Chapter 34
Victoria stood in front of her mirror, taking a final look at herself. She had chosen a sleek, emerald-green satin dress that fell just above her knees. The fabric hugged her figure but flowed elegantly, emphasizing her growing bump without drawing too much attention. She paired the dress with nude heels and simple gold earrings. Her hair was styled in loose waves cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was soft and natural, with a touch of gloss on her lips.
Tonight was different. Zayden had invited her to dinner—not at some lavish restaurant, but at his house. It felt more personal, more intimate. He was becoming a part of her life in ways she hadn’t expected. His messages, his calls, his unrelenting charm—it was as if he’d slipped into her daily routine without her even noticing.
The sound of a car pulling into her driveway made her heart flutter. She grabbed her clutch and walked to the door just as Zayden rang the bell. When she opened it, he stood there, holding a bouquet of white lilies and a box of chocolates, his smile as dazzling as ever.
“For you,” he said, handing her the flowers and chocolates. He wore a navy-blue suit with the top button of his shirt undone, effortlessly blending sophistication and ease.
Victoria took the gifts, smiling despite herself. “You’re going to spoil me.”
“That’s the plan,” Zayden replied, his grin widening. “Shall we?”
The drive to Zayden’s house was filled with the kind of easy banter that had become second nature between them. The radio played a mix of upbeat songs, and Zayden surprised Victoria by singing along to one of them.
“Is that your voice?” Victoria teased, laughing as he dramatically belted out the chorus of a pop song.
“Impressed, aren’t you?” he said, shooting her a playful grin. “I’ll have you know, I could’ve gone professional.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure you could. Stick to medicine and finance.”
“Harsh,” Zayden said, feigning offense. “Alright, your turn. Sing something.”
“Oh, no,” Victoria said, shaking her head. “I don’t sing. Not in public, not in private, not anywhere.”
“Come on, Tori,” he coaxed, turning down the volume slightly. “Just one line.”
“Nope.”
“One word?”
“No.”
“Fine,” he said, smirking. “But you’re missing out on the duet of a lifetime.”
Victoria laughed, shaking her head at his persistence. The easy humor between them was something she hadn’t realized she missed in her life.
When they arrived, Victoria was stunned by the sight of Zayden’s mansion. The sprawling estate sat behind a wrought-iron gate that opened with a quiet hum as they approached. The driveway was lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, and the house itself was a modern masterpiece of glass and stone, illuminated by soft outdoor lighting.
“This is… massive,” Victoria said as Zayden parked the car.
“It’s a bit much,” he admitted with a shrug. “But it has its perks. Come on, I’ll show you around.”
He took her hand, leading her toward the stables at the back of the property. Inside, the scent of fresh hay mixed with the earthy aroma of the horses. The stable was immaculate, each stall spacious and filled with clean bedding.
“These are my stress relievers,” Zayden said, gesturing to the horses. “Whenever life gets too chaotic, I come here.”
Victoria stepped closer to one of the stalls, where a chestnut horse with a white blaze was munching on hay. She reached out hesitantly, and the horse nuzzled her hand. “They’re beautiful,” she said softly.
“This one’s Apollo,” Zayden said, stroking the horse’s mane. “He’s the boss around here.”
Victoria smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn’t expected. “I can see why. He’s got that ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe.”
Zayden chuckled, leading her back toward the house.
Inside, the mansion was as breathtaking as the exterior. The entryway opened into a grand living room with high ceilings, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city lights. The décor was sleek and modern, with neutral tones accented by tasteful pops of color in the artwork and furniture.
“This place could fit my entire office building,” Victoria joked as she followed Zayden through the open-concept space.
“It’s home,” he said simply, opening a door to reveal a dining room where a table had been set for two. Soft candlelight flickered across the white tablecloth, and the scent of roasted vegetables and spices filled the air.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Zayden said, pulling out a chair for her.
The meal was as impressive as the setting—perfectly grilled steak for him and a tender herb-crusted salmon for her, paired with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. A small basket of fresh bread sat between them, along with a bowl of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
“You made all this?” Victoria asked, raising an eyebrow as she took a bite of the salmon. It practically melted in her mouth.
Zayden smirked. “Do I look like someone who can’t cook?”
“You look like someone who hires chefs,” she teased, earning a laugh from him.
They talked easily as they ate, the conversation ranging from lighthearted banter about their childhoods to more serious topics about their work and dreams. For the first time in a long while, Victoria felt at ease, like she could let her guard down without fear of judgment.
As they finished their meal, Zayden stood and began clearing the plates. “Can you grab a bottle of wine from the cellar?” he asked casually. “I know you don’t drink, but there should be some apple cider there too.”
Victoria nodded, standing up and smoothing her dress. “Sure. Where’s the cellar?”
“Down the hall to the left,” Zayden said with a smile. “Just don’t get lost. It’s big down there.”
