Secrets of the Empire

Flashback

I still remember that rainy afternoon so clearly, as if I watched it being painted slowly and in vivid colors. 

It was the day Marion and I sat together in his private study. He had invited me in after I'd just gotten back from grocery shopping.

He'd asked me to sit down, and I did, my heart fluttering with curiosity.

He had promised to fill me in with some of the things that he did which was surprising as I had no business in it.

I had always known his world was complicated, but I never expected to hear it all laid bare before me. 

He took a slow, deep breath, his eyes meeting mine with that steady, intense look I'd come to adore. 

 "Selena," he began softly, "there are things I need to tell you about my business, about how I built everything that I have."

I leaned forward, in a bid to catch every word.