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The Montelli family prides itself in its vast collection of artistic pieces and echoes. It prides itself so much in this collection that the family has even bought land to build the huge Averardo Vault to store such valuable pieces, while also expanding the family through its employees. It would be no surprise that the family would also highly value its artist members.
Florence Montelli, a young woman, cousin of Carlotta Montelli and the daughter of Alberto Montelli. Born from a foreign mother and a Montelli father, she fuses her two cultural origins in her artwork, which has started to become well known in Ragguna.
As her collection of work started to grow in size and value, her father offered a secure vault deep inside the Averardo Vault to store such valuable works, where she will have access any time to access her collection and deposit or withdraw works as she pleases. That is where she met the mysterious independent worker Zani.
Zani was a fairly new employee of the Montelli’s, but her loyalty to the family was unmatched like any other. Zani would on occasion take shifts guarding her personal vault, amongst shifting between other precious vaults to guard. Florence would access the employee shift schedule on occasion to coordinate her visits to the vault when Zani would be standing guard, just to engage in some small talk with the woman.
Today was no different.
“Hello, Ms.Zani~” The sound of boots clacking closer to the vault alerts Zani, paired with that sweet voice that could only belong to a certain family member.
“Greetings, Ms.Montelli.”
“So…lovely day today isn't it?”
“Mm when I arrived earlier to clock in it was raining rather harshly, if you plan to go out Ms.Montelli I advise for you to wait till later in the afternoon.”
Florence pouts a little.
“Father sent me cause he is wondering if you've taken your lunch break yet.” Lie. Father never sent her down here for anything. She just wanted an excuse to talk to Zani and hear her voice caress her ears.
“Ah tell him there's no need to worry. I know when to not push myself, and I made sure to eat a bountiful breakfast at Margherita’s before coming in today.” Zani’s tail sways side to side as she speaks to Florence. “Are you working on any new pieces Ms.Florence?”
Florence clears her throat looking away under the gaze of the taller woman.
“N-no not yet, I'm awaiting a shipment of new pigments to hit the market before I paint again.”
Zani nods and hums. “Well, I’m looking forward to your next art exhibition. I’ll make sure to attend once the date arrives.”
“Thank you Ms.Zani…oh I have something for you.”
Zani quirks a brow as Florence rummages through her large purse.
“I always see you drinking these, and since you haven't eaten yet I was thinking maybe you'd need a boost of energy.” Florence hands Zani her favorite brand and flavor energy drink. At the sight Zani adjusts her posture more and happily accepts the energy drink, cracking the can open and taking a swing.
“Mm, thank you Ms.Montelli, it's been a couple hours since my last caffeine hit and I was starting to feel the effects running off, I greatly appreciate this gift.”
The appreciation makes Florence smile like a young school girl, the praise from Zani igniting a profound happiness inside the girl's heart.
“Youre welcome Ms.Zani, you are always looking out for the family, I thought it was about time someone started to look after you.”
Zani’s eyes now widened, shocked at the sweet words gracing her ears. It's true she was always looking after the wellbeing and assets of the family, and when she returned to her empty apartment each night she had no one to take care of her but herself. Hearing that someone wanted to look after her, and not the other way around, sent a surge of warmth spreading through her body in the rather air conditioned hallways.
“Ms. Montelli, before you leave…”
“Yes?” Florence looks Zani in the eyes.
“I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to Margherita’s for dinner tonight, if you are not busy of course. And don't worry about costs, I’ll pay.”
Florence blushes. Did she seriously just get asked out on a date?! She fumbles a bit with her words before finally managing to sputter out-
“I’d love to.”
Zani smiles.
“My shift ends at 5 o clock, wait for me outside the gate to the vault, I’ll accompany you there.”
“Will do, see you later Zani.”
“See you later Florence.”
Florence walks away with a huge smile painting her face. After countless times engaging in small talk with the woman, she was the one who finally got asked to go on a date. A real date with none other than the best employee of the Montelli’s. Smiling, she heads out to her art studio, unbeknownst a man above the staircase has watched the whole ordeal, a smile on his face too. Who knew the biggest supporter of this blossoming romance was none other than the boss of the employee and the father of the painter?