CHAPTER 9

“Girlll! You are literally living my dream.” She whispered in awe.

Just then, the man walked towards us.

“Miss Kora?” He asked, his face stern.

“Yes,” I replied.

He gave a curt gesture towards the car. I waved at Lisa, still in disbelief, and followed him.

He opened the back door, motioning for me to enter.

The cool, perfumed air enveloped me the moment I stepped inside. I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face.

“So where are you taking me?” I asked the stern-looking assistant as he settled into the driver's seat.

“To Aldwin.” He replied bluntly.

“I know that. I mean, where exactly?”

He hesitated for a moment before answering, "You'll find out when we get there.” He drove off immediately.

It was quiet throughout the ride until we finally reached our destination.

A giant gate swung open, and we drove in. This was it: the legendary mansion I had only heard about. It had a massive compound. A grand fountain stood at its centre. Sculptures stood in elegant poses along the paths, each more imposing than the last. The car came to a stop in front of the magnificent building. The assistant stepped down and opened my door. I got out slowly, my eyes roaming everywhere at once.

I was awed. This was the kind of luxury you only see in movies or read about in fantasy books.

“Hello, Mademoiselle.” A warm, accented voice startled me.

“I am Ber-nar-do.” He introduced himself, pronouncing each syllable in a gentle rise-and-fall rhythm.

“Mr Aldwin’s butler.” He said politely. “I will see to your comfort while you await Mr Ellison. Please, come with me.” He turned with graceful swiftness and began to walk ahead. I hurried to match his pace, my heels clicking softly on the terrazzo floor.

He led me past the grand staircase.

“The guest suites are in the east wing.” He explained. I was fixated on his beard; it moved in a small, steady bounce that seemed to match the rhythm of his words. The ends curved slightly upwards at his jaw, giving his face a somewhat humorous appearance.

“The family’s private quarters, including Mr Aldwin’s suite, are in the west wing. But not to worry, Mademoiselle, only Mr Ellison lives here.” He gave an assuring nod, already assuming that the Ellison household would make me uncomfortable.

“Per his instructions, I’ve made room for you adjacent to Mr Aldwin’s suite. I'll have the kitchen send up some snacks shortly.” He offered a warm smile.

“Should you require anything, please use the telephone.” With a slight bow, he turned and left, shutting the door gently behind him.

Wow. I was left in awe. Bernado left a good impression on me; I felt welcomed. He was an older man, perhaps in his late fifties, with silver-streaked dark hair neatly combed back.

I took a slow look around the room after Bernado left. The suite was massive, larger than my entire apartment. The sight literally took my breath away. I had never seen anything like it before. Everything screamed luxury, from the polished terrazzo floors to the high ceilings and exquisite furnishings.

The soft cream walls were accented with gold trim, and the tall windows were draped with sheer curtains, allowing warm daylight to pour in. At a corner, a plush sofa sat near a marble coffee table.

The sitting room alone was bigger than the two-bedroom apartment I shared with Lisa.

I entered the massive bedroom, and my jaw dropped. I walked further in, my heels sinking slightly into the thick carpet. I lay on the king-sized bed and was amazed by how unbelievably soft it felt. It was dressed in spotless white sheets that looked ceremonial. The faint scent of lavender and polished wood hung in the air.

This wasn't just a guest room; it felt intentional, prepared with care, as if someone had anticipated my arrival long before today. And for the first time since last night, I felt at ease.

Whatever this was, whatever Aldwin had planned, it was already far bigger than I had imagined.

I was still staring up at the chandelier hanging from the impossibly high ceiling when I heard soft footsteps in the sitting room. I stepped out to see a helper carefully arranging snacks and fruits on the dining table.

She offered a warm smile before leaving as quietly as she’d come.

“Thank you,” I said.

I picked up a pale pink macaron and took a bite. Oh my God. Even the food was flawless.

“Isn't everything here just so perfect?”

I had just poured myself a glass of wine when my phone rang.

It was Lisa, clearly dying to know.

“You didn't call me again. How is it going?” She sounded desperate.

I laughed long and loud before answering, “You couldn't even wait until I got back.”

She switched to FaceTime. “Show me around, you lucky bitch.”

I showed Lisa around the suite as she gasped and squealed. We talked for a while, gossiping and laughing, until my eyelids grew heavy. I lay on the bed, still holding my phone, and dozed off soon after.