1 Prologue

"Daciana, please come home your mother and I miss you so much. It has been eight years Iana. Why are you still not coming home?"

Its my father, and here he is again talking me out on coming back home.

"Dad, I told you I'm doing well here in Las Vegas. I'm also managing our company here. There is no need for me to come back. I'm doing fine on my own."

I reassuringly replied to my Papa.

"But it has been eight years Daciana. And I am not getting any younger. You need to be the one who is managing our company here. I am getting rusty Daciana you need to come home.''

I heaved a deep sigh. Indeed it has been eight years. And I know that he's right I am the true successor of Syril Group of Companies.

Father relies on me to be the one who will mange it. Yet here i am running away from that responsibility because of the things that has happened in my past. And years of studying just for me to actually not manage the company.

"Okay fine I will go back and manage the company. I'll just have to ask my assistant to book me a flight back. "

" Finally! You're coming home oh how your mother and I miss you so much! And no need to ask your assistant to book you a flight I have already done it. See you when you're here Ciana!"

The line then ended. Father is right I am the one to be entrusted with our companies and it has been eight years.

But to when I have finally sorted out my feelings and my life I am once again asked to go back.

Back to the place where it all began.

Back to the person I have long avoided to see.

So, with that I began to walk back on my table. I laid my back on my black swivel chair. Closing my eyes as I began to gather my thoughts.

Staring at the glass window. Where you can see the city lights that can almost be mistaken as stars.

I then began on checking the reports and proposals on my desk. On my laptop I checked my emails and opened my phone to call for my assistant saying that there is a change of schedule.

When I finally finished checking my emails. I glanced at the clock and read the time. It was getting late so I decided to finish the remainder of my work so that I wouldn't have anything to be busy with while I am on the plane.

Since my flight tomorrow was early I started gathering my things and dashed out of my office.

There were some workers that were on overtime and some were preparing to leave. They greeted me in farewell as i was pacing the hallways. I nod in acknowledgment to them.

I called the valet for my car keys. When I finally retrieved them.

I opened my Audi's car door and drove it back to my condo unit.

As I arrived on my condo, I started to do my routine. Taking off my shoes and my blazer. Wearing only my white blouse that was under the presence of the blazer and black slacks.

Putting my bag down on the sofa as I started to walk towards the kitchen so that I could grab something to drink from the fridge.

I placed my drink down on the counter, and started making my dinner.

I decided that I wanted to tryout the recipe for Chicken Marsala since I never tried on cooking it before.

I started opening drawers and cabinets looking for the utensils that I needed to use. When I finally found the utensils that are needed to use to make the dish.

I then started to look for the ingredients. When I finally found them I started piling up them up with utensils on one place I began on making the dish.

As I tasted the dish, I was in shock. I surprisingly did pretty good for a first timer. When I finished eating I placed the utensils and the plates in the sink and started to wash them.

I then started to walk my way towards my bedroom where I took a shower and changed on to my comfy pajamas.

After I finished changing my clothes I started packing the things that I needed the most. Setting down the last piece of clothing material that I wanted to pack on my luggage.

Finally I finished packing, so I began heading towards my bed and laid my body on the comfy mattress and fell into a deep slumber.

•••

The sound of my alarm clock woke me up from my peaceful sleep.

So I started to head out for the kitchen and prepare something to eat.

I cooked myself a nice French toast and a delicious omelette to pair.

Made myself my favorite coffee and took a sip from it as I started eating my breakfast.

My condo is as usual quiet very quiet as it is the way I want it to be. It's a two storey building with a balcony upstairs and a swimming pool on the backyard.

The walls are painted white with picture frames hanging from them. Bookshelves can be seen either hanging or in stands.

This building was designed by one of my best friends who is now a licensed architect.

When I first came in to this place it was very clean and the smell of wet paint surrounded the place but either way it was still very neat and marvelous to look at.

The first week I lived here I didn't directly attend the office.

Instead I asked my assistant to just send the files here, because I still couldn't get enough of this place.

Now I'm here packing my bags and admiring the place for the last time before I go back home.

It was sad to think that I was going to leave this place but I know one way or another I will be back in time.

Finishing the last bits of food on my table I quietly stood up, and put the plate on the sink.

Turning on the faucet allowing the water to wash away the residue of food.

I lived alone for the past couple of years on my stay here. Through those years of staying here I managed to be able to have full control of myself.

My friends were back home happily married or in a relationship. Since I was too caught up on my work on the company.

I did not have enough time on being acquainted with anyone that was not in terms with the company.

There were times when I got envious with my friends happy lives. Them being married or happily committed to someone.

While I am here sulking because of a lost love.

But I have learned to live with it. Since I was able to know more about myself during my stay here.

But it was fine no one is here to intervene on my life.

Not my parents.

And definitely not him.

There were times when my parents started tamper with my stay here, but once I found out about it I told them my thoughts about it.

I know that they are just concerned for me. With me being thousands of miles away from their sight.

Though they were not convinced they gave me my freedom.

My parents suggested for me to have someone with me like a house help, so that someone could wash the dishes for me or clean the place and of course cook for me.

But I told her that I did not need one because I am willing to live alone and also because I wanted to learn on how to be independent and to be in control of my life.

I started to walk back up the stairs after I finished washing the dishes.

My mother called me while I was washing the dishes to check on me.

She asked about the details of my flight. Telling me that they were personally gonna be the one to fetch me on the airport.

I began to change in to my attire. Putting on a caramel colored trench coat, black skinny jeans and white cone heels. Putting on some light touches of make up on my face. Lastly taking my white Chanel purse on the nightstand.

Rolling two luggage bags outside I started to descend from the stairs.

It took me sometime coming down the stairs. Since the bags were heavy and big. But I managed to come down unharmed.

Taking my phone out from my handbag I started to dial my assistant's number calling for him to drive me on the way to the airport.

Minutes have passed when the doorbell finally rang letting me know that my assistant was now here.

I started to walk towards the door.

Touching the door handle I took one last look of the place.

Then went out.

Joey, my assistant helped me put the luggage bags on the back of the car.

He is already in his late thirties, and he's been serving me ever since the first day I came here as the CEO.

He was assigned by my father. And ever since then he still has been a very loyal and responsible assistant.

When it was all settled I opened the backseat door and made myself comfortable for the long ride that was about to come.

•••

I took a sip of the ice tea that I bought as I searched the ocean of people for my parents.

Mama just called letting me know that

they were coming.

And that call was just minutes. For sure they're already here just searching for me.

While I as well is searching for them.

" Daciana! "

I looked behind my shoulder. As I heard the familiar voice of my mother who was calling me.

Running towards them as I carried my luggage. They enveloped me in a big tight hug.

Through the years of my stay back there in Las Vegas. I didn't experience a day without me being homesick.

Now, they're here. Right in front of me. Giving me a warm embrace.

Dad was the one who ended our embrace.

"Oh, how we miss our Ciana so much!"

Dad said exaggeratedly. I gave out a chuckle.

" I miss you two as well. "

We chatted for a bit. Minutes passed and we finally went out of the airport.

My parents lead me to the car. Putting my luggage bags in the back of the

SUV.

I seated myself on the backseat. With my mother while Papa was driving the car.

On our way back we chatted the whole hour. Catching up on our lives and talking about our business.

When finally we arrived. My mother was quick to fill me in the details of the house.

There were many changes that happened in our mansion. While i was not around.

But those changes made it much more extravagant and magnificent.

Since this mansion is one of our ancestral mansions it needs to be renovated every year.

We were now out of the city and now in Syril Estates.

Household workers can be seen in and out of the mansion.

When they saw us. They stopped doing their work to greet us.

One of our house helps got my luggage out if the car.

"Ma'am I will just send this up stairs to your room."

The handmaiden said. She was still in her twenties and I think our ages our not far apart.

Nodding in reply. As I started to walki towards our mansion.

Taking in my surroundings.

There were still many maids and I noticed the head maid in her forties.

She was one of our older house helpers.

"Good afternoon ma'am."

She greeted.

I noticed that many of our older helpers were still here.

"Don't forget Ciana. Tonight a party will be happening in the Ravelos and we are expected to come."

"Yes ma." I said in approval.

"But I'm going out later. I want to see my friends."

I told her. She just nodded in reply.

"Your father and I will wait for your in the dining room. "

I started my strides towards the grand staircase. Heading to my room.

As I opened my bedroom door. I noticed that it hasn't changed at all.

It was still as how I left it. But for sure my Mama requested for the maids to tidy the room everyday.

Still it was as spacious and magnificent to be looked at.

An enormous bookshelf can be seen on the corner of the room. My bed is in right side of the room.

While the walk in closet is in the left side. The bay window can be seen in the middle.

It was looking more like a suite than a bedroom.

But it still looked as fabulous as ever.

The room is designed simply but it still looks ravishingly appealing to the eye.

•••

Walking towards the walk in closet.

I scanned the room.

The maids finished on hanging my clothes.

Taking off my clothes. I started on putting on some light grey trousers. While also slipping on a silky black v-neck top and basic black stiletto sandals.

Searching the parade of handbags I took a black Christian Dior Montaigne handbag on the shelves.

Applying on light touches of makeup on my face.

Sitting on the bed as I called and texted my friends so that we can meet up on our favorite restaurant.

The restaurant that we planned to meet up on was in the city. So I drove myself on the way with my BMW.

Opening the car door as I was in the phone with my friend Jayda.

I noticed a familiar looking black car on the entrance parking lot of the restaurant.

"I'm almost there Ciana."

She told me excitedly.

There are many cars like that Ciana.

He could not possibly the only one who owns a car like that.

I convinced myself.

"Hello? Ciana are you there? I'm nearing the restaurant are you still there?"

When I finally got out of my reverie. I collected my thoughts and noticed once again the frantic beating of my heart.

It's out of my control again.

"Yes, I'm still here. I'm just taking a look to see if the restaurant is packed."

I replied.

"Well I'm almost there. Oh i forgot to add Alessandra told me that she might be coming late since she is stuck in traffic."

She added.

"Oh, I see. Well I'll see you when I see you."

"You to, bye!"

I soon then ended the call.

I then started walking up to the entrance of the restaurant. When I was finally inside. I took in the interiors of the place.

It's safe to say that the decorations of the restaurant has changed over the years.

The place was not packed, yet.

This restaurant is one of the most expensive and luxurious restaurants in the city. With its five star ratings. Entertainment stars also dine in here.

This place is owned by my friend Alessandra's family.

I started my walk towards the front desk to ask for our reservation. The attendant lead me to our tables.

Taking out my phone I started to scroll through my social media accounts. Accidentally I pushed my purse out of the table.

Putting down my phone as I squatted to reach for my bag.

Finally I retrieved it from the floor.

When I noticed black leather shoes on my side. I started to ascend since I was blocking the way.

I was about to say my apologies to the person.

But then as I was about to say the words.

They got stuck inside my throat.

My mind was in a frenzy. As I took in sight the appearance of the stranger.

My heart started to throb wildly.

As I once again stared at the familiar eyes of the stranger.

Only he wasn't such a stranger to me.