Chapter 4 - Camilton Mansion

After her usual morning gossip routine, Anna refreshed herself, mentally bracing for the inevitable office chaos. Papers piled high, phones ringing off the hook, and endless meetings filled her days. The constant demands seemed to run in an unbreakable loop, often ending with her rushing to the nearby coffee shop to fuel her through the madness. Somehow, her boss, Mr. Faiz, had an insatiable obsession with coffee. To him, it wasn’t just a drink; it was the very lifeblood of his day. The rich aroma was his daily anchor, grounding him amidst the whirlwind of his busy schedule.

After another hour spent sifting through documents and typing up reports, Mr. Faiz interrupted her focus with an urgent request. He needed Anna to deliver important papers to Mr. Camilton's mansion, as the latter was unwell with a mild fever and unable to make it to the office. Though she had no choice but to comply, Anna felt the weight of the task. Grabbing her coat, she retrieved cash from the petty cash drawer and called for a cab.

Ten minutes later, she stood at the mansion’s door, taking a moment to steady herself before knocking. The doorman greeted her with a polite smile and led her inside.

The grandeur of the Camilton Mansion was overwhelming—every detail screamed luxury, from the opulent color schemes to the intricate design that exuded wealth and refinement.

“Wow,” Anna thought, gazing in awe at the living room. It felt more like a palace than a home. The room’s sheer size was staggering, the centerpiece a dazzling crystal chandelier suspended from the high ceiling. Below, delicate Austrian drapes made from a silky fabric cascaded gracefully, adding to the room’s regal air.

“The chandelier alone must’ve cost a fortune,” Anna mused. The furniture, with its bold black-and-gold accents, was equally luxurious, and the living room’s color palette exuded calmness and elegance. The room seemed to breathe with openness, thanks to the high clerestory windows and large French doors that framed the opposite wall.

“Despite his attitude, Mr. Camilton certainly knows how to impress,” Anna thought, slowly taking in the beauty around her.

As she moved deeper into the mansion, she couldn’t help but marvel at the hallway’s impressive collection of artwork by a renowned artist. The marble floors, a blend of light nude and pale gold hues, complemented the living room’s decor perfectly. The cathedral ceiling added a final touch of grandeur.

When Anna reached the center of the living room, a butler appeared, his voice polite and soft. “Good morning, Miss. Mr. Camilton will be with you shortly. Your breakfast is ready. Please follow me.”

The butler, with his striking Mohawk haircut and sharp, scythe-like eyebrows, led her toward the dining room. Anna followed, half-minded to protest, but he didn’t allow her a moment to speak. “It’s Mr. Camilton’s instruction,” he said, glancing over his shoulder.

“Well, okay then,” she muttered, though she wasn’t entirely disappointed. Her breakfast that morning had been light, a mere coffee and cereal, and the sight of a full meal was tempting.

The dining room left her speechless. “This is every woman’s dream,” Anna thought, staring at the massive circular table surrounded by beige leather chairs. Above, a tall wooden beam ceiling with skylights cast natural light over the room, and a stunning chandelier hung from one of the exposed beams.

On the breakfast table, a feast awaited: bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, fried bread, and fresh fruit. Anna eagerly dug in, her hunger driving her to savor every bite.

“Do you need anything, Miss?” the butler asked as Anna polished off the last of her meal. His tone was professional, yet there was a quiet approval in his eyes.

Anna wiped her mouth and nodded. “Could I have some coffee, please?”

“Of course. I’ll bring it right away.” The butler left her to finish her breakfast, and Anna found herself watching him retreat before a small doubt crept into her mind. “Was it rude to start eating without Mr. Camilton?” she wondered. But before the thought could fully take root, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and her concerns dissipated.

“Enjoying your breakfast, Miss Brown?” A voice spoke from behind her, and she jumped, startled.

“Good morning, Mr. Camilton,” she blurted, standing up quickly and nearly knocking over the papers. “Here are the documents…”

Mr. Camilton waved his hand, dismissing the papers for now. “Later, Miss Brown. Finish your breakfast first. Come with me to the garden patio.”

He called to the butler. “Bring my coffee to the garden patio and medicine for my headache.”

“Yes, sir.” The butler responded, heading off toward the kitchen.

Five minutes later, Anna stood in the garden, the sheer beauty of it stealing her breath away. This was no ordinary garden. The landscape stretched out before her, with a garden bench tucked into a small hill, painted a deep forest green. The birds flitted through the air, adding their cheerful songs to the peaceful atmosphere. Anna watched them as they pecked at the ground, searching for worms and insects. The sight filled her with a quiet joy, and the vibrant colors of the flowers around her seemed to dance in the sunlight. Even the apple tree in the center of the garden, weighed down with ripe fruit, seemed to shimmer with life.

It was then that a wave of recognition hit her. She had dreamed of this garden. The same bench, the same birds, the same vibrant apple tree. It was a strange and unsettling thought.

As Anna breathed in the fragrant air, filled with lavender and roses, the sounds of the garden filled her senses. It was perfection. A man-made pond sparkled in the corner, surrounded by rows of flowers and neatly trimmed grass. The meticulous order of it all was both calming and awe-inspiring.

“Miss Brown, Mr. Camilton is calling for you,” came the butler’s voice, pulling her from her reverie.

Anna nodded, clutching the papers in her hands as she made her way to the garden patio.

“Here are the papers, Mr. Camilton,” she said, placing them on the table beside him. “Mr. Faiz has already reviewed them. Everything is ready for your final input.”

Mr. Camilton looked up, taking her in with a calculating gaze. He noted her modest appearance, the lack of dramatic beauty or striking features. But there was something about her, something natural and magnetic. Her green eyes reminded him of the lush garden around them, and her pale, creamy skin seemed to glow in the soft afternoon light. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to touch her, just a moment of contact…

Half an hour later, the papers were signed, and Anna was given instructions to return them to Mr. Faiz. As she stepped outside, the cab she had called earlier was waiting for her, ready to take her back to the office.

The afternoon flew by, and by the time Anna returned to her apartment, she was exhausted. The rain was still falling outside, cold and relentless, but as she stepped inside her warm apartment, she felt a sense of relief. She peeled off her wet coat and slipped into something comfortable. With a chocolate bar in hand, she sank into her couch, her mind wandering to the mysterious abilities she had recently begun to question. Could anyone else share her strange gift? Or was it something unique to her?

As the evening settled in, Anna prepared for yet another adventure in the strange world of her dreams.