Chapter 55: Not the weekend I'd imagined

**Valerie**

It was already evening when we arrived in Paris. I called in sick to work today. I wasn't entirely lying though, especially after last night at the bar.

The villa was more beautiful than I'd imagined. It had a big garden, a pool, a waterfall, sculptures... Name it.

“Do you like it?” Lucas asked, standing behind me.

My lips curled into a smile. “I love it.”

“I'm glad it's to your taste.” He grinned. “I'll show you to your room then,” he offered, leading the way.

Stepping into the well-furnished interior, I let my eyes roam, taking in the lights, the walls, and the floor. They were all impeccable.

We were standing in front of a door now. Lucas opened it and gestured for me to go in, while a man brought in my bag.

“You should freshen up," he suggested. "There's a local bar not far from here; we could have dinner there.”

“Okay, sure,” I nodded, settling into the large and hard mattress.

“Great, I also have a lot planned out for tomorrow…” He paused. “I mean, my mom has a lot p