Vas headed back home to change, his mind already turning over the best way to dress for the evening with Zola. It wasn't just about picking her up; he also had to ask his grandfather for permission to borrow either David or Brandon to serve as his chauffeur for the night. Fortunately, he doubted his grandfather would refuse, so he'd already sent him a quick text requesting approval. As he waited for a response, he began selecting his outfit.
He opted for a white long-sleeve shirt, pairing it with green pants that had subtle yellow stripes running through them. To finish the look, he chose a pair of black ankle-length sneakers. It seemed like a solid enough choice, though he hoped it would be good enough for the occasion.
Just as he was about to leave, his grandfather's response came through—but instead of David or Brandon, his grandfather had assigned someone new: Richard. According to his grandfather, it was a way of testing the newcomer. Richard turned out to be a man with an almost unnervingly clean and polished appearance. There was nothing particularly remarkable about him at first glance, which, to Vas, made him all the more notable. It wasn't every day you met someone who could blend in so seamlessly, almost as if he were invisible to those around him.
"Young Master Vastian," Richard greeted him with a polite nod. "I'll be taking care of you tonight."
"Thanks," Vas replied, his tone neutral.
Zola had recently moved with her family to the Canopy, a high-end part of the city. She had mentioned that the only reason they hadn't relocated sooner was her mother's tendency to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. But now that they'd settled on staying in the city for the foreseeable future, they finally made the move. Gerald, Vas's grandfather, had already arranged for a vehicle to be stationed at the Canopy for their use.
The drive to pick up Zola was quiet and quick, with little conversation between Vas and Richard. When they arrived, Vas felt a jolt of nervous anticipation. Zola emerged from her home in a stunning black silk dress with golden accents, complemented by a matching golden choker. Her hair was styled in a sleek ponytail, though part of it cascaded down to frame her shoulders.
"Like a gentleman," Zola greeted him with a playful smile. "You really came for me."
"Of course I did," Vas responded, mirroring Zola's playful smile. He gestured toward the car. "Shall we?"
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"So, where are we going?" Zola asked curiously as they settled into the car.
"Well, you said you wanted to dance, didn't you?" Vas replied, a hint of mystery in his tone. "So, we're going to a club."
"Oh really?" Zola raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And how exactly are we getting in?"
"I know someone," Vas said with a smirk.
That someone was Anya, who had reluctantly pulled a few strings for him. Though she disliked the idea of opening a club in the Canopy, she owned the most exclusive one: The Asylum. It was renowned for its high-end vibe, a secret haven for the city's elite. Vas had only heard whispers about it but had never been inside himself. Tonight, though, he was determined to impress.
When they pulled up to the building, Zola's eyes widened. The Asylum stood starkly white against the night, its gothic architecture contrasted by glowing purple neon lights that cast an alluring, almost otherworldly glow. The exterior exuded a blend of elegance and edge, with sharp arches and stone carvings that hinted at something dark yet seductive inside. It towered over them with two floors, each level seemingly more mysterious than the last.
At the entrance, a bouncer in sleek black attire stood guard. His expression was impassive until Vas mentioned his name. Instantly, the doors were opened for them, and they stepped into the dimly lit interior.
The first floor enveloped them in deep shades of blue, illuminated by soft blacklights that made everything feel dreamlike. The dark hues mixed with the faint gleam of metallic accents, creating a surreal underwater-like atmosphere. The music pulsed faintly here, a slow thrum that reverberated through the walls. People swayed and mingled beneath the neon lights, their laughter and movements wrapped in shadows.
But Vas and Zola weren't staying on this floor.
They were led to the second level, which felt like an entirely different world. Red velvet draped the walls, adding a luxurious warmth to the space, while blue neon lights framed the room, their cool glow casting an ethereal light over everything. Chandeliers made of dark glass hung from the ceiling, their crystalline shapes scattering soft reflections that shimmered with every beat of the music. The ambiance was intimate, seductive, with the perfect blend of elegance and mystery.
Vas couldn't help but wonder how Anya had come up with such a design. It was an unexpected fusion of darkness and allure, yet it worked seamlessly.
Zola turned to him, eyes wide with admiration. "How did you get us in here?" she asked, her voice low and incredulous. "This place is definitely not easy—or cheap—to get into."
"It's a perk of the last name," Vas said, trying to sound casual, though he was pleased with her reaction.
Zola smiled at him, a soft, knowing look in her eyes. She stepped closer, the scent of her perfume surrounding him like a delicate veil. For a moment, time seemed to slow as they stood there, just the two of them in this luxurious, private world.
"Shall we?" Zola asked, her voice almost a whisper, her hand gently brushing his arm as she gestured toward the dance floor.