CHAPTER 5: The Painting on the Wall

SAVANNAH’S POV

The morning sun invaded the room, some of it spilling on my face. My hands grazed the bed and I realised there was no one there. He was gone. Did he really hate me that much? To want to leave before I even wake up. But why did I care? I never wanted to marry him anyway.

I rolled out of bed lazily, navigating the room as I didn't get the chance to observe it properly the previous evening. I walked with a yawn towards the large window, yanking the curtain wide open. My lips cracked open with a smile because the view from up here was magnificent. I could see far into the bustling city and for a moment, I forgot my problems.

While in thoughts, I heard a knock on the door and a lady rushed in, bowing. Her fingers squeezed her black on white uniform tight.

“Good morning ma’am. I'm Tara the head housekeeper, and Mr Diego asked that I show you how things work around here,” she said calmly.

I stared at Tara blankly for seconds. I wasn't used to being waited on. My mornings were always for me alone. Before I could say a word she spoke again.

“Here is your schedule for the day,” she said, bringing out a paper with a long list of items for me to do. Schedule? She can't be serious.

I took the paper from her as my eyes scanned the writing quickly. A luxury bath and breakfast? A tour around the house? They were perfectly fine until my eyes landed on the writing below. A yoga session? A trip to the clothes store? What kind of sick itinerary is this?

“I can't possibly do all of these. Can we just scrap the yoga session out?” I blurted out, already tensed. I didn't want anyone dictating my life for me.

“But Mr Diego said—

“Ugh,” interrupted her, burying my face in my hands. When will it stop? “Let's just start the day. Shall we?” I said, my brows furrowed.

Tara led me to an exclusive bathtub far away from Diego's room. It was large with a floral scent. Red flower petals were sprinkled all over the water. Was he really obsessed with flowers or my perfume? It still wasn't clear to me. The floor around the tub was made with marbles, making our steps echo. The water itself was chalk white, steaming and warm. At the other end, breakfast was perfectly served with a bottle of champagne.

“This is Mr Diego’s personal relaxation spot. He never let anyone in here but you….” She paused. “You must be really special.”

I smirked. “I’m not special to anyone Tara and I’m sure it's the same for him too,” I told her, staring deep into the water.

“Mr Diego really prepared for your arrival. You will see it soon. Here are your towels,” she said, keeping a well folded towel and a red robe by the side before heading to leave. “Enjoy your bath ma’am.”

As she left, my mind drifted back to what she said. What does she mean by he really prepared for my arrival?

I shrugged the thoughts off, pulled off my dress and jumped inside the water as the warmth enveloped me. I played, ate, and splashed the water like a ten year old as my loud laughter echoed through the room.

After a few minutes, I was done. Tara handed me a dress as I came here with no clothes. I couldn't wait to shop for new clothes later in the day.

We began our tour in no time and our first stop was the living room. It was perfectly decorated with silver chandeliers hanging above our heads. The walls were coated with gold foil and the floor with rich black foreign marble. Art pieces hung on the wall, enhancing its beauty.

We made our way to the music room next and my mouth just couldn't close. It was beautiful with different instruments laying around.

“Sir Diego is a lover of good music. The piano is his favorite,” Tara said, with a chuckle.

It's been a while since I heard good music. Will it be bad if I asked him to play for me? Ugh who was I kidding? He would rip my heart out if I did.

We went to the library next. It was a room full of books. Diego didn’t strike as a book lover, so I was surprised.

“He comes here when he doesn't want to be disturbed,” Tara told me and I nodded, already tired of the tour.

As we left the room, she walked past a certain door with so much speed and fear.

“Tara, we passed that door,” I said, pointing at the door. Beads of sweat were already settling on her forehead as her hands trembled.

“We can't go in there. Mr Diego said no one can go in there,” she said, shaking. I couldn't understand what was in there that could make her tremble but I was bound to find out. “But we…

“No,” she interrupted, pulling me towards another door. “Let's continue from here instead. Mr Diego gets angry whenever anybody interferes with his past.”

His past? My mind raced with questions. I didn't understand what she meant but I had no choice but to agree with her. It was the gym room next. Different gym equipment lay around. I see where Diego gets his incredible abs and muscles from. Wait—Did I just think that? I'm supposed to hate him, not admire him.

Our next stop was the wine room. It was a mini bar meant for one man. Diego sure likes loneliness a lot. I looked at the shelf, and different wines from years before were perfectly arranged. He must be a heavy drinker.

“This house is too large. Can't we just pause here and continue tomorrow?” I muttered, barely above a whisper.

“Our next and last stop is the art room,” Tara announced and I let out a small sigh of relief. She led me in as my eyes locked on the beautiful paintings on the wall.

“All paintings by Mr Diego himself,” Tara said. It was unbelievable. So, behind that mask of ruthlessness lay a man who could draw out his feelings?

I observed the paintings one after the other, reading their names out loud as I squinted my eyes.

Under the rain..

A bright sky…

Pain and bondage…

My chest thumped as I read the last title. My eyes traced the lady in the painting. I looked again, to be sure. Were my eyes deceiving me or what I saw was actually real?!