Stranger in Paradise

Chapter 9

Cecile Garnier

I stormed into my hotel room,grabbing my luggage and tossing them on the bed, I couldn’t believe I was stuck in this situation. My mind didn’t fail with the thoughts that Luca definitely has my cards. Otherwise why would he want something in return?

Why? He doesn’t even know me. I started to think about my own safety.

I signed and began packing my belongings trying to push aside the unease that had settled in my stomach. I had agreed to moving in with a stranger. Pretending to be someone I’m not, all for the same of getting my cards back.

This felt like a trap,a trap that I was willingly walking into.

But what choice did I have? Maybe other options might come up but until then. This is what I have to do.

As I finished packing. I took a deep breathe and looked around the hotel room one last time. I was really doing this. I was really going to go through with this crazy plan.

I hauled my luggage and rolled it out of the room his man who Luca has ordered to take me to the hotel was waiting just right outside the door.

He took my luggage without a word and led me back to the sleek car.

The drive was silent as usual. The only sound was the soft hum from the engine. I tried to stir out of my thoughts by trying to make out the drivers features. But his sunglasses and cap obscured his face.

We returned to the ville. And the driver pulled up at the entrance. A group of men who I assumed to be Lucas employees immediately drew near to help me with my luggage.

A warm and elegant woman probably in her early fifties who was among them stepped forward and introduced her self.

“Welcome, Miss. I’m Maria. I’ll be your Companion and guide during your stay here”

Oh Hello Maria, nice to meet you. I am Cecile” I said with a mix of excitement. The moment I saw her. I felt welcomed and at ease in her presence.

she had the most gentle face and kind smile ever. her dark hair with faint grey strands was styled in a sleek bob. The soft blue blouse and tailored trousers she had on radiated on her olive-toned skin already lined with subtle wrinkles.

She nodded, as she repeated my name in her soft Italian accent.

“Cecile. Luca has instructed me to ensure you have everything you need”

At first I didn’t think she was a worker. She looked too polished , too refined . Every thing about her style and poise caught me off guard that at first glance I had thought she might be a guest or even member of the family.

Maria took charge, directing the workers to take my luggage to my chambers. She then turned to me and said “ please follow me, I’ll show you to your room”

I followed her through the staircase that curved like a ribbon up the the floors above which was wide and hand up to six extended Wings. It made me wonder how big Lucas ville was. “ i could easily get lost here “ I thought .

We finally reached a beautiful suite and Maria stops in front of the door, turns to me with a warm smile and threw the door wide.

“ your chambers Cecelie” she gestures stepping aside to let me enter.

I stepped into the room, Maria remained in the doorway, her eyes fixed on me it was as if she was waiting for my reaction, eager to see my response to the room.

I took in the space, my gaze sweeping across the richness of the furnishing at the sitting area.

I ran my fingers over the rich fabrics ; velvet, silk and satin used for upholstery, curtains and bedding.

The artworks and The choice of color for the artistry painting on the wall were soothing with pale blue and cream hues and the large windows which were framed by sleek, modern louvers that seemed to effortlessly balanced a flood of sunlight and natural ventilation with the discreet whir of the air conditioning.

The room was beautiful.

I felt Maria’s eyes on me, watching me as I took in every detail. I turned to her, a smile spreading across my face.

“ It’s lovely” I said

Maria’s face lit up and lips curved upwards. She nodded seeming to relax now she’d seen my reaction.

“ I’m glad you like it” she said stepping forward into the room.

“you’ll find everything you need here. But if you require anything, just use the intercom over there” she said pointing towards the direction to where the intercom has been installed.

“ for now Rest and settle in“ she continued retracing her steps back to the door

“Dinner will be served at 8pm, I’ll come for you then”

With that she left me alone in my new surrounding.

I drew in a deep breathe and lowered myself into the cushioned settee.

I pulled out my phone from my jeans pockets. I hadn’t touched my phone for a while. Who would have with all the crazy drama and shithole I found myself.

I was greeted by a fury of text from my mom. I smiled as I rolled down reading them one at a time, I missed her as much as she did miss me.But one of the texts caught my attention and immediately the expression on my face turned sour as I read the text.

“Hey, sweetie, I’m so sorry I’ve put you in a difficult situation. I understand you don’t want to talk to me.i hope you can forgive me if you’ve figured things out”

I just felt guilt for not reaching out to her sooner

“But what exactly was she apologizing for?” I wondered for a moment. I had no idea of what she meant. I understand she may just be worried about me being in a new place but she didn’t need to blame herself.

I quickly typed out a response trying to reassure her without revealing too much.

“ Hey mum, I’m having the best time of my life! Don’t worry about me, I’m in good hands. Will fill you in soon. I miss you so so much. Love you!”

I hestitated for a moment before hitting send. I know wasn’t entirely truthful but I didn’t want to worry her. besides, I wasn’t even sure of what was going on my self.

I sat there, sloughed while fumbling in my thought. And I think I must have dozed off for a minute or two when I heard a soft knock on the door.

I straightened up , soothing out my hoodie and running hands through my hair as if The sudden knock had made me feel untidy.

I exhaled sharply, anticipating who it could be.

Maria, perhaps, or maybe even Lucas himself. I haven’t seen him since I arrived.

I felt a flutter In my chest at the possibility.

I called out trying to sound calm

“ come in”

The door opened slowly and I smiled when I saw it was Maria.

“You haven’t showered?” She asked sizing me up

“ I was just about to, I was out for a while I think I dozed off “ replied standing to meet her height.

“You have to come with me, Dinner is ready” she gestured.

“ ohhh” I blinked “ I didn’t know it was late” I stuttered. Wondering how long I was out that I had lost track of time.

“ can we go? I’m veryy hungry” I pleaded

But she nodded with a smile and proceeded out of the room while I followed her.

We walked through the door way and I found myself in a formal dinning room. The Aroma of wild mushroom risotto and Parmesan cheese filled the air.

The long polished room seemed to stretch in like for ever, surrounded by chairs that looked like they belonged in the palace. I wondered how many people Luca entertained here and what type of conversation took place around this table.

Maria motioned me to sit.

“ the chefs should be on their way in any moment from now, enjoy your meal” she always never failed to end each sentence with a smile.

As she turned to leave, I called out to her

“ Maria wait” I said trying to sound casual

“won’t Luca be joining me?”

She turned back at me “Master Luca isn’t in the Ville” she responded

“ business I guess” I bobbed my head.

“ I was just wondering” I continued unsure of how to proceed with my next question “what kind of business does Luca do?”

Maria’s expression changed, just for a moment. I saw a flicker of something. Wariness. Maybe. Or caution.

“He’s an entrepreneur…” she paused “with many interest”. She finally said

There was a moment of relenting stare between us that I tried to avoid before she finally softened her gaze.

“Go ahead and eat now Cecile, I’ll be back shortly”