Chapter 4 - Mansion
1008 Words
My eyes stayed on the wide stretch of greenery outside the window as the car moved deeper into the countryside. Wind slipped in through the half-open glass, brushing my hair across my face, and I pushed the strands back without thinking.
The further we went, the tighter something felt inside my chest. I still wasn’t sure if this was the right decision, but I was certain I needed it to survive.
The limousine turned through a black iron gate and continued along a long private road lined with trees. I watched the landscape shift slowly, like the world was being replaced piece by piece. A pond appeared on one side, still and reflective, with a wide garden stretching beyond it.
Then the trees parted.
My breath caught before I could stop it.
A white southern colonial mansion stood ahead, its tall columns rising over gray brick steps and long verandas that opened toward the lawn and surrounding woodland. It looked untouched, almost unreal, like the one I’ve seen in the movies!
“We are here now, Miss Beatrice,” the chauffeur said, stepping out and opening the door.
I hesitated before moving. The estate was beautiful, too beautiful, and that was what made it worse. Because somewhere in my mind, a thought kept pressing in, that I was tying myself to a stranger I might not even want to know, maybe an old filthy rich man I had no choice but to face.
Standing in front of the mansion, I realized the weight of what I had agreed to. It wasn’t just a place I was entering. It was a life I couldn’t easily step out of anymore. But yes, just for 3 months. I don’t care what it takes. After this, I have the money, I could continue my studies.
“Is this her already?”
My thoughts cut off the moment a voice broke through the silence.
I turned, and I saw a man a few steps away from the car.
He had dark brown wavy hair that was neatly pushed back, a strong jawline, and faint stubble that made his face look sharper instead of rough. His expression was cold and unreadable, like he was not interested in anything around him. His gaze stayed for a few seconds then looked away.
Obviously… not welcoming.
He’s riding the horse and behind him was a woman. Her body leaned slightly toward him as she smiled softly when our eyes met.
My brows slowly furrowed as I looked at them.
He must be the son of the man I was supposed to marry. Given his reaction.
That made the most sense. He looked mature, yes, but the woman beside him and his attitude made me assume he couldn’t be the one I was meant to marry. And somewhere in my mind, it was already fixed that I would end up with an older man. That fear had been what pushed the real Beatrice into doing this arrangement, and now I was the one living it.
I stepped forward slightly.
“Hi, I’m Beatrice Kensington—”
“Take her to her room. Call Maria to assist her.”
His voice cut through mine without hesitation.
I froze in place. Wow! And hello to you too!
He didn’t even a glance on me for more than a second.
Rude!
Before I could say anything else, the house helps quickly moved in and took my luggage. I had no choice but to follow them as they guided me inside the mansion.
The moment I stepped in, the wide grand hall welcomed me. The staircase curved up on both sides and met at the second floor landing, like the center of the house was built to pull attention upward. The walls were filled with large paintings, and the ceiling had detailed artwork of angels and gold patterns that made everything feel grand but also heavy, like the place had too much history in it.
I slowed my steps as I looked around, my jaw dropping.
This place was too big. The househelp walked ahead with my luggage and I was left standing in the middle of it all.
My mind went back to the man outside. My stomach tightened a little at the thought. Then a voice suddenly broke my thoughts.
“Beatrice! Is that you already?”
I hesitantly turned. I almost forgot that now…I am Beatrice Kensington and not Alexia. I should get used to that starting today.
A woman was walking toward me with a warm smile on her face. Her presence felt soft compared to everything I had seen so far in this place.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” she said kindly as she stopped in front of me. “I’m Tracy Sinclaire. I’m your mom’s friend. It has been such a long time since I last saw you… maybe since you were around…two years old.”
She looked at me with familiarity, like she already knew parts of my life I had forgotten. But, it wasn’t my life at all. She met the real Beatrice and not me.
“You’ve grown into such a beautiful young lady.”
I gave her a small polite smile.
“Thank you…”
But her words stayed in my mind longer than I expected.
Sinclaire. Also Sinclaire.
My thoughts slowed as I tried to connect everything I had seen.
If that man outside was the son… then Tracy must be his sister. That would explain why she was here, why she spoke so comfortably, and why she felt so familiar with this place.
It made sense in my head, at least for now.
But even as I tried to settle that thought, something still did not feel right.
If they were only the children of the family… then where was the man I was actually supposed to marry?
The question lingered in my mind. And slowly, a heavier thought crept into my mind.
Don’t tell me I’m really marrying…not just…an old man but… some old, dying man?!
- Writer
