The expensive mistake.

La Belle Elisia

Tricelle tilted her chin to the warm sunlight that kissed her cheeks, warmed her face and heated her body. The sunset was always the best part of the day for her.

Stroking her cat, she glanced at the clock. It was almost time to meet the famous 'Mr. Eric'

She was nervous about her meeting with the stranger, but she knew that it might be the last business meeting she could have.

Tricelle looked around her stylish apartment, appreciating the calm atmosphere it had.

The cosy studio apartment was on the top floor, giving her the space and freedom she needed after a long day of work. It was always her safe haven; it had a beautiful view of the tall rising buildings that stood like giants around her and was decorated with vintage furniture that made you feel like you were in the 1800s.

The short grey-nosed cat was purring peacefully on her lap as she looked at the clock on the wall.

“I am going to be late tonight, so no parties while I am out.”

Tricelle said with a soft smile while she stroked his long hair.

The cat meowed as if he understood her.

“Okay Mister Fuzz, I need to go.”

Tricelle said as she placed the cat beside her, giving it one last stroke and placed a kiss on his head.

Mister Fuzz looked disappointed that he was denied more attention.

As the doorbell rang, Tricelle couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her stomach. She was curious about the mysterious man who made people shudder with only his name.

Looking at herself in the mirror before she left, she felt a little proud, she had carefully picked out a chick black dress that hugged her curves right. It wasn’t to short and yet it showed off her long legs perfectly. It was modest but yet feminine, and she completed her look with light makeup and combed her hair into a neat up do as a few strands of her red hair had escaped.

“Not a date.”

She said softly as she pulled her dress down a little.

The doorbell rang again.

Tricelle grabbed her handbag and quickly glancing at her security camera.

Outside she saw the back of a brown-haired man looking at the street intensively. He seemed prepared for anything.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Tricelle said softly, making her way towards the first floor.

As she exited the building, she greeted the familiar security guard before she came face to face with the driver next to the sleek black car.

Anton stood frozen as he immediately recognized the young woman in front of him, the lady from the surveillance picture. His eyes darted up and down. As if he had seen a ghost

Frowning Tricelle took a few steps forward,

“Hi, I am Tricelle Wincher, are you here for me?” She asked.

His face immediately shifted, and with a warm smile he answered.

“Yes, Miss Wincher. Mr Eric has requested your presence,” he said with a smooth voice.

As he opened the door, he slowly bowed his head, “My name is Anton.”

“Pleasure to meet you Anton,” Tricelle said as she climbed into the car gracefully.

Anton hesitated before he closed the door, staring at her for a few seconds.

He couldn’t believe that the woman he was supposed to investigate was the daughter of Evan. This changed everything.

Tricelle immediately felt unease as she felt the burning eyes of Anton on her.

“I should let Mr Eric know before he grabs her in front of everyone.”

Anton thought as he climbed into the driver’s seat, with quick hands, he texted in advance.

Tricelle kept her eyes on the tense figure behind the steering wheel.

For a few moments they drove in silence as the bustling city life blurred past outside.

Tricelle could feel the tension in the air. She noticed the man glancing every few seconds at his mirror, scanning and watching her.

“Do you have a problem?”

Tricelle asked, annoyed.

She could see his shoulders tense at her sudden question.

“I am sorry, I just didn’t think that you would be so young… you know, for a CEO.”

Anton answered as he kept his eyes on the road from there on.

“You’re not alone…” Tricelle said softly.

Anton shrugged,

“I am not one to judge. But with the passing of Mister Wincher, you should be set for life now.”

Appalled by his comment, Tricelle lost her temper in an instant.

“How dare you? I am more hurt and broken than anyone else, and the bunch of you give me empty condolences, none of you knew him or spoke to him!”

She blurted out.

A few moments went by, when she realized how rude she was to the innocent driver.

“I am sorry.”

“I am not usually short-tempered; it’s just been a long day.”

“No, it’s alright, it’s better to be honest.”

Anton said as he locked eyes with her in the mirror.

“Speaking of honesty…. What can you tell me about Mister Eric?”

Tricelle could see Anton’s brow rise.

“Why? Are you wondering if the rumors are true?”

He said with a hint of humor.

“No, I was just wondering if I should watch out for his cane when he walks.”

Tricelle said giggling.

“Do you think he is old?”

Anton asked with a low chuckle.

Tricelle shifted closer to the front seat. Happy that the driver was sharing with her.

“If he was good friends with my father I could only assume.”

She said as she leaned forward.

“No, Mister Eric’s Father was close to your father, so your father has been a part of Mister Eric’s life since he was young.”

Tricelle felt a warm glow in her chest; maybe it was not a mistake to meet one of her father’s friends.

“My father never spoke of them.”

Anton could hear the sadness that broke through Tricelle’s voice.

“The Blacks keep to themselves.”

Tricelle’s eyes widened, it was the first time she heard the surname of Mister Eric’s family.

The Blacks, it sounded familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Before she could ask another question, the car slowly came to a stop.

“We are here, Miss Wincher.” Anton said as he opened his door.

Tricelle glanced outside at the entrance of the restaurant. Dread filled her as she read ‘La Belle Elisia’. They had arrived. She remembered how Shawn tried to get her to visit this restaurant. She always refused because she always felt out of place there.

As Anton opened her car door, she was met with the tantalizing scent of gourmet meals and rich perfumes.

Anton held his hand out but Tricelle refused as she climbed out. Her eyes were looking at the high rise building in front of her.

She stood up and took a deep breath before they entered.

Tricelle followed Anton inside, the dim-lit chandeliers casted a soft glow over the elegant décor that greeted them. One grand chandelier hung in the centre of the high ceiling. Tricelle eyes stared at the beautiful décor; the walls were adorned with intricate gold leaf designs, adding an air of sophistication to the large room. The restaurant itself was a masterpiece by design. The servers moved with a grace and precision that seemed almost supernatural.

Anton moved with a proclaimed power past the tables, each server immediately made way for him.Walking past the tables she was stunned at the perfection. Each table was elegantly set with fine china and sparking crystal glassware, each one had a single white rose in the center of each table. Tricelle suddenly felt under dressed.

Tricelle noticed that they were heading to the last table in the back of the restaurant. In the shadowy corner, a large man sat alone watching her every move, his face was partially obscured by the dim lighting and his arms were folded over his board chest.

An unexplainable cold shiver ran through her body.

Tricelle hesitated before she continued behind Anton peeking at the man who was dressed in a fine black suit that hugged his muscular figure perfectly.

Anton stepped aside, indicating with his hand that she must go to the table. When he saw her worried face, he gave her a reassuring nod to move to the table.

Tricelle gathered her courage and made her way to the table. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched as she got closer to the table. The other guests seemed to be whispering among themselves, casting furtive glances in their direction. She tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the dark figure sitting at the table. She clutched her bag to her thin middle as if it would guard her from the unknown.

Eric watched as the petite red head made her way closer. Her hips swayed slightly from side to side, like a soft flower touched by wind.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. He had downed three whiskeys when he received the message from Anton that his suspect was actually the daughter of his friend.

His anger almost consumed him when he noticed them entering the restaurant, but when he first laid eyes on her his anger vanished.

Her light blue eyes looked terrified. For a moment he wanted to reassure her that she was safe.

“No, if she is guilty. She will pay.” Eric muttered to himself.

“Good evening, I presume you are Mister Eric.” Tricelle said as she held her head high and spoke.

Eric stared at her, he was impressed by her fearless manner, and he was allured by the gleam in her eyes.

He slowly stood up with his hand extended. Tricelle’s eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips before she could stop herself.

“Lord, this man is tall.” She thought as she slightly tilted her head back to meet his gaze.

His dark brown eyes held hers captive against her will, they were sharp with intelligence. This man was attractive, effortlessly masculine; his face was rough as though he had spent a lifetime working hard labor. Wild.

Dark hair curled loosely in a fashionable way around his face. It had a disconcerting effect on her.

Tricelle saw his hand and clasped her hand in his; in return, he took her slender fingers forcefully in his hand, squeezing a little harder than he intended and stepping closer to her.

“Eric… and you are Tricelle”, He said, his eyes locking with hers. His voice was deep, slightly hoarse.