Preparing Her Mind For This.

****

A taxi unhurriedly drove through an estate driveway, stopping at the front of a towering black gate. A young girl with wavy Dark Brown hair tied in a ponytail and Hazel Brown eyes stepped out of the taxi.

She was dressed in blue jeans and a gray top neatly tucked into her pants which enlightened her curves, paired with a black sneakers shoe.

She dragged her feet on the ground as she dazedly went to the taxi window and tipped the driver as she whispered...

"Thanks, Mr.Fred," she said with a subtle smile on her delicate features which now looked pale.

"Anytime Young Mrs. Brown." The driver known as Mr.Fred said with a gentle and understanding smile. He had known Aysel for some time now and all the rides he had had with her she was always cheerful, having something to talk about.

But he had never seen her so quiet and low-spirited during a lift.

She was lost in her inner thoughts all through the ride, making him wonder what bothered her. He asked what was wrong with her change in mood but she waved it off saying it was nothing much just a little issue, that she was fine. It was a clear lie but he remained silent and focused on the drive ahead.

Not wanting to dig deep into it he just let it go since they've only known each other for a few weeks and she also did not want to be open to him about it.

He certainly couldn't force her, especially if it's about personal matters.

Mr.Fred waved at her as he drove away and she did the same, trying hard to raise a smile.

After he drove away, she stood rooted to the ground. Her feet found it hard to take a step further.

She turned around slowly to face the towering black gate before her. It had an intricate design with the name of the man who slept with her boldly written on it.

Taking a step forward, she clicked on the bell at the gate thrice and quietly waited for a response.

A few moments later, a brown hefty man clad in a black uniform with a sunshade opened the gates.

He had a terrifying look as he scanned the gate searching for the being that had the guts to ring the bell more than twice but he found no one.

He removed his sunglasses as he scanned again because he was sure he heard the bell ring.

His gaze slowly landed on the little human girl who hardly reached the height of his chest.

She was around five feet tall and had a few inches to her height.

Aysel held her breath as the terrifying man's gaze landed upon her like he was staring at a little frightened rat.

She unconsciously shivered under his intimidating gaze and hefty body build.

"Who are you and what do you want?" He growled in his Husky deep tone, which might have seemed normal to him but such couldn't be said about Aysel as she only grew more frightened.

"I. I am here to see Anthon…Anthony Gracia." She stuttered under his crushing gaze like he could smash her any moment under his booth.

"And you are?" He asked, reminding her about his previous question.

"I... I am Aysel Brown." She responded hurriedly as she clutched onto her little purse with her hands, trying hard not to step away.

"Why do you want to meet my boss? Do you guys know from somewhere?" He inquired.

"No. Erm.. Yes, we do. Can I see him, please? I have something important and urgent to discuss with him." Aysel pleaded, using her baby doll eyes to make him agree.

A side of his nose twitched as he stared at her persuasive eyes like that of a kitten.

It was the first time anyone had used such an adorable spell on him and he was finding it hard to refute the spell making his eyes constrict and his nose twitch involuntarily.

"Hold up. Let me ask my boss first." He said and closed the gate.

As he entered, his mind raced with curiosity about the enchanting power her eyes seemed to possess. Despite his initial skepticism, he found himself succumbing to their allure, ultimately granting her entry after receiving approval from his boss.

Typically, it was not within his duties to open the gate, but due to the security guard's absence, he had taken on the responsibility of filling in for the guard.

Aysel, who had been waiting under the morning sun started to feel her legs ache a little.

She started to pace to and fro as she awaited the frightening bodyguard's return and hopefully, with approval from Anthony to let her into his house. While also trying to sculpt something reasonable to say to Anthony when they meet once again after some time.

She heard the gate click open and the bodyguard appeared before her, gesturing for her to come in.

Aysel gulped her saliva down her dried throat.

She had been preparing her mind for this since yesterday when she and her mom agreed to the decision to meet the father of her child. But now that the time had arrived, she felt cold all over.

They had previously agreed to part ways after receiving the sum of money in the cheque. Yet, here she was again, going back to the same man, as her flat belly would soon be swelled with their unborn child.

She had to do it to prevent her child from getting bad names in society. She could not let her unborn child be a bastard, so she had to take the step.

The entrance to the mansion is marked by an elaborate wrought iron gate, standing tall and imposing.

As the gates swing open, a long driveway lined with towering palm trees and vibrant flowers leads to the sprawling compound.

The mansion sits at the heart of the expansive compound, surrounded by lush green lawns and meticulously landscaped gardens. The manicured hedges formed elegant patterns, while colorful blooms added bursts of vibrant hues. Stone pathways wound through the gardens, inviting guests to explore and enjoy the serene beauty.

The mansion itself was a magnificent sight to behold, it had a golden color painted all over it, including the roof.

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and airy ambiance. The entrance was framed by a set of double doors, made of rich, dark wood and embellished with elegant brass accents. A grand staircase, adorned with a plush carpet runner, leads to the upper floors, hinting at the luxurious spaces that await inside.

The mansion's spacious balconies and verandas offered a good view of the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful retreat for relaxation and contemplation. A private swimming pool, nestled in a secluded corner of the compound, shimmers invitingly, surrounded by loungers and umbrellas.

The overall design was a blend of elegance, awe, and natural beauty. From the intricately designed gate to the well-trimmed gardens and the stately mansion itself, every element is carefully crafted to create a picturesque and easy-to-imagine setting of wealth and luxury.

At the front of the mansion, about five to six bodyguards clad in black uniforms stood firmly, putting on black sunshade glasses and unshaken about the bright sun that bathed them which seemed to be normal to them.

Quietly trailing behind the bodyguard, Aysel entered the extravagant sitting room. The creak of the front doors reverberated through the serene space, breaking the silence.

"Please have a seat. My boss will join you shortly," the bodyguard instructed before positioning himself firmly at the side, ensuring the stranger remained under his watchful gaze until his boss descended the staircase.

Aysel sank into the soft, golden cushions, her grip on her purse tightening as she struggled to steady her breathing. She mentally prepared herself for any eventuality, bracing herself for what was to come.

Minutes passed, but there was no sign of Anthony Gracia. Aysel felt as though they were deliberately making her wait, hoping she would give up and return home to her mother's comforting embrace. But there was no way she was leaving without speaking to the father of her child.

Unconsciously, Aysel's hand drifted up to her abdomen, her fingers caressing it in a tender, motherly manner. Suddenly realization dawned on her as she noticed what she was doing, she quickly withdrew her hand from her still-flat belly.

"What are you doing, Aysel? You only found out you were pregnant yesterday, yet you're already acting like a lovey-dovey mother," she muttered to herself, rolling her eyes in disbelief at her actions. She couldn't believe she was already doing that.

Aysel raised her hand to check how much time had passed since she was seated there and it turned out It was close to thirty minutes if not more and she began to ponder on what was making him waste so much time.

She had the thought to ask the bodyguard who stood at the corner of the sitting room but she waved off the idea as she remembered his frightening gaze and the way he growled at her.

She could not walk up to him, not to talk of asking him a question. Well, she could do that if she wanted to be killed by his terrifying gaze.

Heaving a deep breath, she relaxed her back at the headrest of the cushion, and her eyes slowly shut down into a deep slumber.

That was how easily Aysel could get tired and sleep for long hours.