Chapter 5
The car I was riding in decelerated as it rolled by the ridiculously tall black gate straddled by two very large men in all black. They gave a small bow before an automatic door opened and let me in to a world I had never seen before.
Before me was a three storey mansion that looked like it could have been brought over from Europe, tall windows with light shining through a crystal chandelier covered by the curtains.
A butler opened the door. I was still shaking when I was ready to get out and that is when I heard a low masculine voice.
Welcome to the Moretti mansion, Miss Scarlett.“”
I turned around. A middle aged man in a figure fitted black suit was on the marble stairs. Part of his hair was white but his eyes were sharp with a force
“I am Charles Moretti. The father of the man you will one day marry”
“Thank you for receiving me.”
He smiled limply, though his eyes examined me from head to toe!
“No need to feel hesitant. What we have been waiting for is this day events for our family three years.
I put on a big show smile up, but the curiosity raged in my heart
“Sorry, I hate to sound blunt here, but why are you even still thinking about me? Shouldn’t you get someone as amazing as you deserve instead of waiting 3 years for me after I broke up with you?”
Mr. Charles laughed lightly, but it was a bitter laugh and it had a meaning.8
This world doesn’t often run on simple logic, Scarlett, of whether you’re supposed to be doing something or not doing something, or who’s the right guy for you or what time he’s supposed to come into your life. Certain people have values that are not for sale and
cannot be replaced. And you, whether you realize it or not, are serving a larger plan.“8
My heart beat was all over the place. Curiosity gave way to anxiety.
“A plan?”
Mr. Charles didn’t answer. He just gave me one deep look, and went back toward the stairs.
“You will meet your husband–to–be tonight. Get some rest first.“}
I nodded and channeled a bit of bravado from my chest to keep it from turning into fear. “Thank you, I replied shortly and took my leave. Another guard came up and motioned for me to proceed with him.
I opened up the door and entered the room, and I was mesmerized. It was a grand room and a long way from the bedroom I used to have. A young serving woman came from behind the curtain. Her expression was amiable and her eyes appeared warm.
“How do you do, Miss Scarlett, she said gently with a nod: “I’m Elena, I’m going to be your personal maid while you’re here.“!!
I nodded politely. Thank you, Elena.”
She smiled then beckoned me to come with her.
“Let me show you something that should make you a bit more at home in your city!
She opened the door to the right of the room, behind it was a massive walk–in closet that was so impressive you’d swear it belonged to royalty.!
Dresses were neatly hung in rows from soft pastels to classic, seductive blacks. There were shoe racks layered from floor to ceiling. with an assortment of high–end designer heels. On the left was a glass case with imported jewelry, treasures from diamond necklaces to emerald earrings, antiqué brooches, all shining temptingly bright and very expensive
“All of this was prepared for you,” said Elena as she stepped inside. “You’re free to choose any outfit to wear tonight or whenever you’d like. Mr. Charles wants you to feel valued and comfortable from your very first day here.”
I was silent. Not knowing whether to feel impressed, confused, or suspicious instead.
“Oh right, what’s the name of my future husband, Elena? Do you know?”
Elena was slightly surprised, then smiled.
“You don’t know his name yet? His name is Mr. Vincent.
I winced and looked away embarrassed. I should’ve found out myself. But… this arranged marriage was too much, too fast for me.
“If you need help with an outfit later, I’ll be right here outside the room. Just give the little bell on that dressing table a ring. Miss Scarlett, you can rest for a while first”
I nodded. Then Elena slowly walked out, leaving me alone in the room full of luxury.
Before my meeting began, I grew more anxious. I called Elena by pressing the small bell on the vanity table. I had already gotten ready. wearing the black dress that hugged my body beautifully, a bit early.
Soon, the woman came with light steps.
“What can I do for you. Maam?“′′)
I paused for a second and said, “Can you walk with me a little bit? My appointment’s not until later, huh?”
Elena glanced at me, then nodded from side to side.
“Alright. But just for a second, all right?”
3.53 PM c d
We made our way down the long hallway of the mansion. I was transfixed by the impressive interior, but in my heart, something still bothered me.
Until we got to the east wing of the house.
My steps halted. I heard a low noise, some indistinct cry. A sound that raised the hair on the back of my neck.
I looked towards the massive door on the end of the dark corridor. The noise got louder in the hole behind.
“You traitor! You chose to sell my secrets to the enemy for money instead of staying loyal to me?”
It was a man’s voice–loud, cold. A man whose power was clear in his tone.
I stepped closer. But Elena’s hand gripped my arm tightly.
“Don’t go there, Miss. Please we must return to your room.” Elena’s face showed deep concern.
“I just want to take a quick look… Please,” I whispered, my eyes pleading. My curiosity was bursting uncontrollably.
Elenia reluctantly released her hold on my arm.
I opened the door a crack to peek inside.
The room was dim, brightened only by a chandelier that dangled from the ceiling just over a metal chair where a man sat, bound. His face was bloodied, the corners of his lips and an eyebrow bleeding.
And here in his presence was a tall, dark–haired young man in a black suit and open collar. Cold, wicked eyes of death.
He was handsome. But not with a warm kind of handsomeness. His face was the kind that couldn’t be touched by pity.
Have I not treated you well enough all this time?” the man asked again, his sharp voice piercing and intimidating.
“I saved your mother’s life from a disease that even several doctors in this country couldn’t handle. And this is how you repay me?”
“I admit I was wrong. I beg you, Sir, please forgive me. I promise I won’t do it again.”
“Alright, I forgive you. But, you still have to face your punishment. A traitor is still a traitor. I uphold loyalty in my world. And you… have broken it
The helpless man’s eyes widened just as the man in front of him calmly pulled a pistol from his suit pocket and pointed it at his head. Without waiting, the gunshot echoed in the dark room. Blood poured from the man’s head as he slumped lifelessly.8
I staggered back. My heart felt like it had stopped beating. My body lost control.
What kind of place was I in?8
I collapsed as my vision suddenly blurred.
“Miss Scarlett!” Elena’s panicked voice screamed behind me.
Hurried footsteps followed. The man’s figure quickly looked up from behind the door and his face suddenly tensed. He paused for a morgent, then quickly stepped toward me–while I had lost consciousness.
“Did she just see me there?” the man asked Elena.il
Elena nodded quickly, a bit hesitantly.
“Oh God!”
