Chapter 4

The morning sun peeked through Vanessa's curtains, painting warm stripes across her bed. Sunday had arrived, and with it, Vanessa's familiar routine. She stretched languidly, yesterday's stress melting away like morning dew.

First things first: exercise. Vanessa threw on her running clothes, the well-worn path to the park etched in her muscle memory. As she pounded the pavement, the rhythm of her feet became a silent symphony. During her morning run, she usually clears her head.

Back home, a sense of calm purpose took over. With practiced ease, Vanessa transformed her room into a haven of order. Clothes were folded and tucked away, and books were neatly stacked on her nightstand. A sense of accomplishment bloomed as she surveyed her handiwork.

Next came the work world. Vanessa booted up her computer, tackling the emails that had accumulated like untended weeds during the busy workweek. One by one, they were answered, deleted, or filed away, leaving her inbox a pristine digital landscape.

Social media beckoned next. Vanessa scrolled through updates from friends and family, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she liked photos and exchanged quick comments. A text message pinged on her phone – it was Carolyn, no doubt eager to catch up on their daily dose of gossip and girl talk. Vanessa typed out a reply, their conversation flowing as easily as a well-worn path.

Finally, with a contented sigh, Vanessa picked up her well-loved copy of "Pride and Prejudice." Curling up on the couch, she dived into the delusional world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the timeless tale that balms her broken heart. As she devoured chapter after chapter, the outside world faded away, leaving only the captivating world of Jane Austen and the promise of a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

A wave of peace washed over Vanessa as she nestled deeper into her novel. Suddenly, her phone buzzed, shattering the tranquility. An unwelcome text notification pulsed on the screen, the sender's number an unknown string of digits. With a frown, Vanessa unlocked her phone and read the message.

"Hi baby doll," it read. Annoyance flared in her chest. This was, without a doubt, the most irritating message she'd ever received. She opted to ignore it, hoping it was some sort of wrong number. But her peace was short-lived. A moment later, another text arrived from the same number.

"Ignoring me, baby doll?" the second message taunted.

Vanessa's annoyance morphed into full-blown irritation. "First, stop calling me baby doll," she fired back. "Most importantly, who are you?"

A smug reply followed. "Are you trying to hurt my feelings on purpose or you didn't save my contact?"

"Will you do the pleasure of introducing yourself or should I just block you," Vanessa countered, her patience wearing thin.

The response sent a jolt through her. "Vanessa Caleb..... This is Darryl Peter."

So, Darryl knew her full name. The realization dawned on her – he must have gone through her purse. A cold anger simmered within her.

"Gentlemen never invade a woman's privacy," she texted back, her voice laced with ice. "Why did you check my purse?"

Darryl's reply was nonchalant. "Curiosity. Or confirmation. Call it whatever you want."

Ignoring his attempt to downplay his violation, Vanessa cut to the chase. "Why did you text me?"

"To fix the time for our date," Darryl responded. "You should know I can't wait to see you." Another text followed immediately. "And I know you can't wait to see me too."

Vanessa's mind raced. she boiled in anger but this was her only chance. A chance to confront him, to get her purse back. With a steely resolve, she typed out a reply. "We'll meet tonight at 8 pm, same location."

"I knew you can't wait to see me, baby doll," Darryl's smug reply came back instantly.

Vanessa's anger flared anew. "You ruined my peaceful afternoon, Darryl," she sent, her message laced with venom.

"See you tonight, baby doll," Darryl replied, oblivious to her fury.

Vanessa tossed her phone on the couch, no longer interested in his messages. Her peaceful Sunday was shattered, replaced by a burning desire to set things right.

With a sigh, Vanessa pushed herself off the bed and padded over to her organized closet. Tonight's date wasn't exactly a thrill, it was making her mad, but Vanessa wasn't about to let that stop her from putting on a good show. The fluorescent light from the ceiling cast long shadows across the clothes crammed onto the rack, making it a battle zone of textures and colors. Dresses of all shapes, colors, and sizes hung limply, their past outings whispering memories in Vanessa's mind.

Vanessa ran a hand slowly and patiently through the garments, silks snagging on her fingernails. Then, a flash of emerald green gown caught her eye. Relief washed over her as she pulled out a knee-length gown, the fabric shimmering like a captured forest. This wasn't just any dress; it was her birthday gift from Carolyn, her best friend since their college days. A pang of warmth shot through Vanessa's chest.

Carolyn, with her trust funds and designer labels, could have been a fleeting acquaintance from a different world. Carolyn was born into a wealthy family and married into another wealthy family while she is from a humble background. Yet, their bond had transcended backgrounds, a testament to the strength of their friendship. Vanessa can't still believe their bond will last for years but here they are, the bond growing stronger than ever.

Placing the emerald gown on the bed, Vanessa continued her search. A pair of silver heels she'd recently splurged on peeked out from under a pile of boots, their metallic sheen a perfect match for the dress. A small, silver purse completed the ensemble, laid out like a sparkling champagne glass.

As Vanessa surveyed her chosen weapons, a nervous flutter danced in her stomach. Whatever the night held, she would face it head-on, looking like a million bucks, even if her date wasn't worth a dime. Since Darryl Peter wants a show, she will give him a perfect show.