Chapter three: The JR Mansion

~MIA~

“You're not invited,” Robert said, glaring at her, his teeth clinging together as he spoke.

“I'm part of the family, Robert, and as my humble and kindhearted brother isn't well enough to attend, it's just so right I represent myself as a family member, right?” Victoria said as her gaze slowly moved in my direction.

""Nice choice,"" she said as she moved her arms to touch my face, but Robert held her arm halfway and pushed it off.

“Stop it. " Not another word from you, Victoria.” Robert said with unease, reading through his expression.

“Oh! My bad. " I could be a loudmouth sometimes.” She said sarcastically as she moved slowly towards his ears.

“Well, your little secret is safe with me as long as you give me what I want at the board meeting; then I won't chase away your little princess.”

She tapped his shoulder and walked away majestically, leaving Robert with a disturbed expression.

“What is she talking about?” I asked as I pulled my arms out of his grip.

He looked at me rather startled and then walked towards the car.

I was confused, the relationship between Robert and Victoria seemed to be more tense. I wanted to ask Emily more questions, but I couldn't, as my ride home with Robert was waiting for me.

After a few minutes of driving home in silence as I watched Robert constantly glued to his phone, we finally arrived at the JR mansion. It was magnificent.

As I was about to get down from the car, Robert held my hands. “I'm sorry about Victoria; she's not too welcoming sometimes, and I…”

“Why did you force me into this marriage with you?” I asked, cutting him off.

He let go of my hands and turned to leave when I held him by his blazer.

“I will never treat you as a wife should,” I said with disgust.

He took off my hands and glanced at me with the warmest look ever,

“Get some rest,” were his last words as he stepped out of the car and walked into the mansion, leaving me behind.

I wanted us to have an argument, to fight. We should have a reason to dispise each other, but instead he's been the opposite.

I scoffed and walked out of the car. As I stepped into the mansion, I was greeted by an elderly woman and two maids.

“My name is Mrs. Cara, and I am the head housekeeper of the JR mansion. " I will be helping you settle in.” The elderly woman who looked like she was in her fifties said to me with her head slightly bowed.

The two maids that stood behind her collected my luggage from the chauffeur and moved upstairs.

We went upstairs into an apartment. It seems like a different section set apart. It has its own dining room, seating room, and bedrooms.

“This is Sir Robert’s apartment. There are four different apartments in the mansion and four guest rooms. Every Friday, the family comes together for dinner in the general dining room downstairs on the last floor. To your left is Sir Robert's room, and yours is on the right….”

I gazed around as she made her detailed description. Her words faded in my ears as I dived into my own thoughts.

“It looked beautiful, yet felt lonely. The walls had beautiful paintings designed by legends. Robert seems to be someone who loves details.”

“Do you need any further advice on how to go about the mansion?” said Mrs Cara, bringing me back to reality.

“No, I think I will be okay,” I said, turning my gaze to her.

“Remember, the basement is off-limits.”

She said with a smile, but I gazed back at her with a confused expression.

I stepped into my room, changed, took a shower, and collapsed on the bed.

It felt soft and relaxing, it was so big, as I spread my arms on the huge bed, I heard footsteps, it drew nearer to my door and stopped.

I felt my door knob twist and fear grip me. “Hope we are not having that aspect in marriage, where the bride has to give herself to the groom on her wedding night,”

I imagined Robert walking into my room, and stripping off my dress, impatiently, devouring every bit of me, kissing my lips passionately…

“No! No, I can't imagine that. I will make sure I chase him out.”

I quickly laid quietly on my bed and closed my eyes. I heard the door open slightly and then shot closed after some minutes.

I wondered why he tried coming into my room. Was he expecting more from me?