Saphire’s POV
“WOW…” I whispered under my breath.
We were now standing in front of Perv’s mansion, and if I had been in awe of his limousine earlier, this was on an entirely different level. My jaw had nearly hit the floor when I saw the luxurious interior of his limo, but now, I was sure my eyes would pop out of their sockets.
His limousine alone was an extravagant display—gray leather seats with built-in consoles, a plush bench facing two televisions connected to a DVD player, VCR, and computer hookup. A 12-CD stereo system and a fully stocked mini bar completed the setup. The silver-tinted windows ensured absolute privacy, shielding its occupants from the outside world.
But his house? It was no ordinary estate. It was a masterpiece.
The architectural design was beyond unique—exactly what one would expect from a family of engineers. The towering gateposts were Gothic-inspired, with an intricate wrought-iron gate that looked straight out of a fairytale. Thick brick walls enclosed the property, adding to its imposing grandeur. The entrance alone screamed wealth—its solid narra wood door gleamed under the soft lighting, adorned with exquisite carvings reminiscent of the designs in fantasy films. The crystal-clear windows had silver linings, and the landscaped garden was a work of art, no doubt maintained by a professional.
Inside, the flooring was sleek granite tiles, polished to perfection. A grand staircase, lined with a red carpet, curved elegantly upward, its wooden railings smooth to the touch. A chandelier, its bulbs held in golden fixtures, glittered overhead, its cascading crystals catching the light—I was almost certain those were real diamonds.
The living area was sunken below ground level, a design choice that exuded exclusivity. Plush sofas fit for royalty surrounded delicate glass tables, their edges intricately etched to resemble glass roses.
Perv guided me through the house, but I could hardly keep up with all the breathtaking details. Words failed me. Everything was opulent, overwhelming.
Why doesn’t he live here? I wondered. Anyone would kill to call a place like this home.
We stepped outside to the backyard, where the extravagance continued. The pool shimmered under the lights, its design sleek and modern. A built-in heater was positioned at the side, creating a sauna-like experience. A small fountain trickled peacefully, and beside it, a massive aquarium stretched along the wall, filled with exotic sea creatures. Not freshwater fish, but rare marine life—an underwater world of its own.
“The ceiling back here is automatic,” Perv explained, noticing my fascinated stare. “It can open or close depending on the weather.”
Since the estate was within a villa, the space wasn’t overly vast, but the thick walls surrounding it ensured maximum security.
After admiring the backyard, he led me to the underground level. It housed the rooms for their PSGs, but at the far end, there was another room. The moment we stepped inside, I gasped.
A bar.
Not just any bar—this was a full-fledged, high-end lounge. Plush seating, a billiards table, and arcade games lined the walls, giving the space a mix of sophistication and entertainment.
Next, he showed me his father’s home office. Like Hon’s condo, the entire room was designed in a sleek black-and-white theme. Off to the side, there was another door. The moment he opened it, I was rendered speechless.
A grand library.
Bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with an estimated ten thousand books.
“I knew you’d like this,” he murmured, watching my reaction with a satisfied smirk.
We moved on to the second floor, where the guest rooms and master bedroom were. He didn’t open the master’s bedroom, though—whether intentionally or not, I wasn’t sure.
Then, we took the elevator up to the third floor.
“This entire floor is mine,” he said casually as we stepped out.
The space immediately opened into a private entryway before leading to a heavy steel door.
“It’s locked with a handprint scanner,” he said, turning to me. “Only I can open it.”
He laced his fingers through mine and smiled.
“Do you want to see inside?”
I nodded eagerly, giving him my best puppy-dog eyes.
He chuckled, placing his palm against the scanner. A soft beep sounded, followed by a mechanical click! as the door unlocked.
The moment it swung open, I instinctively shielded my eyes. The lights were too bright at first, but as my vision adjusted, my breath hitched.
The room was a masterpiece.
The bed, chairs, and pillows were all covered in luxurious navy and gold brocade, trimmed with gold braid. The pecan wood furniture—headboard, nightstand, and dresser—was adorned with gold accents. Navy gauze drapes, held back with elegant gold tassels, framed the large windows, tying the whole aesthetic together. On the walls, three still-life paintings hung in wide navy mattes with slim gold frames.
The entire room exuded the elegance of a married couple’s suite.
He led me toward the far end, and my eyes widened in surprise.
“You have a record collection?” I turned to him in awe.
He smirked. “Of course.”
Across from the records was another room, and when he guided me inside, I was floored once again.
A fully equipped music studio.
A pristine white grand piano stood at the center, surrounded by an array of instruments—guitars, drums, violins, and more. The studio was professionally designed, complete with a recording booth.
As I took it all in, he suddenly pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His warmth seeped into my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.
“So…” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “Can we pick up where we left off in the car?”
I swallowed hard.
“You forgot that I still have a sore,” I whispered, resting my hands over his.
He chuckled, his breath warm against my ear. “You’ll forget all about that once we get started,” he teased, his voice deep and full of longing.
I turned in his arms and met his gaze. “Not tonight, okay?” My tone was soft but firm.
He studied me for a moment before giving me a small smile. “Okay. Not tonight.”
He released me gently and led me toward the bed, sitting down and pulling me beside him.
“Let’s lie down for a while,” he suggested, brushing his fingers through my hair. “Did you enjoy the tour?”
I leaned my head on his shoulder and sighed. “Yes. You’re ridiculously rich, you know that? You could quit the shop if you wanted.”
He laughed. “But then who would watch over you?” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.
A comfortable silence settled between us until he spoke again.
“If you don’t mind me asking… why aren’t paparazzi following you here?”
“I told them I needed a break, and I took a leave from work. Ruby has connections with the media. She made sure they wouldn’t tail me.”
He hummed in approval. “So, even if your belly grows, no one will know?”
“Unless someone posts a picture online,” I admitted. “Then it’ll be a different story.”
He chuckled. “No wonder your PSGs are all over you.”
“Pretty much,” I said with a small laugh.
He shifted slightly. “What about your dad? When he finds out I got you pregnant, what do you think he’ll say?”
I tensed. My father had always been particular about my future, which was why he had approved of Clint—because his family was well-off.
I forced a small smile. “Let’s not worry about that now. I’m sure he’ll accept you.”
A pause. Then, he looked at me seriously. “Do you think you’re pregnant yet?”
I met his gaze. “I’m not sure.”
He smirked. “Want to make sure?”
I blinked. “You mean… now?”
He grinned mischievously. “Now now?”
I sighed, rolling my eyes in playful defiance. "Later... perhaps." My voice held a teasing lilt, though deep down, I knew resisting him was a losing battle.
He laughed, pulling me onto him. And just like that, the moment was interrupted by the ringing of the bedside phone.
With a sigh, he answered. “Yes?”
A pause.
“Okay, give us a minute. We’re coming down.”
He hung up, smiling at me. “Shall we go?”
I smirked. “What are we still doing here?”
He grinned. “Good question. What are you still doing on top of me?”
I gasped, playfully shoving him before helping him up. With an arm around my shoulders, he kissed my cheek, and together, we headed downstairs.
Pervince's POV
As soon as we arrived, I left Hon in the living room while I followed Jims into my father’s office. Apparently, he had something important to tell me.
“What is it, Jims?” I asked the moment the door clicked shut behind us.
“That woman… is she Ms. Saphire Ravens?” he asked, his tone careful.
Tsk. I asked him a question, and he responded with another one? Really?
“Yes, she is,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Is she your girlfriend as well?” he pressed.
“Yes.”
His expression faltered at my response. Instead of the usual neutral demeanor, he looked… troubled? I couldn’t quite understand his reaction. Shouldn’t he be happy for me? After all, I was dating none other than a renowned model. Tsk. Maybe he had a neurobiological issue or something.
“Why the sudden expression, Jims?” I questioned, raising a brow.
That seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. His posture straightened, his demeanor shifting back to normal as if he had just rebooted his system.
“Ah… n-nothing, sir. I was just surprised to hear that you’ve finally gotten yourself a girlfriend,” he said, but there was a teasing lilt to his voice. “Last I checked, you weren’t interested in commitments.”
I chuckled and threw an arm over his shoulders. “Oh, so that’s what this is about. Thought you had something serious to say,” I said, shaking my head. “But yeah, when I’m with her, I’m different. I’m serious about her.”
Jims turned to look at me, his expression unreadable. “Then I’m happy for you, Tristan.”
Before I could reply, he glanced at his watch and changed the subject. “Well, supper’s ready. Let’s eat.”
I nodded, and we left the office, heading straight to the kitchen.
The moment I stepped in, my eyes landed on Saphire, and my heart nearly stopped.
“Hon, what are you doing?” I asked, startled.
She simply flashed me a smile.
“U-Uhm, sir, we actually tried to stop Lady S-Saphire from helping, but she insisted,” Fe stammered, clearly nervous.
“Hon, I’m fine. Let me be,” Saphire said, her tone light. “It’s been a long time since I did any household chores. I just wanted to experience it again.”
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck before offering her a small smile. “Alright, alright. But come sit now, you’ve done enough.” I pulled out a chair beside mine, gesturing for her to sit.
She happily took the seat, and once we said grace, we began eating.
Jims’ POV
We were inside the old master’s office, and I needed to confirm something.
“What is it, Jims?” the young master asked as soon as the door closed.
The moment I saw the woman with him at the mall, I had a gut feeling. And now, I needed to hear it directly from him.
“That woman… is she Ms. Saphire Ravens?” I asked, my voice firm.
He smirked slightly.
“Yes, she is,” he replied, crossing his arms.
“Is she your girlfriend as well?” I pressed further.
“Yes.”
The certainty in his voice made my stomach drop. I wasn’t sure why, but something about this felt like a bad idea. They were clearly unaware of their families’ history.
I lowered my gaze, troubled. How was I supposed to bring this up to the old masters?
“Why the sudden expression, Jims?” his voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I quickly composed myself, forcing a neutral stance. I couldn’t let him notice my concern.
“Ah… n-nothing, sir. I was just surprised. The last time I checked, you weren’t keen on relationships,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.
“Sus, that’s all? I thought it was something serious,” he chuckled before his expression turned solemn. “When I’m with her, I’m different. I’m serious about her.”
He slung an arm around me, his words carrying a weight I hadn’t expected. Despite my worries, a part of me felt relieved. He had changed because of her. And for that, I was… happy for him.
“Then I’m happy for you, Tristan,” I said sincerely, though deep inside, I hoped no obstacles would stand in their way.
Not long after, I steered the conversation elsewhere. “Well, supper’s ready. Let’s eat.”
I couldn’t afford to prolong this discussion. If he noticed my unease, he would start asking questions I wasn’t ready to answer.
As soon as we entered the kitchen, I was met with an unexpected sight.
“Hon, what are you doing?” Tristan’s voice rang out, clearly surprised.
I turned to see him addressing Ms. Saphire. Hon? He just called her with an endearment? So their relationship really was deep.
“U-Uhm, sir, we actually tried to stop Lady S-Saphire from helping, but she insisted,” Fe explained nervously.
“Hon, I’m fine. Let me be,” she said, defending herself. “It’s been a long time since I did any household chores. I just wanted to experience it again.”
I stole a glance at Tristan. I knew him well—he didn’t like seeing those he cared about exerting unnecessary effort. That used to be a big part of his personality, up until the scandal in London changed him. But here, with her, it seemed like that old version of him was resurfacing.
He sighed before smiling at her. “Alright, alright. But come sit now, you’ve done enough.” He pulled out a chair beside him, urging her to sit.
Once everyone settled, I led the prayer, and then we began eating.
As I observed the two of them, it was clear—they acted like a real couple.
But deep down, I knew the truth. Their love was not meant to be.
And yet… I couldn’t bring myself to be the one to tell them.