Just Call My Name

Episode Four

Tiana brought out a pair of shoes from under Sonia's bed which caused her to be confused.

"I bought this previously and I hid it here, I never knew it would come in handy right now," Tiana explained to her as she saw her confused look.

"Thank you," Sonia thanked her with a smile and the young teenager shook her head before thrusting the shoes into her hands.

Fifteen minutes later, Sonia and Tiana emerged from the room.

They walked to the living room under the gazes of the maids who were surprised by Sonia's new look. Tiana had done Sonia's makeup which changed her look.

There were whispers amongst the maids and Tiana was proud of her work.

"You both spent an hour just to dress up," Fiona complained immediately she laid her eyes on them.

Tiana scoffed internally while Sullivan looked at his daughter, the one which was a result from him and his first love.

"You are looking very beautiful Sonia," he complimented her which surprised both Sonia and Tiana.

"Is it dad who complimented you? He looks genuine," Tiana whispered to her and she nodded, sharing the same thoughts as Tiana.

"Thank you," she thanked him in order not to seem rude, even though she did not thank him genuinely.

"Enough with all of these, Andre sent me a text message, he is waiting for you, to the car," Fiona ordered and the four of them walked to the car.

Sonia was distracted as they walked towards the car. She had mixed feelings about this marriage.

For one, she would be getting married to the one she loved or rather, loves.

No matter how she wanted to deny it, she knew she still had lingering feelings for him.

On the other hand, she was scared that she would be abandoned once more. Just like two years ago, she was scared he would leave her hanging and helpless.

With this uncertainty in her mind, she had no idea as to when they arrived at his house or should she call it a mansion.

"Sister, we are here," Tiana's voice broke her out of her thoughts and she was stunned as soon as she laid her eyes on the building.

It was huge, very huge. It was times five of the home which her stepmother prided herself in.

She looked to the front and from the angle which she was, she could sense her stepmom's increasing hatred towards her.

She was perplexed. What had she done again? She skimmed through her memory as she tried to recall what she had done but to no avail.

Never would Sonia have thought that her stepmother was actually jealous she was getting married into wealth.

"Mom, what is wrong? Do you have constipation? Why do you look like that?" Tiana was the only one who dared to ask such a bold question.

She had seen the way Fiona looked at Sonia and she could tell at a glance what was going on in her mom's mind.

"Would you be quiet?" Fiona glared at her child before she motioned for them to leave the car.

Once the four of them stepped out of the car, they were amazed at the size and beauty of the mansion.

This was the rumored Serenity Manor and they had the luck to step into it.

Set on a 5-acre estate, surrounded by lush gardens and a tranquil lake, it was surrounded by an air of calmness.

It had a grand entrance with a sweeping driveway and a majestic fountain.

The manor features a mix of French Renaissance and Italianate styles, and Sonia sighed. This was one thing she knew Andre loved.

Creamy white limestone walls with ornate carvings and balustrades, emphasizing the owner's love for aesthetics.

Steeply pitched slate roof with multiple chimneys and dormer windows.

Expansive verandas and balconies with intricate ironwork. The outside was simply a work of art.

As they approached the inner door, they were greeted by a housekeeper. Though Andre did live alone, he had an housekeeper who would always come in the morning to clean and prepare breakfast for him.

Today was no different and this housekeeper was aware that her employer was getting married today. She had been ordered to welcome them properly and once she saw the group approaching, she conjured her best smile.

"Hi, you must be the family of the Bruce, my employer has been waiting for you, pardon my manners, my name is Serena, I am the housekeeper here," she introduced herself and Sonia nodded while flashing her a smile.

"My name is Sonia," Sonia introduced herself as she felt that Serena was quite nice.

"No need to introduce yourself, just show us the way in, there is no need to be so nice to servants," Fiona rolled her eyes at the middle-aged lady.

Tiana, Sonia and Sullivan turned to look at her in surprise, definitely not expecting her to spew such words.

"Mom, how can you say that? She is also an human being, honestly, I detest being your child," Tiana finally said the words which she had been holding back previously.

"Tiana, that is enough, what did we discuss about?" Sonia held her back as she observed Fiona's shocked expression.

"It is fine, do not worry Miss Sonia, I am used to such things," Serena said with a smile as she gestured for them to follow her.

Fiona glared at her daughter, Tiana who only rolled her eyes at her before turning to look away. She hated her mother due to her selfish attitude.

As soon as they stepped into the living room, Fiona gasped loudly while the remaining three looked around, stunned. Honestly, the level of wealth Andre had was something Sonia did not want to think about.

The manor had an opulent foyer with a 30-foot ceiling, crystal chandelier, and sweeping staircase. It was massive.

The floors were made of marbles with intricate inlays and ornate rugs and it felt soft to Sonia's legs.

Lavish rooms include a ballroom, formal dining room, and library. It did seem that there would be more parties in this house.

Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, marble countertops, and breakfast nook. Sonia raised her eyebrows as they passed by the kitchen. She had once mentioned to him that she loved such a style of kitchen, she did not know if he installed it for her but a part of her wished it was meant for her.

Master suite with a private balcony, fireplace, and spa-like en-suite bathroom.

Seven additional bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet.

Private movie theater, game room, and wine cellar. Serena explained this much to them as she took to the private living room.

Sonia was even more impressed with the decor. It was something she had discussed with Andre while she was still with him. Rich wood paneling, ornate moldings, and gilded details. Crystal chandeliers, sconces, and candelabras. Exquisite artwork, sculptures, and tapestries. Fresh flowers and lush greenery throughout.

Manicured lawns, gardens, and walking trails. Private lake with a boathouse and dock. Tennis court, swimming pool, and outdoor kitchen. Private parking for 10+ vehicles.

Serena explained that these were present in the house and Fiona could only look at Sonia with envy. She wondered what Andre saw in her, if he could have chosen his daughter, she would not have minded.

If Tiana found out what was on her mom's mind, then there was no telling what she would say or do. She might even be forced to disown her.

This majestic mansion, Serenity Manor, exuded elegance, luxury, and refinement, and Sonia was looking forward to staying in such a grand place.

Finally, they got to the private living room and there Sonia saw Andre seated alongside an unknown man, probably a lawyer or someone else.

"Master, they are here already," Serena informed and once he heard her voice, the man's eyes which were closed previously snapped open as his eyes landed on Sonia's face.

They both met each other each other's eyes and it felt like time stopped for the both of them.

"Welcome," Andre greeted with an hoarse voice.

Sonia frowned as she heard his voice. It felt like he did not have a good night sleep. She wanted to ask how he was but she did not. They were past that stage already. They were not close to each other and she could not ask such an important question.

"We are here, and just in time," Fiona announced with a smile.

Andre found that smile to be irritating. He looked towards Sonia who had decided to marry him and he gave a smile to her to which she did not reply.

"Have a seat Sonia," he ordered and she was pushed forward with the help of Tiana who was more than happy to see the light in the eyes of Andre which he had for his sister.

"Sir Andre, this is my sister, I am very close to her, please do not hurt her or I might just end up dying," Tiana said with a dramatic voice and he chucked while Sonia directed a glare towards her.

"Rest assured, I will protect your sister, she will be safe with me and she would not be a victim of any form of abuse," Andre's eyes was on Fiona while he said that.

Fiona swallowed subconsciously.

'Did he know something?' She questioned herself as she looked at him with a forced smile.

"Are you both ready?" The man asked as he pulled out a folder.

Sonia guessed him to be a lawyer and that was who he was.

Andre nodded as he turned to look at Sonia who nodded. She was here already, she could not change her mind anyways.

"Here are the papers," he pushed the papers to the both of them

Andre did not hesitate to sign the papers and he looked towards Sonia who was still looking at the papers numbly.

"Why are you not signing?" Fiona lowered her head to ask her and she jolted before she finally signed the papers.

"You guys are finally married," the lawyer announced as he took the papers from them.

A smile appeared on Andre's face as he looked at Sonia who in turn glared at him.