Round the Mansion
1255 Words
After they finished their greetings, Clement called one of the servant girls, Caroline, to bring food for him and his guests. She had already been informed that visitors would be coming.
Soon, they all sat down at the dining table—eating, laughing, and joking.
Deep down, each of them carried a different thought. Pascal felt victorious, seeing his plan unfolding. Clement saw a beautiful woman he wanted to marry, unaware he was walking into danger. And Flora… she looked confused, wondering how this whole game would finally end.
As Clement, Flora, and Pascal sat at the dining table eating and drinking, all of Clement’s attention was on Flora. Though he tried to eat a little, Pascal noticed the way Clement kept staring at her. Deep inside, Pascal knew the game was going on well—just as planned. Flora, pretending not to notice, avoided Clement’s gaze and focused on her meal.
A few minutes later, Clement coughed softly, signaling for attention.
“Sorry, Clement,” Pascal said quickly. “Hope nothing’s wrong?”
You have a cup of water with you; maybe you can take more of it, Clement.
Clement smiled lightly. “Nothing at all. If you don’t mind, I’d love to take Flora around my beautiful mansion—to show her my luxurious cars and the various awards I’ve received over the years.”
Pascal cleared his throat and called out teasingly, “Clement, Clement—you’ll never stop being my guy! You can take her around the house while I stay here enjoying myself. Hope that’s fine by you?”
“That’s perfectly fine,” Clement replied. Turning to Flora, he added, “Flora, can you come with me? I’d like to show you my mansion and tell you a bit about my journey to the United Kingdom.”
Flora smiled politely. “No problem.”
Clement stood up, and Flora followed him. Pascal, meanwhile, poured more wine into his glass, smirking to himself.
“Yes, yes,” he murmured, lifting the cup to his lips. “The game is working out smoothly—just like this wine sliding down my throat. What a lovely game! Flora’s playing her part perfectly. Everything is going just as planned.”
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “My friend doesn’t even know he’s walking into the fire. Well, that’s his problem. As long as I win, I don’t care what happens to him. He’s not my brother or family—just an old friend.” He took another sip of wine.
Meanwhile, Clement turned to Flora. “Do you know you’re a beautiful rose? I’ve got a rose in my garden that smells nice—but not as nice as you.”
Flora smiled, though deep down she thought, He doesn’t even know he’s playing with fire. He’s embarrassing himself over another man’s wife.
Clement continued proudly, “I was in the United Kingdom for years on a scholarship because I was brilliant during my university days. I graduated with outstanding results and was offered a scholarship to study for my master’s degree abroad. While I was there, I made a lot of money—and I even sent Pascal some funds to help me buy this beautiful car you see.”
As they walked around, two of Clement’s bodyguards followed them closely.
Their job is to protect Clement at all costs, even if it costs them their very lives. Since Clement is now the new head of the oil refinery, his father had earlier instructed them: “My only son must be protected at all costs — observe his movements, the food he eats, the water he uses to bathe. Nothing must happen to your new boss.”
Clement turned to Flora again. “If you marry me, Flora, you and your uncle will never know poverty again. You’ll live among billions.”
Flora’s mind raced. You promise us billions, yet our plan is to take all your billions from you, she thought to herself.
Forcing a bright smile, she exclaimed, “Wow!” pretending to be impressed by his words.
He doesn’t know I don’t love him, she mused silently. I love his friend—the one he calls my uncle.
After touring the entire mansion, Clement asked, “Do you love my home, Flora?”
“Yes,” she replied with a smile.
“Let’s go to your uncle,” Flora said, signaling it was time to return.
They both went back to meet Pascal.
“So, Clement,” Pascal asked, “did you enjoy your time with Flora?”
Clement grinned. “Yes, I did. She’s such a happy person to be around.”
“That’s good to hear,” Pascal replied, raising his glass slightly. “You’re my guy! Anyway, if you don’t mind, we’re about to take our leave.”
“No problem, Pascal,” Clement said warmly. “I’m happy to see you today—and your beautiful cousin. I hope you bring her along next time.”
Pascal chuckled. “My cousin is all yours, my friend. Anytime you need her, just call her—or me.” Turning to Flora, he added, “Give him your number.”
Flora handed her phone number to Clement.
Clement opened his wallet and handed Flora sixty dollars. Surprised, she said, “Thank you, Mr. Clement.”
“Never mind, Flora,” Clement said with a charming grin. “And don’t call me Mr. Clement. Just call me Clement—or CS. I’m fine with that.”
Flora laughed lightly. “No problem, CS.”
Clement and Pascal both laughed.
Pascal and Flora then left. As Pascal drove, he reached over and gently patted Flora’s back with one hand. “You’re smarter than I thought,” he said proudly. “You made things easier than I expected.”
Flora looked through the side mirror and said to Pascal, “Well, this is just the beginning. What is the assurance that we are going to win this game?”
Pascal looked at her and smiled. “It may be the beginning, but we’ve had a good start. Having a good start is better than not having any at all. And I know we are going to win at last if you continue to act smartly like this.”
He glanced at her again and added, “Look, you just received sixty dollars today. I want you to know—expect more. Just play your role as the player while I tell you what to do, as your coach.”
Flora responded softly, “No problem, my love.”
“Are you going to meet your grandma today or tomorrow?”
“I will go today,” Flora replied. “She needs her medications, and I also need to buy her some other things.”
“No problem, babe,” Pascal said. “I’ll just drop you off where you can easily take a taxi to meet her. Is that okay with you?”
“That’s okay,” Flora responded.
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Clement couldn’t get Flora off his mind. The memory of her smile replayed over and over in his thoughts. Lying on his bed, he tossed and turned restlessly.
“I can’t wait for Flora to be my wife,” he murmured to himself. “I love her so much.”
Just as he was lost in thought, his phone rang. He smiled, thinking it was Flora—until he saw it was his father calling.
- Writer
