Beneath The Quiet Moon

Chapter 10 – Nothing like this

They arrived at an estate, and the black gates slid open as the car pulled into the driveway. Stepping out, Alexander called over a middle-aged woman, her posture straight and eyes alert. She approached quickly, and after a brief conversation in hushed tones, she nodded in understanding. The exchange was short, but it was clear she was someone he trusted.

Alexander turned to Valerie.

“Valerie,” he said gently, “I’ve got something urgent to attend to.” His voice remained calm, yet there was a trace of apology in his expression. “In the meantime, look around. Mrs. Lin will help you settle in. I’ll come by later to see how you’re doing.”

Valerie nodded quickly, still overwhelmed by everything happening around her. “Thank you… truly, thank you,” she said softly, giving him a small bow.

Alexander gave her a slight wave and got back into the car. The engine started almost silently, and within moments, he was gone.

She stood still for a few seconds, unsure of what to think. It was odd.. this entire situation. Handing over the care of your home to someone you barely knew… yet Alexander had done it with such calm confidence. Valerie couldn’t say she understood why

She reached for the handle of her small box, adjusted her grip, and looked at the house once more.

****

It was a modest-sized house.. not a mansion.. but it was rich in elegance..

The moment Valerie stepped inside, her breath caught. Beautiful portraits adorned the cream-colored walls.. some abstract, others capturing serene landscapes and graceful figures. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling like suspended jewels, casting soft golden light across the rooms.

Each room she peeked into was carefully decorated.. the furniture plush and beautiful curtains.

She wandered into the kitchen and was surprised to find the pantry and storage fully stocked with all kinds of food.. fresh produce, imported snacks, and ingredients she’d only read about.

Stepping outside, the soft scent of flowers greeted her. A small garden bloomed with roses, lilies, and trimmed hedges. Just beyond it lay a crystal-clear pool, its water glistening under the evening sun. The air was still, peaceful… unreal.

Valerie blinked slowly, trying to process it all. She had never seen anything like this.

****

Ms. Lin leads Valerie up the stairs, her steps light and graceful. “This way, Miss Valerie,” she says warmly, opening the door to her room.

Valerie steps in and is instantly greeted by the sweet scent of vanilla and roses. The room was bathed in soft natural light filtering through pastel pink curtains tied back with satin bows.

The walls were painted a warm blush tone, with dainty floral decals curling up one side. A fluffy white rug sat in the middle of the polished floor, and beside the bed was a small round table with a rose-gold lamp shaped like a tulip.

The bed itself was a dreamy sight.. draped in soft layers of pink and cream bedding, adorned with plush heart-shaped pillows and a cozy teddy bear tucked to the side. Above the headboard, lights dangled in gentle loops, casting a golden hue around the room.

On the white desk by the window sat a sleek pink laptop Beside it, a little personal WiFi router blinked steadily.

A vanity table stood by the corner, lined with minimal but pretty essentials, including a small jewelry box, a lavender-scented candle, and a mirror rimmed with soft light.