That morning, the soft sunlight poured through the large window in Cleopatra Thompson's room, warming the space filled with luxury. Cleopatra woke up with enthusiasm, her body resting comfortably on her lavish bed, wrapped in dark-colored silk sheets. She took a deep breath, feeling the comfort she always enjoyed every morning. As soon as she woke up, her sharp eyes scanned the room with excitement. Today was an important day, an opportunity she had planned for a long time.

Outside the room, her maid, Maria, stood carefully at the door, waiting for instructions. After a few seconds, Maria entered, carrying a tray with a cup of warm tea and several slices of fresh fruit. 'Ms. Thompson," Maria greeted softly, 'I've prepared the bathwater as per your request last night. The flowers you chose are also ready in the bathtub."


Cleopatra nodded with a slight smile. 'Good. Thank you, Maria. I'll be right there." Without saying more, she got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

The large, ornate bathtub was filled with warm water flowing slowly, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air as if welcoming Cleopatra who had just entered the room. Cleopatra felt the warmth of the water pampering her skin, making her feel more alive and ready to face the day. With care, she submerged herself into the water, enjoying the sensation of flowers floating around her. Several pink rose petals drifted on the surface, adding to the beauty of the atmosphere.

After finishing her bath and feeling refreshed, Cleopatra stepped out


of the tub. Maria quickly approached, offering a soft towel to wrap around Cleopatra's still-wet body.

Cleopatra dried herself gracefully, then put on a comfortable nightgown. Not long after, she walked toward the large wardrobe in the corner of the room, opened the beautifully carved wooden doors, and chose the outfit for the day.


'What dress should I wear for the first date?"

After dressing up neatly in an elegant knee-length black dress, Cleopatra walked out of her room toward the private parking lot located behind her grand mansion. The well-maintained garden and tree-lined streets decorated the area around the mansion. There, luxury sports cars were lined up neatly. A red Lamborghini was parked in the corner, standing out with its impressive design. Cleopatra stood still for a moment near the car, admiring her choice for the day. After thinking for a while, she finally chose the gleaming red Lamborghini, gently touching the car's door and opening it.

With confidence, Cleopatra stepped inside, sat behind the wheel, and donned large sunglasses to complete her look. Black rubber gloves added an elegant and serious touch to her appearance. She gripped the steering wheel with a steady hand, started the engine, and immediately drove out of the mansion grounds toward her planned destination: the park where she would meet Louis.

The drive to the park went smoothly. Cleopatra felt satisfied with her perfect appearance. When she finally arrived at the quiet park, she stopped and parked the car near a beautiful gazebo. With a hopeful smile, she got out of the car and walked to one of the park benches beneath a shady tree. She waited eagerly, occasionally chewing on a piece of gum she had just taken from her bag. Her other hand rested on the bench, her eyes fixed on the road leading into the park, waiting for Louis to arrive.

However, as time passed, there was no sign of Louis. Hours passed, and Cleopatra grew more and more anxious. Every passing second made her more irritated. As the sun began to set, Cleopatra felt her patience wearing thin. Her face, which was usually filled with smiles, now tightened in frustration.

"Where is he?!" Cleopatra hissed, sitting still on the park bench, her eyes flashing with disappointment. She chewed the gum harder, its sweetness no longer able to soothe the anger burning inside her chest. The clock showed it was already very late, and Louis had still not shown up. Cleopatra stood up quickly and walked toward her car, clenching her fists. 'This is taking too long, Louis!" she screamed inside her head, as if calling the man who never came.

With swift movements, Cleopatra opened the Lamborghini door and got back into the car, started the engine, and immediately pressed the gas pedal hard. The car sped back toward her mansion, cutting through the empty roads of the night. Inside the car, Cleopatra sat with an angry expression, unable to control her frustration anymore. Every curve in the road felt like an insult to her, making her mood even worse.

Upon arriving at the mansion, the atmosphere inside the house seemed quieter than usual. All the house staff, seeing Cleopatra's tense expression, knew exactly what was going on. They dared not approach or ask any questions, avoiding the sharp gaze that might come. Cleopatra walked past them without saying a word and headed straight for her room.

In her room, Cleopatra threw her bag onto the vanity table and stared sharply at the mirror. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her anger grew even stronger. 'Damn it! How dare he disappoint me like this," she muttered furiously. She clenched her fists as tightly as she could, her once graceful face now filled with uncontrollable rage. 'Does he think I'm playing around here? Damn it!"

A moment later, she walked toward the door and opened it loudly, slamming it shut so hard that the entire mansion seemed to shake. Cleopatra's angry scream echoed from inside her room, but no one dared to come close. The house staff could only glance at each other and nod in understanding that, once again, Cleopatra was in a very bad mood.

No one dared to disturb Cleopatra when she was in this kind of state. Everyone knew that when Cleopatra was angry, it was better to stay away. Even Peter, who decided not to interrupt, let his employer be alone in her room while her anger still simmered.

________________________________________

Louis stood before the large mirror in his room, staring at himself with hesitation. The white shirt he had just put on looked perfect, paired with a neat black suit and pants that fit his body well. However, something made him unable to move. His hand reached up to adjust the collar of his suit, but his mind kept wandering, as if unwilling to take the next step.

He glanced at the ticking clock on the wall, the long hand almost pointing to 7 PM. Time was running out, and he knew Cleopatra was probably waiting. But for some reason, his heart felt heavy. The image of Cleopatra's face, full of challenge and ambition, appeared in his mind, making him even more uncertain.

'Why should I go?" Louis muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. 'She... she's not for me."

He took a deep breath, still staring at himself in the mirror. A sense of anxiety overwhelmed him. Louis knew very well that Cleopatra was someone full of wealth and power. She lived in a world that was so different from his own—a world filled with hard work and financial struggles.

As he remained silent, contemplating in his expensive outfit that seemed so out of place in his simple life, the door to his room opened slowly. Louis turned, and his mother, Linda Toreto, appeared with a warm smile on her face.

'Louis, darling, can you help me for a moment?" Linda's voice sounded soft and hopeful.

Louis shifted his gaze from the mirror, a small smile crossing his lips as he saw his mother. 'Of course, Mom. What's the matter?"

Linda approached, walking slowly and gently rubbing Louis' back. 'There's a problem with the water pipes in the kitchen. I think there's a leak. I've tried fixing it, but it seems to be getting worse. Could you check and help me fix it?"

Louis looked at his mother for a moment, then glanced at the suit and shirt he was wearing. He felt awkward, as if the world he was about to face tonight with Cleopatra was so far removed from the world he had with his mother.

But with a sincere smile, Louis said, 'Sure, Mom. Just a moment." He took off the suit he had just put on and changed into more practical clothes for fixing the pipes.

Linda smiled with relief at her son's readiness to help. 'Thank you, darling. I know you're always here for me."

Louis looked at his mother with love. 'You don't need to thank me, Mom. It's my duty as your son."

They both walked toward the kitchen, and Louis began inspecting the leaking pipe under the sink. Meanwhile, Linda stood beside him, watching closely with full attention.

'Don't you have plans tonight, Louis?" Linda asked softly, as if sensing that her son had dressed more formally than usual.

Louis nodded. 'I do, Mom. Actually, I was ready to go, but... I just couldn't leave you alone." He continued fiddling with the pipe, tightening a few loose screws with a tool he took from the toolbox.

Linda smiled wisely, her hand brushing Louis' hair affectionately. 'You, my dear. So often, you put my needs before your own. I'm so proud to have a son like you."

Louis smiled faintly, even though the doubts that had been in his mind grew stronger. He didn't feel he belonged in Cleopatra's world—a world full of wealth and clear differences from his simple life.

After a while, the leaking pipe was finally fixed. Louis made sure everything was safe and that there were no more leaks. He stood up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked at his mother, who was smiling proudly at him.

'It's done, Mom. The pipe is back to normal," he said in a soft yet confident voice.

Linda nodded and gave her son a brief hug. 'Thank you, Louis. You're amazing."

Louis returned the hug, his heart warm with deep love. 'You don't need to thank me, Mom. I'm just doing what I should."

The night grew later, and the two of them sat at the small kitchen table. Louis looked at his mother, feeling that his simple life meant so much more than all the wealth possessed by others, including Cleopatra. He couldn't imagine himself in that world of luxury.

'Louis, I know you work so hard for our family," Linda began the conversation after a long silence. 'But I want you to know that no matter what happens, you always have a place here. This house, it is a place full of love."