Shadows of Enigma

Introduction

Chapter 5

I followed Jace carefully downstairs. I wanted to know what kind of people would be working in this house.

“This way Miss”, he said pointing towards a door. I followed him into the room and behold, it was the kitchen.

“This thing is massive”, I said while turning around amazed at how big a kitchen can be.

I didn’t even notice 12 huge men on a line, standing like they were awaiting instructions.

“Young madam!”. They said with a slight bow.

What the hell…..

They all looked terrifying, except for one who looked really young and not as jacked as the others.

“So these are the domestic workers in the Salvatore mansion”, Jace said with a warm expression.

Of course he knew I’ll definitely be surprised judging from his smile.

“Each of you would come out and introduce yourselves to the young madam”

The first one stepped forward, a burly man with a stern expression. "Name's Victor," he grumbled in a deep voice, his arms crossed over his massive chest. "I handle security 'round here."

Next was a taller man with a shaved head, his eyes scanning me with an almost intimidating intensity. "I'm Anton," he said in a low, gravelly voice. "Chef."

I looked at the chef, wondering how such a man could make so delicious meals, remembering the delicacy I devoured the night before.

One after the other, they introduced themselves as Robert, Jonas, Mikhail, Nikolai, and so on. Each name seemed to carry a weight, as if these men were more than just workers; they were part of a tightly-knit team that ensured the mansion ran smoothly.

Then came Lucas, the odd one out. He was younger, less built, and his gaze was colder than the Arctic wind. He stepped forward with an almost graceful stride, his hands resting casually in his pockets.

"I'm Lucas," he said with a curt nod, his voice devoid of any warmth. "I take care of the gardens."

I couldn't help but notice the contrast between Lucas and the others. While they exuded power and authority, Lucas seemed to blend into the background, almost invisible.

His sharp eyes met mine for a fleeting moment before he turned away, his body language radiating an aloofness that made me curious.

As the introductions came to an end, I felt a mix of unease and curiosity. These men were more than just workers; they were enigmatic figures in the mansion, each with their own roles to play.

And Lucas, with his cold demeanor and hidden depths, piqued my interest in a way that I couldn't quite explain.

I noticed the cold attitude of the gardener, Lucas, he looked at me frequently with a kind of glare that speaks volumes about….I don’t know, probably something mysterious.

“Okay, that’s all, you all can go back to your duty posts”, Jace said dismissing the workers.

“Now, that you know that we have domestic workers and that you don’t have to worry about working yourself out”, Jace said with a sneer.

“LOL, I’m not some lazy princess, you know right?”, I replied with my hands akimbo.

“Okay, warrior princess then!”, he said with his hands in the air submissively.

We had a hearty laugh for quite some seconds.

“Alright, would you have lunch first before the tour or vice versa?”

“I’ll like the tour first”, I replied Jace.

“Okay, we’ve started with the kitchen, let’s move to the dining area.

Each room oozed opulence and history, from the dining hall to the bedrooms. "This place is enormous," I commented, awestruck.

Jace smiled. "Yes, every room has a story."

We moved through grand corridors, admiring the indoor garden and a stunning sea view. "Breathtaking," I murmured.

Jace nodded. "Mr. Alexander chose this location for a reason."

In the basement, the cold ambiance gave me an eerie feeling. As the tour ended, I stood on the balcony, feeling a mix of wonder and mystery.

Back in the living area, “Well, one of my comments so far is that this house is goddamn massive!”, I exclaimed.

“I like the vibes you know, the mysterious kind of feeling”. I explained to Jace.

“Well, not all feelings are false, okay?” He replied

“Jace, what do you mean?”, I tried to dig deeper.

“Never mind, when the time comes, you’ll understand”.

I tried comprehending whatever it is Jace might mean. I snubbed the idea.

Not all things are meant to know. I followed Jace back to the dining area to have my lunch, before making my way to my room.

….

I went into my room just to rest my eyes, when I a message popped up on my phone’s screen. I looked down at the ID and saw that it was Stella. A fade of smile brushed through my face.

“Big sis, how are you holding up?”

I replied quickly, “Not bad. He isn’t at home, so I’m faring pretty well”

Our conversation lasted for quite a while before we closed the chat. I dozed off shortly after.

“Knock, knock”, the sound of someone knocking on my room’s door woke me from my sleep.

I looked out the window and saw that it was almost night.

“Splendid”, I said smiling and stretching, having a wonderful feeling.

The knock came again, but this time with Jace’s voice. “Miss, please open the door!”.

I was still sluggishly moving towards the door. When I was about to unlock the door, I heard the last voice I’ll definitely want to hear.

“And why are you begging her to open the door. Stop wasting my time and hit the door better. I wonder how someone would sleep like that!” I heard Alexander’s voice carrying disgust.

I felt reluctant at first, and then unlocked the door. I was met with Jace’s fist hanging in the air about to knock again. My gaze also fell on “my husband”.

It was as cold as a glacier. It sent shiver down my spine as I quickly retracted my gaze.

“I’m sorry, I fell asleep”, I said sounding guilty as if I wasn’t supposed to sleep. “It’s no problem Miss. The master actually wanted to see you”, Jace said.

“The stylist, makeup artist and your dress is on the way to prepare you, you’re following me to a banquet” he said. “Comport yourself and don’t tag around with me there, okay?” Alexander said like I don’t have a choice.

Of course I didn’t have the liver to refuse him

I replied with a nod.

He left, then Jace said “Miss, you have to be careful there okay?”