after math

CHAPTER 11

Monday came pretty fast. Raffaele sent his driver to come pick me up, just as I expected. I wheeled my suitcase and he helped me place it in the trunk. I didn't expect to see Aurelio in the car. "Hey, man," I greeted him with a smile. "You do seem excited for someone who is literally being abducted." He replied, not returning my smile. "I'm not being abducted. I'm totally going there for work." I defended. "I mean, don't you like live there too? I questioned. "No. No, I don't, Jenna." he responded with a slight chuckle. "And come to think of it, you're the first person to ever live with him like this." He added. I shrugged, grabbing my phone to text Thea.

J:Morning 🤭. Don't forget to check on mom. Love you, bye🥰.

"We're here." Aurelio announced, tearing my gaze away from my phone. His house looked amazing. It was a sculpted dream in whitewashed stone. Sunlight, filtered through ancient olive trees, played across its meticulously crafted facade, revealing intricate carvings of mythical creatures and flowering vines. Terracotta roof tiles, aged to a rich, burnished red, cascaded down like molten lava, softening the stark lines of the architecture.

Vast arched doorways, framed in dark, polished wood, hinted at the opulence within. A sweeping marble staircase, its balustrades adorned with intricately wrought ironwork, spiralled upwards, disappearing into the shadows of a high-ceilinged foyer Beyond, glimpses of splendor could be caught – a grand salon with soaring ceilings and a glittering chandelier that resembled a constellation, a library lined with leather-bound books reaching towards a vaulted ceiling painted with celestial maps, a conservatory overflowing with exotic orchids and fragrant jasmine.

Inside, the air hummed with a quiet luxury. Floors were paved with polished marble, cool beneath bare feet. Walls were draped in silk, the colours shifting subtly with the changing light – deep sapphire, rich crimson, and sun-bleached gold. Furnishings were a masterful blend of antique and modern, each piece a testament to exquisite taste and craftsmanship: a Louis XVI chaise lounge upholstered in velvet, a sleek, minimalist coffee table crafted from polished obsidian, a hand-carved mahogany writing desk inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The views, however, were the true masterpiece. From almost every room, vast panoramic windows framed the endless blue of the sea, the scattered islands shimmering in the distance, and the dramatic silhouette of the coastline. At night, the house became a beacon, its warm light a counterpoint to the twinkling stars above. It was a place of unparalleled beauty and serene magnificence, a sanctuary where luxury met nature in perfect harmony. I looked around meticulously. "Think of today as your day off." Aurelio said. I think he'd been talking since we got here, but I'd just been oblivious to his words. "What?" I asked. "Go unpack, freshen up, and settle down, but be prepared to work overtime tomorrow." He replied, getting out of the car. "That's so messed up." I said, following him out of the car. He asked a maid to take me up to my room, and I followed her reluctantly. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I was going to live with Raffaele. It felt too fictional. As soon as I got in, I looked around in awe, a gasp escaping my lips.Sunlight streamed through tall, arched windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air of a spacious living room. The walls were painted a soft, warm grey, a perfect backdrop for the electic collection of artwork adorning them: a vibrant Impressionist landscape hung above a weathered, antique writing desk, while a series of black and white photographs captured candid moments, lending a touch of personal history to the space.

A plush, oversized Persian rug in deep blues and reds anchored the room, its intricate patterns mirroring the delicate floral motifs embroidered on the velvet cushions scattered across a sprawling, L-shaped sofa. The sofa, a rich emerald green, beckoned relaxation. Opposite it, a roaring fireplace, framed by a mantelpiece adorned with carefully curated objects – a vintage clock, a collection of porcelain figurines, and a bowl brimming with smooth, grey river stones – offered a comforting warmth.

Subtle, yet elegant lighting played a key role. A large crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a gentle, shimmering light, while strategically placed floor lamps and table lamps created intimate pockets of warmth. Bookshelves, overflowing with leather-bound volumes and quirky knick-knacks, lined one wall, showcasing the owner's intellectual curiosity and personality. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the subtle fragrance of freshly brewed coffee, creating a feeling of comfortable sophistication. The entire space felt lived-in, yet meticulously curated, a testament to both comfort and style. It wasn't just a house; it was a sanctuary.

I followed her upstairs, my eyes roaming the beautiful halls. We stopped in front of a door, and she pushed it open. The bedroom is awash in a soft, blush-pink hue, not overly sweet, but a sophisticated rose quartz that's both calming and invigorating. Sunlight streams through gauzy, cream-colored curtains that drape elegantly from a wrought-iron rod, filtering the light into a gentle glow. The walls are adorned with a delicate floral wallpaper, featuring muted pinks, greens, and creams in a barely-there pattern that adds texture without overwhelming the space.

A plush, queen-sized bed takes centre stage, dressed in crisp white linen sheets layered with a rose-gold silk duvet cover and an abundance of fluffy, down pillows in varying shades of pink and ivory. A luxurious, faux fur throw is casually draped at the foot, inviting cosy evenings. A delicate, antique-looking mirror hangs above a vintage-inspired dresser, its surface reflecting the soft light and the room's elegant details.

A small, round vanity sits tucked away in a corner, topped with a crystal perfume bottle and an assortment of beautifully packaged makeup. A comfortable armchair, upholstered in a velvety rose-patterned fabric, sits beside a small reading lamp, perfect for a quiet evening with a book. Scattered around the room are carefully chosen accessories: a porcelain vase filled with fresh roses, a delicate silver jewellery box, and framed botanical prints.

The floor is covered in a soft, pale-grey carpet, adding warmth and comfort underfoot. Subtle, feminine touches are everywhere – delicate lace trim on the curtains, a hand-painted ceramic lamp, a small collection of vintage perfume bottles. The overall effect is one of serene elegance and sophisticated femininity, a space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

"Wow!" I gasped. This was even prettier than my bedroom at home.