5

                                    

                                          

The twenty-second floor of the towering edifice exuded a tantalizing symphony of scents. The harmonious blend of sautéed chicken, boiled potatoes, and risotto wove through the air, teasing the olfactory senses. Precisely at 6:49 p.m., the clock on the western wall silently marked the passing time. A woman, meticulously attending to the final touches of plating, adorned the succulent chicken with freshly chopped coriander and crumbled dry red chilies. With utmost care, she arranged the plates upon the sleek, rectangular island before her. Retrieving a spoon, fork, and knife from the cabinet, she settled gracefully onto a bar stool, her anticipation palpable.
The first bite of the sautéed chicken danced tantalizingly on her taste buds, eliciting a moan of appreciation that escaped her lips after the third bite. Savoring each morsel, she relished the perfect harmony of flavors. The risotto, expertly prepared, melted effortlessly in her mouth, evoking an expression of profound gratitude for her culinary prowess. Truly, the power of delectable food to bring joy is undeniable.
Lost in her gustatory reverie, her ruminations were abruptly interrupted by the intrusive ring of the doorbell. An unexpected visitor, a rare occurrence indeed. Emitting an exasperated groan, she reluctantly abandoned her sumptuous meal, taking one final bite of risotto before striding purposefully towards the main entrance, determined to impart her annoyance upon the unsuspecting intruder. As she swung open the door, her irritation heightened upon beholding a man of considerable stature, broad shoulders adorned in a black suit, complete with earpieces and imposing sunglasses. In his left hand, he clutched two bags.
"Good evening, Ms. Ferrari. Mr. Romano has sent me to retrieve you," he intoned, his tone bold and heavy, attempting to maintain an air of civility.
Such arrogance and psychopathic tendencies were evident in Vincent this demeanor, fueling her anger. "I have already given him my answer. You may leave," she retorted curtly, slamming the door shut with an audible thud. Ready to resume her delectable dinner, she barely had a moment's respite before the doorbell's intrusive chime sounded once more. Contemplating whether to confront the persistently ringing intruder or ignore the disturbance altogether, she reluctantly settled on the former. With a hint of resignation, she flung open the door, prepared to unleash her wrath upon the man outside. However, to her surprise, he extended his phone towards her. Perplexed, she accepted the device.
"If you fail to accompany him within thirty minutes, my dear, your friend's life will be forfeit," he warned, his voice betraying neither remorse nor hesitation, disconnecting the call before she could respond. Aware of his capacity to act on his words without a shred of guilt, she realized that compliance was her only option. Taking the bags from the man and returning his phone, she firmly shut the door behind her, proceeding to the kitchen to stow away the remnants of her dinner. Gathering her belongings, she ventured towards her bedroom, where she discovered a phone filled with six unanswered calls, all originating from the same familiar number, dropping it back into her pocket. Retrieving the contents from the bags, she examined the first item-a crimson gown, exquisitely crafted, boasting a seductive slit and a daring neckline. The second item unveiled a pair of golden heels, shimmering with elegance.
In a mere ten minutes, she transformed herself, applying a delicate touch of makeup and arranging her hair in a demure low bun. One last glance in the mirror assured her of her appearance's appeal. Securing her purse and phone, she switched off the apartment lights, locked the front door, and embarked on this enigmatic journey. Following the man's lead, she trailed behind him, feeling like a lost puppy. Upon reaching the car, he gallantly opened the backseat door, gesturing for her to enter-a true gentleman indeed.
The drive to his opulent mansion consumed twenty-five minutes, during which he skillfully navigated the traffic while adhering to all rules of the road. A genuine embodiment of chivalry. As he parked the car and stepped out, he circled the vehicle to open her door, displaying a courtesy rarely encountered. Grateful for his patience, she expressed her thanks before he pointed her towards the designated spot, assuring her that Vincent would join her shortly. With a curt nod, he left her presence. The room she entered bathed in a soft glow emanating from flickering candles atop the table, which stood surrounded by two chairs placed opposite each other. A baby grand piano occupied one corner, while the northern balcony offered a view of the dark forest beyond. The transparent roof provided a breathtaking panorama of the night sky.