The Royal Contract

However, she was mistaken when she noticed the direction they were taking. Her assumption was once again proven wrong. She was once again left guessing what was awaiting her.

“Where are we going?” Dani was suddenly curious about their new route. Instead of turning right to their apartment, the cars turned left, which was odd if they were on their way back home.

Then again, that should not have surprised her anymore. When it came to Alex, he was unpredictable. She could guarantee that what he had under his magic hat would be different this time.

She could only wish that she had something to give him too. But she could not come up with a clever surprise that could match his. She always came up a little short, but he still made her feel good about it.

“It will not be a surprise anymore if I tell you.” Alex was not about to tell her and ruined his plans for the rest of the night.

He had never been this creative or thoughtful before with his past relationship. Never made extra effort to make his former partners happy, not even on their birthdays. Not that he had many former relationships.

.....

Aside from Tyra, he had only a few minor short affairs, but those were only results of his childhood immaturity. Tyra was the only serious relationship he had before. But he was not as committed to her as he was now with Dani.

“Fine, but it better be good.” She warned him, but she would not bet on herself because she knew Alex would win every time.

She usually did not like surprises. But being in a relationship with Alex had changed all of that. In truth, she looked forward every time he made a grand gesture to show how much he valued her.

“I hope so too.” He could not guarantee the result because it would all depend on what she thought of his gift.

All he could do now was savor the moment of having her in his arms, pulling her tighter around his body. For him, every second of having her close to him was already a gift itself.

He never needed anything else from her except for her love. He always thought that this city was what made him call it home, but instead, he realized that it was her. She was his home.

“I know that whatever it is. I will love it.” She assured him, relaxing in the warmth of his body, enjoying the sensation of having his strong arms wrapped around her small frame.

A few minutes later, they were parking in a new building that she had never visited before. Although she had noticed the structure in passing as she had crossed this road a few times, she never had the opportunity to enter the premises.

“This way.” Alex ushered her in the lobby of the building toward a private elevator. Then, he used a special key card to open the metallic box, helping her get on it.

Once inside, he only had three floors to choose from on the panel. He automatically pushed for the top button, indicating their destination.

Slowly, he waited frantically for the floors to move up to the top floor. It felt like the box had been crawling up at a snail speed, but in reality, it was one of the fastest technology available in the market.

“What are you up to now?” She asked, narrowing her eyes at him through their reflection in the metal walls. Her lips turned into a thin line as she tried to guess his intentions.

She could tell that this was not his first time visiting this place. He was familiar with the staff as they greeted him like he frequented this building.

She could not help her curiosity from skyrocketing, making her anticipate more whatever was coming next. She could feel her heartbeat racing as her blood rushed through her system.

She eagerly watched the numbers of the rectangular panel go up, just like the intensity of her excitement. Until it finally stopped to wherever he was taking her.

“You will see soon enough.” He promised as the elevator finally sounded its signal that they had arrived at their destination.

A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing to her a large foyer with nothing in it. It was sort of anti-climactic, she thought. She guessed she was expecting something more, comparing it to the extravagant lobby they had just passed.

It was an entire room with only a white background from the ceiling to the walls. While the flooring was still covered in cement, bare of carpeting or marble tiles.

“What is this place?” She asked, stunned by the view in front of her.

She was expecting to see something beautiful, even spectacular, as soon as the doors opened. But not a bare floor with no furniture or fixtures and void of any colors to brighten the place.

In fairness to the place, she saw a glimpse of a magnificent view of the city outside the massive windows located on the other end of the room. Other than that, it was a spacious room with no life whatsoever.

Before she could take another step outside the double doors, he quickly scooped her into his arms, bridal style. “It is my surprise, remember?” Alex winked at her, silencing her from saying anything more.

He quickly moved away from the elevator and into the open space, giving her a bigger view of the entire room. It was just like her initial observation.

“This?” She waved her hands to the space around her. She allowed her eyes to wander around every nook and corner of the room.

The apartment was still covered in fresh, white paint and nothing else. It was an austere, barren room. An unfriendly place.

Unless something would be done with the empty space. Then, add some colors to the walls. Put ceramic, marble, or even carpet on the floors. Some furniture. Then, maybe it could be an ideal home.