Lucian strode towards the parking lot, his long legs eating up the distance as he mentally replayed the conversation with the Fringe members. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Eleanor's safety and how he could protect her without revealing his true intentions. As he reached the parking spot where he usually parked his sleek, black car, he was met with an empty space. A frown creased his forehead as he realized he had left the vehicle back at the mansion.
A feeling of frustration washed over him. He closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts on the familiar comforts of his bedroom. The softness of his bed, the coolness of the marble floor beneath his feet, and the quiet solitude of his personal sanctuary beckoned to him. As he stood there, the world around him began to fade away, replaced by the vivid mental image of his room.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the midst of his bedroom, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and rich decor that reflected his refined taste. The large, four-poster bed dominated the space, its dark wood frame adorned with intricate carvings. The walls were painted a soothing shade of cream, and the floor was covered with a plush, black area rug that felt like silk beneath his feet.
As Lucian stepped out of his room, he came face to face with Eleanor, who was passing by on her way to dust a nearby room. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she nearly jumped back, her hand flying to her chest.
"Oh my goodness, sir! You startled me," she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing.
Lucian chuckled, a low, husky sound, and leaned against the doorframe, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to give you a heart attack. Although, I have to say, it's pretty entertaining to see you jump like that."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Lucian grinned, his eyes glinting in the dim light of the hallway. "Maybe a little. You're just so... reactive."
Eleanor rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You're impossible, sir."
Lucian's grin widened. "That's what I'm going for. Now, what's on your agenda for the day? Dusting everything in sight?"
Eleanor nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Something like that. Although, I think the dust bunnies under your bed might be plotting against me."
Lucian laughed, the sound echoing down the hallway. "Well, be careful. Don't want you to get hurt in the Great Dust Bunny Uprising."
As Eleanor bowed her head in respect, her mind began to whirl with questions. She straightened up and continued down the hallway, her thoughts consumed by the peculiar encounter with Lucian. She was certain that a man had arrived earlier, and Lucian had left with him in his car. But how did he end up in his room now?
Eleanor's brow furrowed as she replayed the events of the morning. She had been dusting the front hallway, and she would have sworn that Lucian hadn't walked in or driven in. She had been keeping an eye on the entrance, and no one had come in after Lucian's departure. So, how did he get back to his room?
As she dusted the nearby room, her movements became mechanical, her mind preoccupied with the mystery. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right. Lucian's appearance in his room seemed almost... impossible.
Eleanor's thoughts swirled with possibilities, but she couldn't come up with a logical explanation. She glanced around the room, half-expecting to find some hidden door or secret passage that would explain Lucian's sudden appearance. But the room was just as it always was – elegant, spacious, and ordinary.
The more she thought about it, the more her curiosity grew. She found herself wondering what other secrets the mansion might hold, and whether Lucian was hiding something more sinister beneath his charming facade. Eleanor's heart beat a little faster as she pondered the possibilities, her mind racing with questions and suspicions.
Eleanor finished with the cleaning and decided to go get lunch when she met the chef who told her that after eating she should go prepare as she would escort him to the market for food shopping.
" Right away sir, I'm on it" she replied and went off to eat, after eating, she freshened up and went to meet the chef who was already waiting for her and together the took one of the smallest cars there meant for staff errands and went out.
As Eleanor slid into the passenger seat of the small car, she felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness. The chef, a jovial man with a warm smile, got into the driver's seat and started the engine. As they pulled out of the mansion's driveway, Eleanor felt a sense of liberation wash over her. She hadn't realized how cooped up she had been until this moment.
The warm sunlight streaming through the window was like a balm to her skin, and the fresh air rushing in through the vents was invigorating. Eleanor felt like she was breathing in a lungful of freedom. She gazed out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the outside world. The trees, the buildings, the people – everything seemed so vibrant and alive.
As they drove through the streets, Eleanor's eyes widened with wonder. She had been so focused on her work and adjusting to the new environment that she hadn't even thought about venturing out. But now, with the wind in her hair and the sun on her face, she felt like a bird set free from its cage.
The chef, noticing her enthusiasm, chuckled and said, "Glad you're enjoying the ride, eh? It's nice to get out of the house sometimes. Although, I have to say, you're not exactly dressed for market shopping."
Eleanor glanced down at her simple yet neat attire, and her cheeks flushed slightly. "I guess not," she said with a laugh.
The chef smiled and patted the steering wheel. "Don't worry, you'll do just fine. We're not going to any fancy places. Just the food mall."
As they stepped out of the car and into the parking lot of the large food mall, Eleanor felt a rush of excitement. The chef led the way, navigating through the rows of cars with ease. As they entered the mall, the sights and sounds of the bustling food haven enveloped her.
The first thing that struck her was the sheer variety of food on display. From fresh produce to meats, dairy products, and baked goods, the mall seemed to have everything. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the smell of ripe fruits and vegetables.
Eleanor's eyes widened as she took it all in. She had never seen such a vast array of food in one place before. The chef chuckled at her reaction and said, "Welcome to the food lover's paradise! We'll be here for a while, so take your time and enjoy the sights and smells."
As they made their way through the crowded aisles, Eleanor felt like a kid in a candy store. She marveled at the different types of fruits and vegetables, some of which she had never seen before. The chef patiently answered her questions, sharing tips on how to select the freshest produce and how to prepare certain dishes.
The sound of vendors calling out to customers, the clinking of pots and pans, and the hum of refrigeration units created a lively atmosphere. Eleanor felt invigorated by the energy of the mall, and she couldn't help but smile as she followed the chef from stall to stall.
As they shopped, the chef introduced her to some of the vendors, exchanging pleasantries and haggling over prices. Eleanor watched in amusement, learning more about the different types of food and the people who sold them.
With each step, Eleanor felt more and more at ease, her senses coming alive as she took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the food mall. She was grateful for the opportunity to get out of the mansion and experience something new, and she was enjoying the chef's company immensely.
They were almost done shopping when Eleanor told the chef that she needed to use the restroom, the chef told her to run along but she should hurry up as they were almost done .Eleanor hurried to the restroom, relieved to finally have a moment to herself. As she washed her hands, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her reflection showing a tired but determined look. Suddenly, she noticed a figure behind her in the reflection... As Eleanor's eyes met the stranger's gaze in the mirror, a shiver ran down her spine. The man's faded red eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she felt a sense of unease wash over her. She was about to turn around and ask him what he was doing in the women's restroom when he grabbed her from behind and pressed a white hankerchef to her nose.
She started struggling but she could was no match for the man who didn't even budge, she could feel her senses become dull and the last thing that went through her mind before she faded into blackness was "SHIT"