"Did you have a good time at the party tonight", those were the first words greeting me at the door as I slid the Louboutin heels off and sigh. I glance over at my mama as she leans against the wall across from me, wearing her signature pink bathroom robe she wears around the house with her a black bonnet over hair, protecting her fresh roller set she got done earlier today at the salon. "It was okay". It was more than okay, I met a man, not just any man, it was a wealthy one. I knew exactly who Eryx Vallea was, well for the most part. I know that his family owns a large portion of most of the companies in the city and he is probably the youngest black male billionaire in the entire state of Livingston.

Mama and I made the move to Alphacrest as soon I received my acceptance letter into the University of Alphacrest. I was currently in my last year of college and had plans to enroll into medical school in the following months to come. I was beyond excited, and relieved that I was one step closer to making my dreams of becoming a pediatrician come true. For the past three months, I had been interning at a local pediatrician clinic, All 4 Kids, under Dr. Maticus Emerson. For the most part I enjoyed spending three hours every day at the pediatrician clinic.

I was able to garner so much information working there and enjoyed spending time with the patients. Dr. Emerson had received an invitation to go to a soiree the mayor was hosting, but due to his wife abruptly becoming sick with Covid he was unable to attend and gave me the invitation instead. I was going to decline, but Dr. Emerson felt as though this was a great opportunity for me to network and meet some important people. I did meet someone, Eryx Vallea. I was a little taken back when I crashed into him. I had heard rumors he might attend, but really did not think he would actually come. I can admit he was beyond handsome. His ginger colored eyes bore into mine, I was mesmerized for a moment, but I quickly had to realize this man was used to women flocking to him. I was not a part of any man's fan club. "It was just okay. I don't believe that you've been talking my ear off for the entire week, excited to go to the soiree. Now tell me how it goes". I

knew mama was not going to let me slide with my short answer, she wanted details. Some people may think it is odd, but I consider my mama to be my best friend. She is only 15 years older than me. I am 21, she is 34. We have been close-knit since the very beginning. Although her teenage years were cut short due to an unplanned pregnancy, my mother preserved through and was able to graduate high school and eventually go to college and pursue a career in Nursing. She worked as a Pediatric Nurse at Alphacrest Children's Hospital. Her love for children inspired me to follow in her footsteps, but rather than become a Nurse, I wanted to become a Pediatrician.

She takes hold of my hand as we walk up the staircase leading into my bedroom. "I was able to talk with so many people tonight. It was truly amazing". Mama helps me out of the heavy gown as I place my black bathtub hanging on a hook behind my bedroom door. "I'm glad you had a great time sweetie. You've been working so hard. I am so proud of you". I nod as I take a seat at my vanity and reach a makeup wipe to start removing the makeup off my face.

"So are you going to tell me about the young man you met". My eyes widen as I look at mama in my mirror as she crosses her legs as she sits on the edge of my full-size bed. "Who says I met a man", I say sarcastically. Mama smirks as she studies my face. "Girl, have you forgotten I was your age once".

"I did meet someone", I say softly as I place the now used makeup wipe in the trash can. Mama squeals in excitement. "Tell me everything". I reenacted everything that happened between Eryx and I. Once I am talking, mama has a startled look on her face. "Did I say something wrong?". Mama immediately shakes her head. "I've heard some stories about the Vallea's that's all. Just be careful". I frown, not understanding what mama is referring to. "What do you mean be careful. I'm always careful". Mama shakes her head as she gets up from her seat and places her hand on her shoulder.

"I've heard that the Vallea family is quite dangerous". I raise my eyebrows. "I'm not interested in Eryx Vallea, if you are wondering so you have nothing to worry about". Mama looks at me for a moment before she kisses my cheek and tells me goodnight. The following morning I decided to go to the library a few blocks down from Mama and I's townhome. I enjoy coming here to study and being that I have my final exam for my Biology to take in the next three days.

I wave to Mrs. Collins,the librarian, as she adjusted books on the shelf. I take a seat at one of the tables in the back and place my study material on the table. I manage to study for almost two hours before I am interrupted. I look up and gasp and take notice of the man standing in front of me. It is no other than Eryx Vallea. I frown and whisper, "What are you doing here?". Eryx smiles before he takes a seat across from me. "I came to see you actually". I

am taken back at the fact Eryx is sitting across from me rather than ask him further questions. I get up from my seat with my backpack and notebook in tow and quickly stride out of the library. Just as I make it down the street, I feel my elbow being tugged, "What's the matter. I'm not going to hurt you", Eryx takes hold of my backpack and places it across his shoulder.

I shake my head. "How were you able to find me", I immediately ask as I try to grab my backpack, but he pushes my hand away as he smiles down at me. "No need to worry about that cherie. I am here because I want to be". Something tells there is a deeper meaning to his words that I cannot fathom entirely at the moment.

"I'm sure a man like you has plenty of things to do, bothering a college student is not one of them". Eryx shrugs his shoulders in response. "That is indeed true, but I would rather spend my free time getting to know you". I am thrown off by his answer.

"There is nothing special about me". Eryx takes hold of my right hand and leans down and kisses it. "There are indeed many things special about you, Verena and will be the one to show them to you".



This is a flashback chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.