Return of the Billionaire

Viktor Draven walked into the grand villa, the high ceilings and tasteful decorations carrying a timeless touch of luxury. The chandeliers were softly glowing, casting their shadows on the marble floor. His loyal sire and servant, Dexter was already standing by the door.

"Welcome back, my lord." Dexter said with a bow as he went to take off Viktor's coat.

Viktor's eyes were far away as his thoughts were consumed by the sight of Calista earlier that day. "We'll be staying in this city for a while." he said his tone firm yet distant.

Dexter straightened his expression, calm but knowing. "As you wish, my lord."

Viktor turned to his study without another word. Dexter, ever the silent observer watched his master climb the stairs. There was something about Viktor tonight a smoldering anger beneath his composed exterior.

In his study, Viktor closed the door behind him and crossed to his desk. Pulling out a worn leather book, he opened it to its inside page filled with drawing. All of them were images of Calista drawn years ago when their love had been new and passionate.

In one of them, his fingers brush over her face. She looked like the sunlight had caught her hair even in that. Her laughter is frozen into the moment as she laughs out at something only she can hear. Viktor rests back in his chair, his mind now in a storm.

Why did you leave me, Calista again? Viktor wonders and he says with bitter words "Afraid of knowing what I am or was there something else this time?"

A knock on the door yanked him from his dream state. "Enter" he said.

Dexter entered in his hands cradling a tray, the plate inside a deer steak that had been cooked perfectly and on the opposite side, a bottle of fresh deer blood. Delicacies surrounded it adding variety to the dish. Dexter glided through with an ease he'd gained with time as he placed the tray on a table next to the window.

"Your dinner, my lord." Dexter said with a bow before retreating from the room.

Alone once more, Viktor rose and walked to the table. He took the bottle of blood in his hand while holding it to the light. His reflection stared back at him in the crimson glass-a face too young and beautiful for mortal eyes. His fangs elongated slightly at the scent, a reminder of his cursed existence.

After finishing the meal in silence, Viktor set the bottle down and wiped his lips. His decision had crystallized that he would reclaim Calista. She was his no matter the cost.

Calista's morning began with the chaos of slipping out before her mother could bombard her with questions or advice. She kissed Nora goodbye promising they'd go to the park after school.

"Really Mommy, you promise to come in time this time?" Nora begged with hopeful big eyes.

Calista wiped a strand of hair from Nora's face as she knelt to her daughter's level. "I promise, sweetheart. I'll be there."

Nora nodded and closed her eyes, going back to sleep. Calista hastily grabbed her bag and hurried out hoping not to catch her mother's watchful eye.

When she got to the office building, she paced herself to be composed. When she stepped inside the elevator, she found herself stuck in the usual morning rush. People went in and out on every floor until she reached the 18th.

She entered the office and walked straight to her desk where she dropped her bag with a sigh. Just as she had time to even sit down, Agatha was behind her grinning mischievously.

"So." Agatha started leaning on Calista's desk "how was your date? Did I pick the perfect guy or what?"

Calista rolled her eyes with her lips curving into a wry smile. "Let's just say you found someone who could convincingly play my husband in a very awkward scenario."

Agatha's curiosity was piqued. "What happened? Tell me everything"

Calista hesitated then sighed. "The date itself wasn't bad. Luke's. nice. But things got complicated."

"Complicated?" Agatha raised an eyebrow.

"I ran into my ex-husband." Calista admitted lowering her voice.

Agatha's eyes widened. "You're kidding. Here? In this city?"

"Yes. And let's just say Luke helped me out of a very awkward situation. He was. unexpectedly convincing."

Agatha almost doubled over, bursting into laughter. "Oh, I have to hear this story in detail later. But for now." She put a file on Calista's desk. "We've got a new project and guess what? They specifically asked for you."

Calista arched an eyebrow and opened the file. Within was a local art gallery: Brush and Vision Gallery or commonly called B&V Gallery. It has a reputation for being one of the galleries using classic art but apparently they needed a fresher look on things.

"The gallery's owner, Dex Drakmore is a big deal in this city." Agatha explained. "He's been around forever and has deep connections. If we land this contract, it could be huge for us. They're giving us a week to decide."

Calista took the file with her mind already racing with ideas. "This looks interesting. I'll look into it and let you know."

Agatha smiled. "I knew you'd say that. Just don't let your ex-husband or your overly convincing date distract you too much."

Calista shook her head laughing softly. "I'll manage."

Later that day, as Viktor paced in his villa. Dexter entered the room with an update.

"My lord, I've gathered information about Miss Calista." Dexter said his tone careful. "She's working for a small consulting firm. It seems she's done well for herself."

Viktor stopped pacing and turned to face his sire. "And the husband?"

Dexter hesitated before answering, "There's no mention of a husband in any of the information I've obtained. If she has one, she's kept it well-hidden."

Viktor's eyes narrowed. "She's hiding something. Find out everything, Dexter. I want no secrets between us."

"As you wish, my lord." Dexter said with a bow before leaving the room.

Alone once more, Viktor returned to the drawing of Calista. His fingers traced her face once more and his resolve deepened. Whatever she was hiding, he would uncover it. This city may have been her refuge, he thought but it will now be the place where she comes back to me.