The car slowed to a halt.

Lucien's brows furrowed. "What the—"

There, standing at the tall black gates of the mansion like they owned it, were her parents.

Designer bags in hand.

Smiles like knives.

Intention like devils.

Lucien didn't need to look twice. Seraphine sat frozen, mouth slightly agape.

And before either could move, her father waved a gloved hand in mock cheerfulness. "Surprise, darling." Her mother leaned forward, blood-red lips curling. "We thought we'd come stay a while."

The air grew still, like the world had held its breath.

Lucien muttered under his breath. "Perfect. Just perfect. Who the fuck gave them our location, I'm going to fire every last man till I find that bastard!"

Seraphine whispered bitterly, "Alas, they are the past I never wanted to meet again."

Lucien's eyes darkened. "Well, they're about to meet me."

And with that, the car stopped completely and the 2 black-heads stepped out.

The chapter ends here.

Because nothing ruins a billion-dollar morning like your past showing up in heels at your front gate.

Also, guys please comment if you like the style in which the book is going because I am a new writer. Your feedbacks matter a lot to me. <3