They drove to the Villa quietly, both men were men of few words, expressing emotions was a very difficult task for them, they'd rather show you how they felt rather than say it.
Lucien was quite different from them, though. So, the trait was probably passed down by his mother or it was character he inhibited by spending a lot of time with the butler after his mother's dismissal.
Lucien looked at the car that just arrived in the compound, he smiled softly.
Soon,Jason worked out while a guard by the side brought out his luggage from the car and went into his villa. Lucien forced himself to look very stern.
He looked at his son who was all grown, the young man reminded him so much of himself, but he was way colder and more sturdy, he believed he would make more wiser decisions than he in the future, after he had settled down. He also felt that his son had accomplished more than he did when he was his age, he would do more over the years to come.
Feeling very confident, Lucien welcomed his son back.
"You're welcome back home, son." He patted him on his shoulder.
"Thank you dad, how have you been?" The young man's voice sounded more firmer in reality, Lucien thought. Would he scare Elena away? He shook his head, Elena was a very strong girl, she wouldn't be scared of him just because of his voice.
"I've been good, come let's go inside,it's quite hot out here." He went in with footsteps behind him.
After lunch, Jason asked his father about the girl he was supposed to get married to, Lucien was quite surprised, but he soon got a hold of himself, he wondered why he was on a mission not to let any emotion show case on his face.
He cleared his throat.
"You see...son, Elena is a very beautiful woman, I assure you that you'd like her very
much, she is a strong woman, she is also very lively and sensible, you've to trust in your father's judgement for once,yes?
"So when can I meet her?" Has once again left him speechless. But he was secretly pleased. "I can arrange for you to meet her today, she is already aware that you'd be arriving today." He Informed him eagerly.
"Hmmm.. why don't we Invite her over?"
Lucien wondered if the young man was just trying to give him a shock that might probably lead him to his early grave.
"No-no Elena will not be comfortable, I'll arrange for you both to meet at a restaurant for dinner, would that be okay with you?"
Lucien asked.
"Hmmm... Okay, dinner." Jason agreed, then he went up to his room to have some rest before his dinner date, if anyone could call it that.
********************
*Vivid Vine* rose from Montclair's downtown like a crystal prism, its glass façade a seamless sheet of tempered glass framed by matte‑black carbon‑fiber panels. Thin strips of reclaimed walnut ran horizontally along the lower half, their warm grain a subtle counterpoint to the cool steel. Embedded LED lightbars traced the edges, bathing the structure in a soft, programmable glow that could shift from cool dawn blue to a warm amber at sunset.
A single, recessed entrance cut into the glass wall, its door a slab of frosted quartz that slid open with a whisper. Above the threshold, a discreet, low‑profile sign—etched in brushed titanium—displayed the restaurant's name in a clean, sans‑serif font, illuminated only when the interior lights dimmed.
Inside, the dining room unfolded in muted tones—velvet drapes, marble tables, and a bar of polished onyx. The view through the glass revealed a city skyline glittering like scattered diamonds, the terrace's quiet elegance, and the subtle glow of the LED façade promising an experience as refined as the guests who entered.
Elena stepped into the vestibule, a narrow water feature trickling over polished river stones, its surface dyed in rotating pastel shades—rose, lavender, teal, amber. The scent of fresh basil and mint drifted outward, inviting her before she even crossed the threshold.
She saw that Jason was already waiting, standing near the bar, his posture rigid and his expression unreadable. He wore a tailored navy suit, a crisp white shirt, and a silk tie the color of deep emeralds that caught the light just enough to hint at his subtle flair. His dark hair was brushed back with the casual precision of someone who knows the power of a good haircut, a single stray lock daring to fall over his forehead, giving him an effortless edge.
As Elena approached, Jason's eyes met hers, but his gaze was cold and calculating. He gave a curt nod, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elena."
Elena nodded, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "Jason," she replied, trying to mask her unease.
Jason gestured to the table, his movements stiff and precise. "Sit," he said, his voice a monotone.
As they settled into their seats, Elena noticed the menu and the wine list, and she smiled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've heard great things about this place," she said, her voice light and casual. The man didn't say anything.
The low hum of the restaurant settled around them like a muted soundtrack. Jason's hand rested lightly on the leather‑bound menu, his fingers cool and deliberate. Elena's eyes skimmed the embossed vines on the cover, but she said nothing, letting the quiet speak for her.
When the waiter approached, Jason's voice was a measured murmur. "Scallops, then the sea bass." He kept his gaze on the table, his tone final.
Elena lifted her head just enough to meet the waiter's glance. "Mushroom risotto, and the herb‑crusted rack of lamb," she said, her words simple and unadorned. She added, "A side of roasted heirloom carrots, please."
No dessert was mentioned. The waiter nodded, collected the menus, and slipped away, leaving the two of them in a comfortable silence, the faint rustle of vines on the page the only lingering trace of their brief exchange
.
Jason's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to bore deeper into hers. "The wedding."
Elena's eyes didn't waver, and she replied, her voice firm and composed. "Yes, the wedding. I think we should keep it simple. Just sign the marriage certificate and be done with it."
Jason's gaze never left hers, his stare unyielding. "Simple."
Elena nodded, her eyes shining with confidence. "Yes. No need for all the fuss and ceremony. We can just get it done and move on with our lives."
Jason's expression softened, just a fraction. "If that's what you want."
Elena smiled, a small, knowing smile. "It is. I don't need all the pomp and circumstance. Just a simple, straightforward marriage."
Jason nodded, his eyes still fixed on hers. "Agreed."
As they finished their meal, Jason stood up, his eyes meeting Elena's. "I'll take you home."
Elena's eyes flashed with determination, and she shook her head. "No, thank you. I can take care of myself."
Jason's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to bore deeper into hers. "As you wish."
With that, Elena stood up, her head held high, and walked out of the restaurant, her heart light and her spirit free. Jason watched her go, his expression unreadable, but his eyes lingering on her retreating figure.