The First Warning

Adrian’s POV

I stepped outside the mansion and took a deep breath and the cold night air filled my lungs. The party music sounded distant now.

I loosened my tie slightly and murmured “Finally escape?”

 When I turned, I saw Isabella standing in the doorway with a teasing smile.

She said with her teasing tone “You left me alone in there.”

I shrugged lightly and said with an embarrassing voice “You know I don’t like too many people.”

She walked closer and wrapped her slender hand around my neck and said “You survived meeting my father though.”

I laughed softly and said “Barely.”

She looked amused with my reply and said “You looked pretty calm.”

I gave her an awkward smile and said “I was trying very hard.”

She bumped my shoulder playfully and said “You don’t need to be scared of him.”

I didn’t answer. Instead I looked toward the tall mansion behind her. Guards stood near the gate. All cars lined the driveway.

I said with a thoughtful expression “Your father is very powerful.”

She grinned and said proudly “The most powerful.”

I nodded slowly. 

Before I could say more, a guard approached us and said to Isabella “Miss Falcone.”

She looked at the guard and answered with a bored expression “Yes?”

He continued “Boss would like to speak with Mr. Vale.”

Isabella groaned “Already?”

The guard nodded.

I straightened and asked “Where?”

He looked at me and answered me with a straight face, “Study room.”

Isabella looked apologetic and said with her concerned voice “Don’t worry. He just likes to scare people.”

I gave her a reassuring smile and said with confidence “I’ll survive.”

The guard led me back inside. The mansion felt quieter now. Our footsteps echoed in the hallway. We stopped in front of a large wooden door. The guard knocked once.

A voice spoke from inside “Come in.”

I stepped inside. The room smelled faintly of leather and whiskey. Bookshelves covered the walls. And Victor Falcone stood near a large desk. His jacket was off now and his sleeves rolled slightly. And he looked less formal but somehow more dangerous.

His eyes lifted to me and commanded “Sit.”

I obeyed. The chair felt too big. He poured two glasses of whiskey and placed one in front of me. But I didn’t touch it.

He noticed and asked with a mocking tone “You don’t drink?”

I answered immidiately “Not much.”

He took a slow sip. Silence filled the room. And I waited patiently.

After sometime I heard his voice “What do you want from my daughter?”

The question was simple but the tone was sharp.

I met his gaze and said honestly “I love her.”

His eyes didn’t change and murmured that word “Love.”

He said the word like it was unfamiliar.

I kept my voice calm and said “Yes.”

He leaned slightly against the desk and said “You are poor.”

The words were direct. Although it’s true, it still hurts.

I nodded once and said “Yes.”

He continued, “You have no power.”

I nodded again and replied “Yes.”

Because this was the truth. I knew, I was a poor student. And I fall in love with the untouchable man's daughter. But I never thought about her money. For me she was the kindest girl, who saved me at that time. 

He looked at me with his judging gaze and he continued “You cannot protect her.”

My fingers tightened slightly on my knee but my voice stayed steady and said with a farm voice “I can take care of her.”

He watched me closely and said with a mocking voice “Care is not enough in my world.”

I remained silent. He walked slowly around the desk and his steps were quiet. He stopped beside my chair. The distance between us is too close. For some unknown reason my heartbeat rapidly began. 

 But before I could say anything he said “You should leave her.”

I looked up at him and said with a determined tone “No.”

His eyebrow lifted slightly and asked “You refuse?”

I stood up slowly and said “Yes.” 

For a moment neither of us moved. He studied my face for sometime, looking for fear or weakness or anything. But I didn’t step back. Before coming to talk to him I already guessed that he didn’t like me and he would warn me. But I was prepared for it. 

I kept my voice respectful and said “I understand you want to protect her.”

He said nothing and I continued, “But I won’t leave her.”

I will make sure my future father in law accepts me. Isabella loved her father and his blessing was important to her and I will do anything to get his blessing. 

 For some moment the atmosphere was silent and heavy.

He finally spoke with a mocking tone “You are brave.”

I shook my head and said “Just honest.”

There was another long pause.

He stepped back and said “Very well.”

I waited for sometime, waited for him to insult me or threaten me or even punch me but he didn’t do that. He just looked at me for some time. If I said I didn’t feel anything at that moment, it would be a lie. I felt something fear or respect, I didn't know. 

After sometime he said “You may go.”

I nodded politely and greeted “Good night, sir.”

Before he replied, I turned and walked toward the door.

When my hand touched the handle, I heard his cold voice again, “Mr. Vale.”

I stopped and turned toward him and asked “Yes?”

His voice was calm, almost curious, “Let us see how long that courage lasts.”

I didn’t respond. I simply opened the door and walked out. But my heart was beating faster. I knew something had just started, something dangerous. But I knew one thing, I would do anything to prove myself to my future father in law. And I will make sure, he would only accept me.