Chapter 7: Dinner Together
“Where do I think I'm going now?” As the servants guided her to a location, Belinda wondered where she was heading.
The woman stepped back through the beautiful garden, filled with light that shone brightly and was obviously created through the touch of magic. Every corner of the garden was a sight to behold, with brightly colored plants and blooming flowers, creating an unparalleled atmosphere. On that trip, his eyes could not be drawn away from the beauty on display, as if the garden was a greenhouse that exuded elegance and magic like he had never seen before. This was no mere garden, but a living work of art that invited a sense of awe and deep reflection on the beauty of the world that can be created when imagination and reality combine.
“Over here,” the order snapped Belinda out of her reverie. She followed the direction of the servants.
Belinda arrived in a vast and magnificent room, where a long table was spread out in front of her, surrounded by rows of comfortable and elegant-looking chairs.
At the end of the table, she saw Luca sitting quietly with an aura of serenity surrounding him, as if he were the center of all attention.
The waiters who had escorted Belinda to the room departed, leaving her alone there.
On the table, several appetizing menus were laid out, neatly arranged, and tantalizingly scented, making Belinda's stomach beat faster. Furthermore, the beauty of this room was further enhanced by the presence of artistic urns, human-shaped statues made of steel metal, and lush greenery, as if dancing in harmony with the aesthetics of the space.
As Belinda cast her eyes around the room, her curiosity was aroused about the existence of these plants. Recalling her previous observations of the arid and barren outer areas of the mansion, she wondered how it was possible that inside this room, life could flourish with such fresh and bright vibrations. Was there a sophisticated irrigation system, or perhaps skilled hands tending to these plants with dedication?
These questions swirled around in her head, further adding to Belinda's fascination with the mystery surrounding this place and the people who inhabited it.
The servants who escorted Belinda to the room departed, leaving her alone there.
"How long are you going to stand staring around?" asked Luca, breaking Belinda's trance.
The woman then walked over to the chair opposite Luca and positioned it end-to-end. After she sat down, the waiter hurriedly moved all the dishes near Belinda.
The woman looked at the menu spread out in front of her, fascinated by the variety of red colors that dominated. The bright colors seemed to signify something special, far different from the dishes that were usually delivered to her room.
Inquisitive, she scrutinized the choices, from appetizers to mouth-watering desserts. In the center was a large roast, resembling the shape of a rabbit, which looked appetizing. The uniqueness of this dish aroused his curiosity and heightened his anticipation of a new culinary experience.
“Why are you just looking at it?” asked Luca, who had been watching Belinda in silence.
“What is all this food? It's not human flesh and blood, right? Why is it so red?” asked Belinda, feeling very curious.
“Why would it be human flesh and blood?” asked Luca. "Aren't you accustomed to eating each other?"
“Shut your mouth! You don't know anything about humans; you can talk all you want!” protested Belinda in annoyance.
“I've researched earth creatures and mankind. I know all about the rottenness of humans, including the wicked guys and the mafia,” she said haughtily.
“You think all humans are the same? Don't ever generalize about humans because you don't know anything about them!” said Belinda firmly.
“Hah, I've just seen a human being as brave as you. Are you truly unafraid of me? asked Luca.
“No, I'm not. Why should I be afraid of a strange creature like you?” grumbled Belinda. “I'm not hungry, and I want to go back!”
Belinda got up from her seat and placed her spoon and fork on the table.
“Sit down!”
“No way!” replied Belinda sternly, turning to leave, but she was momentarily startled into halting her steps when Luca was standing in front of her and blocking her way.
"How?" she muttered in shock, then turned her gaze back to where Luca had been sitting. Although Luca had been sitting a considerable distance away, about five meters, the man now stood in front of him.
“I don't like to be argued with. I'm a ruling lord, so sit back down!” Luca commanded with emphasis. Belinda was left with no choice but to comply and take her place.
“I asked you to have dinner, so eat it,” said Luca, who had sat back down.
“Is he a vampire? Why did he dart off so fast? What a strange creature,” Belinda thought. “I'd better fill my stomach so I have the strength to fight that gorilla.”
Belinda started shoveling food into her mouth. And as usual, although the color of the food was strange, the taste was undeniable—so delicious, tender, and indulgent. Belinda cut off a bit of the rabbit-shaped roast and tried the meat, and once again, it tasted absolutely wonderful.
The culinary experience she was having at the moment seemed to open a new window into a world of flavors she had never known in her life on Earth. Each mouthful provided a unique sensation, as if there was a complex blend of unusual ingredients.
The roast, exotic in appearance, was perfectly tender, with a subtle sweetness and a captivating savory flavor that seemed to awaken all her senses in one bite. The accompanying vegetables added a dimension of flavor, offering a lush earthiness and wonderful freshness while confirming that this mix of flavors was not just a number on paper but a work of culinary art. Throughout this gastronomic journey, Belinda couldn't help digging into the unspeakable delights; she had never tasted these flavors on earth, but now, vividly, she felt how flavors can transcend boundaries, making it an unforgettable experience.
"It seems you truly enjoy it, don't you?" "Human blood," Luca mocked with a smile. It was obvious from his expression and the sharp red eyes that he was mocking Belinda.
“Well, there's no denying it; it's delicious,” Belinda replied calmly, shoveling the food back into her mouth without regard for Luca's piercing gaze that seemed to be judging her every move.
At the very least, she was sure that the aroma was that of a wide variety of fresh fruits that tantalized the taste buds rather than the blood, and it managed to tease her sense of smell with a natural fragrance that was hard to resist.
The red color that enveloped the dish, piquing his curiosity, was definitely not blood, not at all, nor was it a food coloring commonly used in the modern culinary industry. This place simply did not allow the use of synthetic coloring agents.
Belinda was aware that every element of the dish was presented with the utmost perfection, of well-preserved quality and authenticity. This food was served to the ruling lords, so the ingredients had to be carefully chosen.
The sweetness that delighted his tongue and the tempting appearance of the food was a reflection of the skillfully reduced real fruits, which not only satisfied his hunger but also brought a deep pleasure.
“Do you want more?” asked Luca, pouring the drink into her mouth.
At that moment, unintentionally, Belinda's eyes focused on Luca, who seemed to be savoring his drink with a slight tilt of his head; he looked so relaxed yet sexy, especially when Belinda caught the moment Luca's Adam's apple moved up and down as he sipped the red drink slowly.
The shirt, left slightly open, revealed his broad chest, showcasing his muscular body, leaving Belinda feeling burned with heat. She couldn't help but stare, even though she knew how dangerous it was for her heart.
Belinda's face immediately turned red with a racing heart. And to avoid making the situation even more uncomfortable, she quickly turned her gaze in another direction, trying to ignore the temptation that seemed difficult to miss. It was like a slow-motion movie, where every detail about Luca seemed so striking and inevitable.
Time seemed to pause, and the allure of the man before him compelled her to turn back, despite her deep-seated awareness that it was merely a temptation she needed to resist.
“How come that alien creature has a perfect, sexy body?” she thought to herself.