12. the dinner party

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CHAPTER TWELVE

the dinner party

the dinner party

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VALENTINA SAT CROSS-LEGGED ON THE FLOOR OF HER NEW APARTMENT, the soft hum of the morning light drifting through the open window. The game of Monopoly spread out before her, colorful pieces and stacks of fake money arranged neatly. Across from her, Kol sat, watching intently as she moved the pieces for both of them.

"Your turn, Kol," she said, rolling the dice and moving his token, the classic top hat, forward five spaces. "Baltic Avenue. Do you want to buy it?"

Kol grinned, "Absolutely. Always good to start small and build your empire."

Valentina chuckled, taking the money from his pile and handing it to the bank. She rolled the dice again, this time for herself, and moved her token, a silver dog, forward seven spaces. "Chance card," she muttered, picking up the card and reading it out loud. "'Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.' Great."

Kol laughed, a warm, genuine sound that made Valentina smile despite her predicament. "Looks like I'm winning."

Valentina shook her head, placing her piece in jail. "It's not over yet. I've got a Get Out of Jail Free card up my sleeve."

As the game continued, Valentina found herself relaxing more, the tension of the past few days easing slightly. The apartment was quiet, save for their playful banter, and for a moment, she could almost forget the chaos that surrounded her life. Almost.

As she landed on another of Kol's properties, she groaned dramatically. "Another hotel? You're ruthless, Kol."

He smirked. "All part of the game, darling. All part of the game."

Valentina laughed, shaking her head as she handed over her money. Just then her phone buzzed on the floor next to her. She glanced at the screen and saw Damon's name flashing. Kol's expression darkened as he noticed. "Don't answer it," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Valentina sighed, deciding to ignore the call. She moved her piece, trying to focus on the game, but the phone buzzed again. This time, it was Stefan. She hesitated before picking up, knowing she couldn't avoid them forever.

"Hey, Stefan," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Valentina, where are you? Damon and I have been trying to reach you," Stefan's voice was filled with concern.

She took a deep breath, glancing at Kol, who watched her intently. "I'm staying at a motel," she lied. "I just needed some space. There's a lot on my mind."

CUPID mikaelson menWhere stories live. Discover now