The Forgotten Heiress

Chapter Thirteen: Magnificent

Lily’s POV

I have read a lot about Italy.

I also did tons of research on Italy, the places, the food, the people, the atmosphere, everything. I just wanted to equip myself with so much knowledge regarding the place that will be my new home. I must admit, the pictures didn’t do justice to Italy’s beauty.

I was emotional when we got to the airport, before boarding. I did cry because as much as I hate to agree to this fact, it is undeniable that I will miss my home. I will miss Blooms’, my friends, Sam, Brie, my dad, Kuntsevo, and Aaron.

What is the saying again? ‘With new beginnings comes change’? I am willing and ready to embrace this change, wholeheartedly.

A convoy came to pick us up. Mr and Mrs William entered a different car, Lorenzo a different car, then Xavier and I in ours. There is an entourage of guards in front of us and behind us. Just who are these people? All these securities can’t be because Xavier is a model, there is more to it.

Did you see the paparazzi as we came out of the airport to enter our cars? I don’t want to even talk about it. They were on a mission to make me blind with all the flashes even though my gaze was down and Xavier with my brother-in-law shielded me with their bodies. They seemed so unfazed by the attention, which is justified, they are used to it. Xavier has been in the limelight for over 10 years.

The ride from the airport to the villa should be around thirty minutes, roughly. The William’s live in a villa, a massive one. There is a fountain in the middle of the villa, one of the first things you’d see upon entering the villa.

There are four structured building which Xavier said, “This one in the middle and obviously the biggest belongs to my parents and by the right is mine or ours now.” He winks at me which earns him a smack on the arm.

He laughs at my failed attempt to hurt him, “by the left is Lorenzo’s.” He doesn’t say anything about the building at the extreme end and I don’t ask. It is my home so I will eventually find out. No need to rush.

The cars stop in front of each respective building and I watch as the guards hurriedly walk to the cars to open the doors for us.

“How rich are these people?” I ask myself as I climb down the car. Xavier walks to me and places my hand on his bicep.

I can’t help but notice that he seems to prefer that over holding hands. I don’t mind either, it makes me feel regal. We walk to his home, or our home.

One of the guards stationed at the door opens it for us, “Welcome home sir, welcome ma’am.”

“Thank you.” We say in unison.

Magnificent is the word. My home is magnificent, just the way I want it. It is minimalist yet bold and classy.

Before the wedding, Xavier would randomly call me to ask if I preferred this over that, or if I liked a beige colour couch, or send pictures for me to choose from, you know, basically made me a part of revamping his home.

He said since he is taking me away from home, the least he could do is welcome me into a home.

“Oh my God, I love it!” I squealed, turning around to hug him.

“You are making it sound like you didn’t bully me into touring the house and sending it to you.”

“It looks different. It looked a place I could manage when you sent it.”

“Manage? Why didn’t you say anything then? What don’t you like?” he is looking around the living room now, probably trying to figure out what it is I can most definitely say I don’t like.

“No love, I love it. It looked basic in the phone but now that I am seeing it in person, it looks magnificent. ”

He blows out a sigh of relief, “Perfect, let me take you around.”

He is walking in front of me while I am closely behind him. We stop at the dining area first, then we go to the kitchen were we meet a lady, an old woman to be precise.

“Oh Mr Aaron, I was just about to set the table.” She says in panic immediately we walked into the kitchen. Why? We just arrived and we aren’t in a rush to eat so why the panic?

“I didn’t come to get the food. I am taking my wife around, showing her the home.” He says as he diverts his attention to me, moving a step back so he can place his arm on my shoulder.

It seems like it is then she notices me, “forgive me, I didn’t notice your presence. Good afternoon ma’am, how was the journey? Welcome to the William residence and congratulations.” She says all of that in a heartbeat with her head bent, her gaze on the floor, while fidgeting with her fingers.

Interesting, I don’t need this much respect from a lady that is obviously older than my mother, stepmother.

I get out of Aaron’s hold and move to her, I gently raise her head up so I can see her face, “My name is Lily, please call me that.”

She briefly looks at me before dropping her gaze again still not saying a word so I continue, “Thank you, and you can take your time setting the table, we aren’t hungry yet, right baby?”

He doesn’t answer my question, he just clears his throat before saying, “Come on, I’ve got something else to show you.”

I look at her once again. She is still in that position, weird. I turn back to look at Aaron only to see him walking out of the kitchen so I walk hurriedly to catch up with him.

“The best part yet, and the place I am most nervous about, your room.” His hands are closing my eyes so I can't see my room just yet.