In a the opulent realms of Manhattan's elite neighbourhoods, I survey the colossal room destined to house me for an indeterminate stretch. Its expanse rivals half my present apartment, steeped in the lingering scent of vanilla. Morning's golden radiance floods through a grand window and cascades over the mansion, visible from the balcony.
Elegance defines the space; refined taste breathes through textured art adorning cream-coloured walls amidst an ensemble of neutral tones dominating the room. A queen-sized bed, neatly dressed in a brown duvet with an assortment of neutral-hued pillows, commands the room's centre. A white bedframe donned with gold designs exudes sophistication, complemented by a resplendent gold chandelier above.To my right, a thoughtfully arranged work table beckons with coloured pens and sketch pads. It's a gesture perhaps from the daughter, a sweet child whose favour I'm glad to have earned; her goodwill could ease my stay here.At the far end, a brown armchair draped in white and a bookshelf showcasing genres aplenty invite cosy moments of literary escape or creative endeavours.Unpacking in the capacious brown wardrobe, I meticulously arrange my belongings. The bathroom, a sanctuary of indulgence, boasts an array of washes on a pristine white sink, accompanied by fragrant roses and a lavender-scented candle. A gold-framed mirror oversees neatly arranged essentials, with a walk-in shower completing this lavish space.As I settle on the bed, perusing the non-disclosure agreement, I think about my savings for fashion school. I am unsure about my total earnings for the weeks I’ll be here, but I know it's going directly towards my savings for fashion school. Hopefully, I don’t give in to Bryan’s antics.Bryan's annoying antics blur my mind; our relationship is a tangled web of passion and conflict. Despite his silence, I send him a text to let him know I've arrived, a need for his presence heavy on my heart.Just as I rise to seek Mr. Jordan and acquaint myself more with Rachel or Ray as she prefers, a soft knock serenades the door.“Hi, sweetie . Come in,” I beckon. Ray’s cute little head peers in, and she gives me a small smile before walking in. I invite her over, and she dashes to the bed, both of us ensconced in comfort.“Daddy said you needed settling time. Do you fancy your room?”"Oh, the amenities are fantastic! But you know, Ray, I was secretly hoping for a trampoline by the bedside, you know, for morning acrobatics, or maybe a personal marshmallow dispenser for those midnight cravings," I jest, flashing a mischievous grin.Ray, momentarily taking my jest seriously, looks at me with wide eyes, then bursts into a fit of giggles."You're so funny, Patty! I wish we could have those too!"Our laughter fills the room, a delightful break from the sophistication around us, as Ray, with a newfound gleam in her eyes, adds, "Imagine bouncing on a trampoline first thing in the morning, or having marshmallows whenever we want! That would be epic!"“It surely would !”“I think I like you for my dad.”My eyes widen in shock as I struggle for words at the unexpected revelation. "I... I ," I stammer, trying to find the right words to respond to the statement.“Just kidding, he’s already married, to his work. You should have seen your face.”“You got me there for a minute.”“I was joking though. Daddy forbade painting your room pink; he believes neutrals suit it better. Do you agree or prefer pink?”Chuckling at her infectious enthusiasm reflecting on the inherent link between girls and pink. "Neutral is just perfect."“Why do grown-ups favour dull colours? Daddy’s room is pitch black. One day, I’ll sprinkle it with girlish hues. His reaction will be epic,” she giggles, and I join in, envisioning his astonishment.“You shouldn’t stir that pot,” I caution in jest as she smiles.“I know, I was only kidding.”“You seem to have a good sense of humour.”“Thanks. Your mom said we share the same favourite colour."“Pink? That was a long time ago.""Oh, do you like the books? Do you like the flowers in your bathroom? What about the pens and sketch pad?" she asks, inquiring about my preferences for the room's amenities. I assure her of their loveliness, adding a homely touch to the space.“I was praying you'd love it all so you wouldn't want to leave,” she confesses, a radiant smile gracing her face. I chuckle softly."My dear, I will only be here temporarily until your dad gets a permanent replacement.”“But I don’t want you or Mrs. Charity to go,” she murmurs, leaning in for a hug.I hold her tenderly, not wanting to crush her dreams with empty promises.“Patty, you smell divine. Can I call you Patty?” she chirps, brimming with cheer.“Absolutely, Ray, and thank you very much. You also smell lovely.” I reply, earning a gleeful smile.“Come, let’s explore the house before I show you my room,” she suggests, eager to share her world.“Alright, lead the way.”Bounding up, she takes my hand, guiding me through the house, sharing its wonders reminiscent of school field trip guides.“Just before I show you to the garden and playground. Here is Daddy’s room,” she points, “and this is my room.”Stepping into her sanctuary, a tranquil palette of pink envelops us, blending harmoniously in a symphony of hues. A room fit for a modern-day princess, adorned in varying shades of pink, each corner a cosy delight - a space my inner child yearns for, longing for such lavishness in my past.“Your room is enchanting, Ray,” I compliment, wistfully recalling the simplicity of my own upbringing.“Thank you; I’m thrilled you like it,” she beams joyfully.“You’re most welcome.”“It's snack time; let’s refuel before continuing our adventure,” she suggests, seizing my hand once more, eager for our next exploration.As I venture forth with Ray, her innocent demeanour strikes a chord within me. She's a sweet child, brimming with genuine curiosity and a heartwarming eagerness to bond. Her playful laughter echoes through the room, igniting a warmth I seldom experience. Her bright eyes tell stories of wonder, innocence, and joy, taking me back to a simpler time when every moment promised adventure.Observing her, I can't help but feel a pang of longing for the uncomplicated days of childhood. Ray's gentle presence creates a haven of some kind, a safe space where genuine connections thrive effortlessly. Her sincerity in wanting me to stay resonates deeply, tugging at my heartstrings and evoking a sense of responsibility to shield her from disappointment, even if it's beyond my control.I find solace in her presence, a momentary respite from the challenges of adulthood, while she chuckles and shares her innocent views. Her love for life is contagious, reminding me of the beauty in simple pleasures, unending laughter, and pure innocence of my childhood.Ray has a purity of heart that provides me peace, a reminder of the innocence we all once held, and the beauty that exists inside such untouched spirits. The exterior of the mansion unfolds like a great tapestry of opulence and sophistication as we tour it, each scene a tribute to luxury. Every corner and cranny reveals a treasure trove of luxury, evoking the grandeur of a fairytale abode, with Ray as my guide.Why do I feel like Ray is subtly hinting for me to take an interest in Patricia. The unending positive comments and bringing her up in our conversations frequently or the frequent mention of shared interest and qualities. It better not be. Could it be that Mrs. Charity’s absence has Ray suddenly longing for a mother? As I emerge from my study, I feel the warmth from the sun streaming through the tall windows. The air was crisp hinting, at the onset of a beautiful evening.As I reach the end of the stairs, I can't help but stare at Patricia, who is oblivious to my presence. I know I said I've seen prettier women, but she is a captivating sight to behold. Her charm is a composition of grace and elegance. Her gorgeous brown hair is in a ponytail with some strands framing a face as beautiful as the stars. Her precisely carved body appeals to the attention of any beholder fortunate enough to see her.She has a slim yet enchanting figure, a combination of soft silhouettes that perfectly hi
Ray has my heart. You know how you can fall in love with a child the moment you lay eyes on them? The eight-year-old is full of energy. A cascade of golden curls frames her adorable face. Her dazzling brown eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness, and her contagious smile exudes happiness. Her gentle demeanour conveys an inherent sense of kindness and respect in every gesture, and she moves with grace and laughter that dances freely in the air.Her father, on the other hand, is a single billionaire who radiates confidence and power. He is the epitome of sophistication and success. He effortlessly commands attention due to his height, impeccable grooming, and designer suits that highlight his chiselled features.His calm manner suggests a nuance beneath his opulent exterior, while his intense, piercing gaze conveys intelligence and resolve. In the social scene, he is an intriguing yet mysterious figure because, despite his wealth and status, there seems to be a void or a sense of loneliness t
Since I got here, I haven't seen any pictures of Rachel’s mom, nor has anyone ever brought her up during any conversation. I'm not sure if Mother ever mentioned her mother. She never divulged any information about their family, not that I ever asked or cared. His parents have been so wonderful to me, and I would fly if they required me to. Mr. George Baker saw it through that I went to school, and he even sent me upkeep money, which he still does up until now. What a wonderful family. It would be insensitive of me to ask Rachel about her mother. So, Mother will be in the best position to fill me in if she does know anything about it. She should, though; she has worked there since the beginning of time. As I carefully navigate my way out of Rachel's room, ensuring her peaceful sleep remains undisturbed, I step to the side abruptly as I try to avoid colliding with Jordan or hitting Ray’s door. His quick reflexes save me from a fall, and in the brief but intense moment, our eyes lock.
I haven't spent much quality time with my parents lately, especially without discussing business. I'm planning to visit them this weekend, aiming to focus on catching up on our lives rather than work. I wish I could bring Ray along, but she's about to go shopping with Patricia, which she's been eagerly looking forward to. Ray seems to really admire Patricia. I just hope she doesn't grow too attached before Patricia leaves.As I head to Ray's room to bid her farewell, I find her and Patricia together once more. Patricia has styled her again, and she looks absolutely stunning in the outfit.“Good morning, Daddy.” She runs over and hugs me. I lift her and twirl her around. I sometimes forget how much she has grown.“Morning princess. How are you doing today?”“I’m doing good; I’m really excited to go shopping with Patty.” She beams with excitement.“Good morning, sir,” Patricia greets, and I greet her back.“I’m on the way to see your grandma and grandpa now; I’ll see you when I return fr
Will I ever become accustomed to these men in black suits lingering nearby? They accompany us as we drive into the estate but rarely venture around the house. Today, one of them joined us in the sleek black Mercedes bus we rode in. Rachel mentioned a wardrobe change, and suddenly, a credit card without any spending limit landed in my hands. If he could grant Rachel anything in the world, he’d do so without hesitation. Jordan is a very simple man, except when it comes to his rides. The word simplicity will be trashed in a bin. Despite how rich he is, and when I say rich, make no mistake of thinking just rich. I mean rich, rich, rich, and a thousand more riches. One would expect him to grace an occasion dressed in Gucci shoes, a Gucci belt, and a Fendi suit and probably finish the look with an ice box dangling from his neck, as most billionaires do. I’ll never understand why some people dress like that, but rather, he’ll throw on a simple suit or a simple polo shirt and chino trousers,
Unlike most Fridays, I clock out of work earlier today. There’s a tinge of anticipation as Mildred’s text about our new project lingers in my mind. She’s both a seasoned colleague and a dear friend, unmatched in her professional prowess.I pick the restaurant, and just as I arrive, a notification lights up my phone—Mildred’s here. I shoot a quick reply, confirming my imminent arrival. As I step out of the car, Mildred’s already settled inside, savoring her favorite cocktail, a familiar sight that warms the scene amidst the bustle."Jordan,” she stands to greet, and we hug.“How have you been, Mildred?” I haven’t seen her in a while.”“I’ve been good, you know, work and all.”“Great. So, what about the project do you want us to discuss?” I ask as I sit opposite her.“Jumping straight to business, aren’t we?” She teases.“You know I like going straight to the point, and besides, I promised Ray that I’d watch a movie with her that night.”“Alright, I saw her the other day at the mall with
Weekdays seem to drag on endlessly, but the weekends? They're like a magic trick, here one moment and gone the next. Today feels special waking up because it's my day off—Ray's spending the day with her grandma, giving me some free time. The house got a thorough cleaning yesterday, and surprisingly, I find myself looking forward to doing chores. The cool cleaning gadgets make it kind of fun!Having a whole day to myself puts a big smile on my face. These responsibility-free days, without kids or a spouse around, mean I can eat, tidy up, and go out whenever I want without worrying about the time. It's the simple joys of freedom that really brighten up my day."You don’t have to clean today. I mean, the house was thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom yesterday.” Jordan says. He looks all suited up and ready for work. He picks up a croc skin bag and slips his Apple 2023 MacBook Pro into it. I know this because I trashed the empty laptop carton. “Okay, sir. I’ll be going out once Ray has
Jordan? Really? What was I thinking when I asked her about tie preferences? It must have been a reflex because I do it with Mrs. Charity all the time. I didn’t know how to go about asking her to put on the uniforms because it was not stated before, and I see how she expresses herself through her style, but then it’s only for one day. I’m glad she didn’t take it the wrong way. I have an important meeting this morning, which is why I am leaving the house earlier than usual. A new proposal just came up, and I am meeting with the client this morning. He is a client that everyone wants on their list.As I step into my office, I go through the schedule my assistant sent to me and get familiar with my itinerary for the day.“Good morning, Mr. Baker. Mr. Polish is already waiting for you in your office." Miss Julia, my assistant, greets me as I walk past, and I nod in acknowledgement.“Thank you, Miss Julia. I’ll be with him soon.” I check my Rolex watch and see that I’m ten minutes early to