Ruins Of The Glory

As Verena settled into the plush seat of the car, a sense of déjà vu washed over her. This was the same vehicle she had ridden in just a few days ago.

The driver held the door open courteously for her and Louis, who followed suit. They exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them.

Turning around, Joshua who was sitting on the passenger seat, addressed Louis with a tone of reminder: "Young Master Louis, don't forget, you have that dinner meeting with Ariana tonight."

Louis's face contorted in realisation: "Oh, darn it. I completely spaced on that."

Verena suppressed a smile, well aware that this forgetfulness was part of her grand plan.

Louis took a glance at Verena and turned to Joshua and gestured, "Tell her there's no need for the meeting. Something came up."

Joshua nodded and sent a quick text to Ariana before casually turning off his phone. He knew she would likely try to call.

Verena glanced at Louis, her smile soft and innocent, though inside, she was bubbling with satisfaction. This was all unfolding exactly as she had orchestrated.

When they arrived at the restaurant, an air of opulence greeted them. The staff led them to a private room, shielding them from prying eyes.

Louis and Verena took their seats, the anticipation palpable in the air. As the door swung nearly shut, a furious voice reverberated down the hallway.

Ariana had arrived, her frustration evident in her tone. "Just hold on a minute!" she exclaimed, her voice loud as she ran towards the door that was closing.

Louis's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and Verena turned slightly, her curiosity piqued though she knew who it must be.

Ariana stormed forward, her gaze locking onto Louis, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her—a girl seated beside him, wearing a headscarf.

Before she entered through the door, the guards pushed her making her take four steps behind.

"I had a meeting scheduled with him! I need to talk to Louis right now!" Ariana informed. 

She came closer still seeing the head of the girl moved in slightly mocking way though, she couldn't see the girls face but her head scarf was what reminded Ariana of her enemy.

"I apologise, but Young Master Louis is currently occupied. He won't be able to meet you." Joshua replied calmly. 

Ariana's eyes narrowed, her frustration mounting. "Occupied? With her?" She mentioned Verena, her tone incredulous.

"I'm sorry, Ms. If you would like, I can convey a message."

"This is ridiculous! Why is she even here?" Ariana's anger flared as she realised she was being denied entry by the guards.

…

Louis leaned back in his chair his eyes on the woman in front of him. Verena's smile had faded, replaced by a carefully neutral expression.

"I apologise, but I can't discuss that. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"Joshua still tried to be respectful to this woman. 

Frustration contorted Ariana's features as she reluctantly stepped back, her mind racing with questions and emotions.

The scene had played out exactly as Verena had intended.

Louis's eyes locked onto Verena's, a mixture of realization and amusement playing across his features.

"So, you knew about the meeting with Ariana?" His curiosity got the best of him as he asked, his tone laced with intrigue.

"Of course I knew. I have my ways of staying informed." Verena's smile widened, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes,

Louis chuckled softly, genuinely amused by her cunning. She had managed to outmaneuver Ariana without breaking a sweat.

He leaned back in his chair, a newfound appreciation for Verena taking root within him. "You're something else, you know that?"

Her gaze met his, a blend of playfulness and sincerity in her expression. "I do my best," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

In that moment, Louis understood just how much Verena accepted him. He knew, it was only for revenge he was more okay with it since he got the report of her being innocent in the case. He was viewing her in different light. The disgust he felt for her before was replaced by appreciation for her..

Leaning back, he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes following the lines of Verena's face. Her hair, pulled into a bun, highlighted her features, making her look even more beautiful. The scarf was now placed on the side of the chair. 

"You know, Young Master Louis, it's not about destroying anyone. It's about being secure in what we have." Verena spoke softly.

"I'm starting to see that now."Louis acknowledged and leaned forward slightly, his voice low and sincere. "Thank you, Verena."

She smiled, a genuine and heartfelt expression for the first time after she was released. "For what?" Verena asked.

"For being you," he replied, a genuine smile gracing his lips as well. Verena just smiled at him and heard him say, "It's Louis from now on."

Verena's heart skipped a beat at his words. She couldn't help but blush, feeling a warmth spread through her entire being.

With a shy nod, she whispered, "Okay, Louis."

As the air in the private room settled, a waiter entered with a courteous smile.

With practiced grace, he took their orders, and soon enough, a spread of delectable Western dishes graced the table.

Fragrances of seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and warm bread filled the air, temporarily soothing the undercurrents of tension that had woven their way through the room.

Louis speared a piece of tender chicken, his gaze warm as he looked at Verena. Between bites, he broached a topic that held a significant weight, "Verena, my family wants to meet you."

Her fork paused mid-air, a flutter of nerves teasing at her stomach. She offered a faint smile, her uncertainty evident in her eyes, "Isn't it a bit soon?"

Louis shook his head, his expression gentle yet resolute, "I don't think so. Besides, we're heading in that direction, aren't we? Marriage is on the horizon, after all. Why rush?"

Verena's lips curved in a hesitant nod, her mind grappling with the idea. This was a step she hadn't anticipated taking so quickly, and the thought of meeting his family sent a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her.

"I suppose you're right." She dipped her fork into a creamy pasta dish, her gaze thoughtful.

Louis leaned forward slightly, his earnestness evident in his eyes, "My family is important to me, even though our relationship is based on an arrangement. you need to know them." He informed her.

Her nerves tempered by his sincerity, she met his gaze, a soft smile tugging at her lips, "I appreciate that. It's just… a bit overwhelming."

"I promise, they're great people. My parents are supportive, and my half siblings are a handful, but they mean well."

As they continued to eat, the conversation flowed with an ease that belied the weight of the decisions they were discussing.

Louis's voice held a touch of mischief as he teased, "You'll have to endure a barrage of questions, though. My younger sister is like a detective."

"I'll keep that in mind." Verena nodded.

With the final bites of their meal, the waiter discreetly cleared the unwanted dishes on the table, leaving behind a space ripe for contemplation.

Louis's attention remained on Verena as she continued to eat alone, unconcerned with how she would appear to him while doing so.

Louis frowned and finally spoke, "Eat slowly; it's all yours." Louis remarked and added, "even if it's not yours, I can buy you more."

Verena paused, her fork hovering in mid-air. She looked up at Louis, a mixture of surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Are you done now?" Louis asked when he noticed Verena had put down the fork and cleaned her lips with a napkin.

Verena nodded with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "For now," she replied, wiping her mouth elegantly.