Chapter 67 - A Glimpse Into Emman's Future
835 Words
*Emman's POV*
Candy had never given a thought to the mansion in our five years of relationship. When Emily signed the estate over to me, I didn't think twice about adding both of our names on the paperwork. And now I was wishing I hadn't done so.
Normally, a trip into the hinterlands would be pleasurable. Driving out of London, the vehicle humming beneath my fingertips as we went through the meadows and into the sun, was calming. The persistent tapping of Candy's toes, however, completely disrupted the quiet. Her annoyance was the source of my annoyance, despite the fact that nothing had changed in the three months since she had decided to move out.
The meandering front-drive likely to lead to Everest Manor was beautiful, I had to admit. The worn stone of the mansion rose up from a bed of overgrown gardens as we arrived. Some of the vines reached over the front of the house. I looked at Candy, who had an astonished expression on her face that didn't bode well for me.
She was already hopping out of the car as I pulled over, her ankles shaking as she struggled to navigate rough ground in her wedge heels. As I stood there watching her, a gust of hot summer air hit me.
She shouted, "This is incredible, babe!" Regardless of her first reaction, I was unconcerned.
She hadn't yet seen the interior. Her huge brown eyes squinted in my direction.
"You claimed we were heading to Everest Manor, and you said you wouldn't let me go unless I agreed to sell the house."
"Yes, and it shouldn't take more than a few hours; once you see the state of the house, I doubt you'll even step inside," I said, looking down at her high-heeled shoes. "Not in those."
"You underestimate me, Emman," she said, finally buckling her seatbelt.
Oh, thank god.
I was eager to get out of here and put this behind me. I hurriedly pulled away from the apartment where Candy had been residing since our parting and hurried for the highway, not wanting to waste any more time.
My automobile was one of my favorites. My Audi R8 was perfection in a car, with leather inside, the capacity to drive from zero to sixty-two in under four seconds and the finest handling money could buy. I enjoyed my automobile, but it was much better without the baggage—both real and metaphorical—that was presently being put into it.
I moaned, "Candace." "There's no chance you need to bring all of that; we'll just be here for a few hours."
The trunk slammed shut, forcing the entire vehicle to shake violently. Candy's ferocity in slamming it shut seemed to be intended more at me than at my Audi. She yanked the passenger door open, venting her rage on my damaged automobile once more. Candy c****d her head.
"You said you were trying to kidnap me; all I'm doing is making sure I have enough clothing to last the period of my imprisonment."
Candy sank onto the leather seat, and I rolled my eyes in return. With a fast tug, she sealed herself inside the car, and I wondered if I should inform her that her pretty little sundress had become trapped in the door. But I believe she deserved it for her theatrical performance.
"I'm not k********g you, Candy," I said, fatigued from dealing with this lady.
I ignored her and walked to the big front doors, where I discovered the correct key. The antique entryway had been fitted with a contemporary lock, and I pondered how efficient it had been in keeping unwelcome guests out. However, the key clicked, and the door swung open, bringing a wash of musky air with it.
"Take a look," I urged as I entered the huge hall ahead of Candy. "I warned you it was a disaster."
With its sweeping, high ceilings, it was easy to picture how spectacular Everest may have been at one point or another. As the sun shone through the glass doorways, the cobweb-covered chandelier that hung over Candy and me would have glistened.
However, the attractiveness of this location has long since vanished. Everything's beauty fades at some time, I'd discovered.
Candy yelled as she stepped over a shattered tile on the floor, "I don't care if it's a mess!" "Do you understand how many times the Queen of Hell is reported to have visited this location throughout her reign?"
I let out a sigh. "I'm fully aware of the connection between the Queen of Hell stories and my family, yeah," Candy said as she took a misstep and swayed. I grasped her elbow to stabilize her. "But that queen is dead, and she's been dead for almost a hundred years," I remarked as she glanced up at me with embarrassed thanks.
Candy exclaimed as if I'd offended her grandma, who had passed away.
I let go of her arm. "Candace, don't be too theatrical."
- Writer
