The Obsession

Cruella de Vil glided across the marble floor of her opulent living room, her eyes scanning the space with a critical gaze. The sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows highlighted the lavish decor, and her gaze lingered on the sleek, modern lines of her prized possession: a stunning white mink coat draped over the back of a velvet sofa. Her thoughts were consumed by the upcoming charity gala, where she would be auctioning off her latest fashion creation: a breathtaking ensemble crafted from the finest, most luxurious furs. Cruella's obsession with fur coats had become the stuff of legend, with many whispering that her fixation bordered on madness. As she turned to make her way to the kitchen, her eyes landed on Jasper, her loyal butler, who was busy preparing a tray of refreshments. His tailored black suit accentuated his broad shoulders, and his dark hair was perfectly styled, as always. Cruella's gaze lingered on him for a moment, a flutter in her chest that she quickly dismissed as mere appreciation for his competence. Jasper, however, was not oblivious to Cruella's scrutiny. He had worked for her for years, and over time, he had grown accustomed to her mercurial moods and piercing stare. But lately, he couldn't shake the feeling that her gaze held a hint of something more - a spark of attraction that made him feel uneasy. Cruella sauntered into the kitchen, her heels clicking on the marble floor. "Jasper, darling, I need you to confirm the guest list for the gala," she said, her voice husky and confident. As Jasper handed her the list, their fingers touched, and Cruella felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She smiled to herself, intrigued by the sensation. Jasper, on the other hand, quickly withdrew his hand, his expression neutral. The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of activity, with Cruella attending to various tasks and Jasper ensuring that everything ran smoothly. But as the evening drew to a close, Cruella couldn't help but steal glances at Jasper, her mind whirling with the possibilities. As they said their goodnights, Cruella's hand brushed against Jasper's once more, and this time, she didn't pull away. Instead, she let her fingers linger, a subtle caress that sent shivers down Jasper's spine. "Goodnight, Jasper," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. Jasper's response was a low, gravelly "Goodnight, Miss de Vil." But as he watched her disappear into the shadows, he couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship had just crossed an invisible line - one that would be impossible to ignore.