The Viper's Venom

Mine

~Alton's pov~

"So, how is working at this school like?" She asked me as we walked side by side in the hallway. I took a deep breath, trying to focus on the task at hand.

"It's been challenging but rewarding," I replied, trying to sound professional despite the butterflies in my stomach.

I led her through the corridors, pointing out different classrooms and offices, all the while struggling to keep my composure as her presence beside me was more distracting than I had anticipated.

"Alton, where were you born? Were you born here in London?" She grinned mischievously, turning to gaze at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and intrigue.

I quickly realized that she was trying to test me to see if I actually didn't remember who she was. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to come up with a believable response.

"I was born in London, yes. But I spent most of my childhood traveling with my family, so my time here was limited," I replied, hoping she would buy my excuse.

She studied me for a moment, her grin slowly fading and a grim expression coming on her face as she realized that I truly didn't remember her.

"Oh," She smiled softly as she looked down. "London is a beautiful place , but I think I like where I lived before. It holds a special place in my heart."

As she spoke those words, memories of my previous home flooded back to me. The familiar streets, the friendly neighbors, and the comforting sense of belonging.

Despite trying to hide it, I couldn't deny that part of me longed for that sense of home once more.

"Oh, where did you live before ?" I inquired. She hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to tell me the truth or not.

Finally, she looked up and met my gaze with a gentle smile before saying, "I used to live in Milan , Italy. It was a beautiful city, full of culture, amazing food, and vibrant energy. I miss it every day. But I really miss one person the most. The person I love the most."

"Who is that?" I asked , already knowing she was talking about me.

She paused, her eyes softening as she replied, " Oh, you'll have to work a little harder than that to get that information out of me," she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I chuckled nervously, averting my gaze, feeling my composure slip away as conflicting emotions warred within me.

 I coughed and tried to get rid of my stupid smile. It was hard to keep a serious expression when she looked at me like that.

"So, Ms. Vox... You and I have the same last name ," I said, trying to change the subject. She raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Oh, is that so? And why do you think that is?" she teased. I feigned ignorance, playing along with her teasing tone to keep the conversation light and playful.

"Just a lucky coincidence, I suppose," I replied slyly. She chuckled.

"Or perhaps it's fate," she said cryptically.

"Well, it's certainly an interesting coincidence," I said, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer ground. She suddenly stopped walking and turned to face me, her eyes searching mine.

"Do you believe in fate, Mr. Vox?" she asked, her voice low and intense.

"I'm not sure," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. She seemed to accept my answer, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.