Chapter 1

PIERRE POV

The horizon was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun, the slanting rays giving a warm tinge of red-orange to the sky, casting long shadows to the ground in its awakening. The air was pleasant to breathe, warm yet refreshing. The gentle breeze of summer brushed through the green leaves of the trees, making the eerie sound liven with the whooshing sound of the air.

I stood on the solid ground, my eyes roaming all over the vast, picturesque estate spread before me. Long white pillars stretched from the ground, ascending into the sky to hold down and firmly, an opulently constructed three floors mansion, carefully carved, bent, and twisted by the experts to give an intimidating, yet lavish feeling surrounding the whole house. The walls were well painted in cream color with black accents here and there, and the stairs aligned with the little statuettes making me feel like I have stepped into an ancient Greek world. The lights from the inside seeped magnificently from the vast windows, casting warm glows around the cradle and illuminating the whole establishment. 

There was only one word that came to my mind when I saw the house; Breathtaking.

Reluctantly, I glanced down at my small travel bag before howling it behind me, then carefully headed for the neatly carved and perfected stone stairs until I reached the foyer. Awestruck, I glanced around the enormous space and nodded to myself, with the realization that the foyer only was twice the size of my dad’s living room back in France. A pang of sadness settled heavy inside of me with the memory of him. It has been a day since I have seen him, but I already missed him terribly.

Shaking off the unpleasant thoughts, I stepped towards the giant double door, then pressed the little white button mounted to the right side of the door seal. The sound of the bell tolling inside was heard, followed by deafening silence. I waited for a few seconds, my heart skipping beats with the thought of what waited for me. There was a small ping that sounded over my head, coaxing me to look up. I found a small red eye glancing down at me, then raised my hand to make a little awkward wave, hoping that whoever was staring down at me, would have mercy and be kind enough to open the door and let me in.

I was worn out, and drained. All I needed right now was a good shower and maybe two hours of undisturbed sleep. Flying has never been among my favorite things to do.

Almost before I could drop my arm, the door was whisked open to reveal HER. Dressed neatly in a body-hugging black dress that made her the house befitting to her image, the jewelry worth millions and a dazzling smile on her face. 

“Mon joli garcon.” Mom stepped out of the house before pulling me in a giant bear hug that made me feel like all my insides were pushed upwards. I tried to pry myself off her tight grip but gave up when she began rocking around with me. 

“Salute, Maman,” I replied flatly, hoping she would just set me down. After an eternity, she pulled back from the hug before attacking my face with kisses. I fought the sickening cringe that was clawing itself towards my face and just let her have her moment.

“Vous avez tellement grandi.” She amused holding me by the sides of my head before perking my forehead. I managed a small smile before staring back to the outside where my lone travel back stood, waiting for me to claim it.

“This place is amazing,” I said awkwardly reverting the topic. She glanced heavenward before revealing her pearly white teeth. 

“I know right, there’s no getting used to it.” She grinned, and when I didn’t say anything, she brushed her hands on her dress and then ushered me inside.

“Come, let’s get you to your room.” Upon hearing her words, I made a way to turn to get my bag, but she was quick to capture my hand and started to walk down the stairs.

“They will take care of it. Come on, tell me more about France.” She said smiling. I so wished she would stop smiling because it made it hard to stay mad at her. I know she was more beautiful than she has ever been, happier even, but that didn’t erase the fact that she left my dad and ran into the sunset with some American billionaire. I wasn’t against it, not at all. But it still stung that they were no longer together. I kind of loved them together.

“Can I at least shower first? I stink.” I informed gently pulling my hand from hers. Her smile dropped slightly at my withdrawal, but she was quick to mask it off with yet another smile. At least she didn’t feel bad.

We climbed the stairs to the third floor until we arrived on some opulent, lavishly decorated hallways. The lamps mounted on the ceiling created a warm glow that bathed us low. I mean they were two souls that created this messed-up thing called ME.

“Everybody prefers low lights. Hope you don’t mind.” She announced before stepping forward, then walking down the vast carpeted hallways. I came canoodling behind her, my head spinning around my neck as I tried to make out some of the infamous paintings that hung proudly on the wall. I lost count and just decided to focus on the décor. I wasn’t much of an architect, but I knew a good thing when I saw one. This house had to be the epitome of perfection. I almost felt like a speck of dirt in its perfect being.

Mom opened the door on the right side of the hallway, then spread her arms outwards.

“Surprise….” She then continued to push me in and stand behind me, letting me take my surroundings all in. I turned back to stare at her face, to find her hands clamped on her chest and an idiotic grin on her face. Honestly, how could I stay mad at all that?

“You like it?” She asked, her eyes sparkling expectantly as she waited for my response.

“It’s perfect.” The room had to be bigger than my dad’s whole house. It was equipped with everything a teen boy could ever want. From the fanciest play station, I merely fantasized about, to a big bookshelf that lined the other side of the wall. There was a door just beside it, and another one mounted opposite to it.

Facing the bed was a blue lounge area, with a full set of couches, coffee tables, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The bed was king-sized and something about… everything made me feel like I stepped into some different kind of world. This couldn’t be my room.

“We will go shopping on weekend and fill your closet. Right over there, is your en-suite bathroom. You’re going to love the shower.” She made sure to pinch my cheeks before delving deeper into the room, then gestured to all the doors.

“And this right here…” She gestured to the bookshelf, her face splitting into another grin, “Is for my little college man.” 

“Ahhmmm… I am still in high school.” I said, fighting the urge to frown at her.

“Of course, but you aren’t staying in high school forever. And everything you need to know about Law is right here.” She said and started running toward me. She held me by her arms, a sweet smile marring her face.

“I am happy you decided to come,” 

“And I am happy I came,” I said nodding to her. She pulled me in for a quick kiss before jumping backward.

“Okay. Freshen up and get some rest. Everyone will be here soon and you will get to meet them.” She announced, and by everyone, I instantly knew she referred to her husband and her stepson. 

“Poseidon is dying to meet you.” 

If only I knew,