Lance's Villa

Lance's villa stood like a majestic castle, a testament to wealth and luxury. Its grandeur was accentuated by a sprawling flower garden, bursting with vibrant red roses—the very ones that captured Kiera's heart.As Lance clasped her hand tightly, they stepped into the opulent abode. "Are you living alone?" Kiera's curiosity bubbled forth."Yes, is that a concern?" Lance's voice held a hint of amusement.Kiera's mind raced with questions. (Why bring me here if he's alone? What are his intentions?) But she masked her thoughts with a polite response, "No, I was just curious."She caught Lance's secret chuckle, swiftly stifled as her gaze met his. "Did you just laugh at me?" Her eyebrows furrowed in playful accusation.Lance deftly deflected, leading her deeper into the villa. "We have staff—a housemaid, a butler, and discreet bodyguards in the annex. Anything you need, just ask."(Married? Not yet.) Kiera's mind raced ahead, grappling with the unexpected intimacy of their situation.With a suddenness that left her breathless, Lance pressed her against the wall, his gaze intense. Her heart raced erratically, thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. (Is he going to kiss me?)"Scared to be alone with me?" Lance's teasing voice snapped her back to reality. "No need to worry. We'll have our privacy, especially at night."Kiera's response was swift—a sharp kick and a step back, asserting her boundaries. Lance, ever amused, took it in stride. "Patience, my dear. Save the fireworks for our wedding night. Or perhaps our honeymoon?" His eyes danced with mischief as he ascended the stairs, leaving Kiera to ponder his playful provocations.(Honeymoon? More like a battle of wits.) Kiera shook her head, a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement settling in.Alone in the expansive downstairs of the lavish villa, I decided to take a leisurely stroll. Every corner was adorned with opulent decorations and expensive furnishings, making me tread carefully lest I accidentally damage something and invoke his wrath once more.Among the exquisite displays, a framed photograph caught my eye. It depicted a younger Lance surrounded by family, including a mysterious girl beside him, not his sister Lily, yet they all appeared to be of similar ages.The innocence in Lance's childhood visage was endearing. I couldn't help but wish I could reach out and plant a kiss on the cheek of that cherubic boy. But time had transformed him into a dashing man who found amusement in teasing me relentlessly.My thoughts drifted to the rose garden that adorned the villa's side. Determined to find solace, I ventured towards it. The gate was locked, but its modest height made it an easy obstacle to overcome with a small leap.The roses in full bloom were a sight to behold. As I plucked one delicately, lost in the beauty of the moment, Lance's sudden appearance startled me. He stormed into the garden, breaking the gate in his haste.Snatching the rose from my grasp, he callously discarded it, crushing its petals underfoot. My finger pricked by a thorn, a drop of blood trickled down, lost amidst the petals."Who gave you permission to be here?" Lance's voice boomed, his anger palpable._ROSE_...