CHAPTER 01: THE MANSION

Elena's pov

I stirred in my sleep, feeling warm and tucked against Adrian's side. The gentle rush of the air conditioner, the weight of the warm blanket,the comfort of his presence,it all felt safe.

Until it didn't.

I started hearing soft sounds that broke the peaceful silence I had. They were repetitive, strange and rhythmic. I blinked my eyes open, feeling confused about where the sounds were coming from. I glanced at my boyfriend Adrian and found out he wasn't sleeping.

He was sitting up,his body leaned to the headboard phone in his hands,his eyes were glued to the screen. The screen glow illuminated his face. I scooted closer to him to see what he was so focused on looking at. And what I saw made my stomach twist.

He was watching other girls! Naked girls moaning. I felt sick all of sudden. I had the urge to throw up instantly.

I sat up slowly, my chest feeling unimaginable pain. “Adrian… are you serious right now? How could you do this?”

He barely glanced at me,his eyes still glued to the screen. “Don't start now!"

“What the hell is this?" I demanded,my voice rising. “I'm literally right here Adrian!"

He rolled his eyes “it's not a big deal. Guys do this, it's normal"

“Normal? What the fuck is wrong with you Adrian? Normal? While your girlfriend is sleeping next to you?" My voice cracked with anger. “Do you even hear yourself?"

He snapped. He shoved me out of bed,hard enough that I landed with a loud thud.

“Stop acting like a damn saint Elena! It's because you're so boring that I resort to jerking off instead of you. Maybe if you were even a little more exciting,I wouldn't have to watch other girls to please myself!"

I gasped, tears stinging my eyes. I always knew that Adrian was a cold manipulative asshole but today he was worse. I wiped my tears from my face. " I'm done. We're done Adrian!”

I expected regret, remorse, maybe even an apology from him but instead all I got from him was a cold sadistic laugh. " Go ahead. I don't fucking care. Get out,you were just taking up my space anyways”

I stood there in disbelief that I had Loved this Man for two years even though he was an asshole. I stood for a few seconds hoping, maybe he'd realize what he had done but all I saw was disdain in his eyes.

So I left.

It was raining when I stepped outside with nothing but my phone and a handbag. I will come tomorrow to take my things.

My fingers trembled as I dialed Lexi, my friend.

“Hello?" Lexi's sleepy voice came through.

“Can I stay over?" I whispered. “I don't want to be alone"

“What happened to you Ellie?" Her voice came more clearer now.

" I'll tell you when I met you”. I answered her in small voice.

" Come,I'm waiting for you”

I hung up the phone as I took a taxi to Lexi's apartment. When I reached there,I found her waiting anxiously at her doorstep. I didn't hesitate to launch myself into her, sobbing.

Few minutes later,we went inside,we sat on two seater couch. I told Lexi everything that had happened between me and Adrian.

" Honestly… I always knew he was a douchebag" she sighed before continuing “So what are you going to do now?"

“ I have enough money to rent an apartment. I just want a fresh start."

She nodded. “Okay! Let's sleep now, and we'll begin apartment hunting tomorrow".

♥♠♠

The next morning,I woke up to the smell of coffee. I sat on the couch, folding the blanket I used Last night. I was busy watching the steam curling from the mug she placed Infront of me,when Lexi nudged me.

“You okay?" She nervously asked, fearing I might have a breakdown soon.

I nodded slowly,”I'm okay, Thank you".

She grinned and grabbed her laptop. “Let's find you a place to live girl! Something with artistic vibes".

An hour later we stumbled on a poster nailed to a cracked community board outside the coffee shop.

“Tenant needed for a private room in a shared mansion. Quite tenants only! Rent negotiable inquire within".

The photo showed a large, gothic style mansion with towering windows and curling iron gates. Most people would have found it creepy,but nope! Not me.

There was something beautiful about it like I was stepping into a painting. This place will be perfect for me to find an inspiration.

“Okay! This is it!" I said while clapping my hands, feeling excited all of sudden.

“Seriously?" Lexi squinted her eyes,” it looks like Dracula's summer house!”

I grinned " it's perfect!”

~~~~~~~~

Next day,I stood Infront of the towering doors of the mansion. My bags in my hands. The doors creaked open before I could raise my hand to knock and a woman who looked like she was in her mid fifties,her hair was tied in a neat bun.

" You must be Elena,” she said " come in”

I stepped into the beautiful foyer, surveying the high ceilings and the antique furniture. Living in a place like this, with just a normal rent,is a dream come true!

" I'm Claire, the housekeeper. I'll show you to your room but first… Rules!”

I nodded.

" Mr Cruor,the landlord is… particular," she said carefully. “He's a neat freak,so clean up after yourself. No loud music,no guests and absolutely,no staying out past 9 pm".

Wait what?? I'm renting a room,not a dorm room.

I blinked. “Wait…9pm? Why?”.

She gave me a stern look. " Trust me, it's for your own good!” Something about the way she said it,made a chill run down my spine but still nodded.

A fresh start. That's what I needed now!

Miss Claire's heels echoed against the polished marble floors as she led me down a long hallway lit by candles. Okay…This place seemed straight out of horror movie. It was elegant as well as mysterious.

Just my type!

“Your room," Claire said, stopping at a black wooden door. " Bathroom's across the hall. Kitchen is downstairs. Mr Cruor's quarters are on the West Wing. You'll not go there”.

She handed me a brass key. " Stay on your side of the house. He doesn't like people”. Why rent his house if he doesn't like people?

I almost laughed but her tone made me knew she wasn't joking. " Got it! Thanks”

I pushed the door open. The room was surprisingly cozy with dark wooden furniture,a window seat,closet and a dressing table. I let my bags down and wondered to the window. the vines crawled the stone walls to the gate.

A fresh start. I reminded myself. No more Adrian,no more crying in the bathroom.

Just peace!