My car sped along the winding road until the familiar iron-wrought gates came into sight. As I approached, I felt a slight relief, the feeling of home. The car came to a halt, and I saw the golden crown of our family crest split into two as the gates opened, welcoming me back. My mind was still preoccupied with images of the woman from the restaurant, her soft lips and hypnotizing eyes lingering in my thoughts. I drove past the vast expanse of freshly mowed grass, the scent of fresh-cut greenery wafting through the car vents.
Through the tinted glass, I noticed the dozen gardeners manicuring the hedges and watering the plants. They stopped their work to salute as my car sped into the property, their uniforms neat and pristine. Slowing down, I rolled the windows down, acknowledging their gestures with a wave and a nod, appreciating their diligence in maintaining the estate's beauty. The familiar sight of the heavily guarded property, with its high walls and watchful eyes, brought a sense of security that I rarely found elsewhere. Especially in our line of work.
The sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires signaled my arrival at the front of the main house at the end of the wide driveway. I opened the door of my black Ferrari 488 GTB and was immediately greeted by loud barking. "Hey, buddy!" I exclaimed, kneeling to the ground to greet Zeus, my new Doberman pup. His sleek, black coat glistened in the afternoon sun as he bounded toward me, his tail wagging furiously. I ruffled his ears and let him lick my face, laughing at his exuberance.
Zeus had been a recent addition to my life and his loyalty was a constant reminder of the importance of companionship. As I played with him, a smile came onto my face and for the first time in the day, I felt at peace.
As Kline, the head of security, meticulously ensured that my custom-made car was returned to its designated spot in the garage alongside my collection of sports cars, I made my way into the main house. Zeus happily trotted behind me, his paws gently tapping against the floor of the porch. He took a brief pause to drink from the central fountain at the entrance as the water cascaded down the several tiers, then rejoined me with a wagging tail. I laughed as he shook his head vigorously, his saliva splattering across my clothes.
The front door was made of heavy oak, reinforced with iron. Something that my mother had insisted on getting done. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla welcomed me as I entered the comfort of my home. I immediately made a bee-line for the source.
As I approached the kitchen, I heard my mother's voice, slightly annoyed but laced with a hint of affection.
"Oh stop it, Daniel. You're distracting me."
I paused just outside the doorway, leaning casually against one of the marble pillars that framed the entrance. From this vantage point, I had a perfect view of my parents' interaction and couldn't resist a grin.
"Weren't complaining ten minutes ago. What changed now?" My father's voice carried a playful note as he wrapped his arms around my mother from behind. She was attempting to pull a tray of cookies out of the oven, but his embrace made the task more challenging.
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