Beauty of a crystal

CHAPTER 23

"Something wrong, princess?"

Xavier asks as he stands behind Crystal. His large hands on her shoulder sent shivers down her spine.

"I've been here before haven't I?"

As she stood in the penthouse living room, a sense of déjà vu washed over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had been in that exact spot before. The open living room stretched out before her, with the hallway leading to the bedroom on one side.

Her gaze flickered across the room, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flickering image of blood on the floor. It appeared and disappeared, like a child playing with a light switch, causing her to question her own perception of reality.

"Well..." Xavier murmurs in her ear. With a gentle push, he guides her forward. Initially hesitant, she eventually follows as she  was led to a door.

As she opens the door, a rush of fresh, new bed sheets and the invigorating aroma of clean, modern elegance instantly fills her senses. The room captivates her with its spaciousness, being twice the size of her own apartment. Positioned in the center is a grand king-size bed adorned with intricately designed white pillows fit for royalty.

A charming pink heart-shaped lamp graces one of the bedside tables, adding a touch of whimsy to the elegant ambiance. A floor-to-ceiling window offers a breathtaking view of the city, with a cozy balcony featuring inviting sofas and a lush plant.

On the opposite side of the room, two doors stand, one of which is accompanied by her familiar suitcases, hinting that it may be her quarters. Feeling a sense of intrigue and momentarily forgetting about Xavier's presence, she makes her way to the bathroom.

Stepping into the bathroom, her eyes widen at the sight that unfolds before her. The sheer size of the bathroom surpasses that of her entire kitchen. A large vanity mirror and twin sinks adorn the space, enhancing its pristine white aesthetic.

The spacious shower boasts a luxurious pressure shower head that one would typically find in a millionaire's home, while an inviting oval-shaped bathtub beckons her to relax and unwind.

"Do you like it?" Xavier asked, breaking the silence that had enveloped the room since they entered. His voice was gentle, carrying a sense of genuine curiosity as he watched her take in her new surroundings.

She tore her gaze away and turned to face him, meeting his warm brown eyes in the reflection of the mirror. His posture exuded a casual confidence as he leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed, giving her a reassuring smile.

"It's amazing," she replied, her voice filled with wonder and gratitude. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a wide smile lit up her face. Xavier couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at her reaction, knowing that he had played a part in creating this moment.

"Good," he said with a smirk, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he straightened up. He motioned for her to follow him as he walked towards the door. "You'll need this card for the elevator," he added, handing her a sleek card with the building's logo embossed on it.

The weight of the card in her hand made the reality of her new home sink in even deeper, and she followed Xavier with a sense of eager anticipation for what lay ahead.

"Do you own this building?" Crystal asked, her eyes wide with shock as she looked up at him.

"Yes," he replied casually, walking into the kitchen with Crystal following behind as she inspected the card. "There are a few changes to your life now, Crystal," Xavier began as he poured two glasses of what looked like red wine.