Chapter Twenty Two (Vincent's POV).
Vincent's POV.
Standing in front of the mirror and adjusting my cufflinks, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Tonight's party was not merely a social event; it was an opportunity for me to confront the man who had turned my childhood into a nightmare.
I gazed into my reflection—my eyes were dark and steely—and for a brief moment, I was transported back to the night when my father's cruelty had left an indelible mark on me. I shoved those memories away, concentrating on what lay ahead. I had to maintain my composure and stay in control.
Taking a deep breath, I descended the stairs to find my younger brother Adriel and his date, Lily. Adriel had always been the one to challenge our father's rigid expectations, and tonight, he had brought along someone deemed unacceptable by our father's standards—a maid.
A sense of pride swelled within me as I admired Adriel's rebellion. Lily exuded a vibrant energy, her eyes sparkling with wit and intelligence. I couldn't help but wonder about our father's reaction if he realized Adriel had chosen a maid for a date, yet I felt proud of my brother for pursuing his own happiness.
"Go ahead to the party without me," I instructed Adriel. "I'll catch up soon."
After they left, I headed to the car where Blossom awaited. She looked stunning in the dress I had chosen for her—the silver-gray lace and silk chiffon complemented her figure beautifully. My heart raced at the sight of her.
In that moment, everything else faded away—the looming threat of my father, the painful memories; all I could focus on was her presence. I felt a wave of admiration, desire, and love, though I quickly bottled those feelings up, wary of revealing my true emotions.
"Ready to go?" I asked, extending my arm.
As we drove to the party, I couldn't resist stealing glances at Blossom. The twinkling lights of the night accentuated her beauty, and my heart swelled with affection and protectiveness.
However, I reminded myself to stay vigilant. Tonight was not the time to let my guard down—especially with my father observing.
Upon our arrival, I handed Blossom a gun. "Keep this in your purse and keep it close," I instructed, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. She looked startled but nodded, grasping the weight of what it meant.
As we stepped out of the car, I insisted she wait for me to open the door. It was a small yet significant gesture, signaling that we were a team and that I would take care of her.
Though she hesitated, she eventually relented. I could sense her frustration, but I knew it was necessary.
Walking into the party, all eyes turned toward me. It had been five years since my last attendance, and the atmosphere was thick with tension. My brother, Mister Charles, approached with a big grin.
"Vincent, my brother!" he exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm embrace.
Blossom's eyes widened in surprise as she realized who he was. I watched with a hint of amusement as she chastised us for withholding that information.
Mister Charles then turned his attention to Blossom. "You look incredible," he complimented, genuinely captivated by her beauty.
A flicker of jealousy coursed through me, but I shoved it aside to focus on the matter at hand.
Mister Charles asked to speak with me privately, and I settled Blossom at a table with clear instructions to stay put.
As we walked to the private garden, a wave of nostalgia hit me, dredging up painful memories from my childhood.
Suddenly, I was transported back to when I was a young boy, trembling, clutching a gun.
"Shoot him, Marino!" my father's voice boomed.
I looked at the innocent man before me, brought the gun to shoulder, and…
"I can't do it, sir," I whispered, my voice shaking.
In an instant, my father struck. A searing pain coursed through my arm as I cried out.
"The enemy doesn't have pity, so neither should you!" my father spat, his eyes ablaze with rage.
That helpless feeling, trapped in a waking nightmare, came rushing back. But so did the defiance that had ignited within me that day—a fire that now fueled my resolve to dismantle my father's empire.
The memory faded, leaving me breathless. Mister Charles's voice brought me back.
"I respect your decision to keep your motivations private, Vincent," he said, concern etched on his face. "But be cautious; our father is not to be underestimated."
I nodded, my determination firm. I was aware of the challenge ahead and ready for it.
After a final exchange, Mister Charles and I rejoined the party, where the music and laughter enveloped us. I quickly spotted Blossom at the table, watching me with a mix of intrigue and concern.
Protectiveness surged within me—I knew she was now part of this world, and yet I had to keep my emotions in check. Not tonight.
As I neared her, her gaze remained locked onto mine, filled with anticipation and apprehension.
"Having fun?" I asked softly.
Blossom nodded, maintaining eye contact. "Kinda," she replied quietly.
I sat beside her, allowing our arms to brush against each other—a discreet gesture that conveyed our unity.
As the evening unfolded, I found myself captivated by Blossom's presence. She was radiant in her silver and gray attire, but it wasn't just her beauty that drew me in; it was her strength and resilience.
Watching her laugh and engage with others, I fully realized I would do anything to ensure her safety, to protect her from the darkness that shadowed my life.
My mind lingered around the chaotic information I was going to present today.
I had already informed Adriel to be ready immediately I signaled him, it had to play out at the perfect time.
As Reginald and his wife entered the room, he gazed at me in disbelief, attempting to mask his unease. His expression evoked memories of a trauma I believed I had left behind—the very life I loathed and ran from. It was he who shaped the monstrous part of me that exists today. How could anyone's blood hold such cruelty?