Sweeter Than Romance

Chapter 7: Casa del Príncipe

*Lianne*

The ride to Nicholas’ home was quite awkward. None of us said a single word. The sound emitted by the radio was our only distraction to save us from our current predicament.

I would glance outside the window and pretend as if I was enjoying the surroundings which is pretty lame since all I can see is trees and the road we are passing on. Wow. How long would it take us before we reach our destination? I can’t believe they managed to abduct me this far. I seriously didn’t have any idea on our current location.

“Hey.”

Nicholas’ voice brought me out of my reverie and I secretly glanced at his direction. Turns out he was referring to the driver and not me. Oh well. It’s a good thing I suppose.

“How long before we reach home?” asked Nicholas while glancing at his clock. The skies are starting to get dark and the lights needed to be turned on so we can see our path.

“ About an hour or less, sir. Assuming that there is no delay on our way.”

Nicholas glanced at my direction and I immediately straightened up. Seeing his gaze, I attempted to say something but he beat me to it.

“ So-

“ Do you have the necklace?”

I was confused for a moment until I realized what he was asking.

“ Oh. You mean the diamond-shaped necklace?”

“ Yes. I’m assuming it was with you since you are the one who caught me.” He replied and looked ahead. “ So, do you have it?”

I searched my pockets for the necklace. After finding it, I handed it back to Nicholas.

“ I thought you’ve already sold it after I saw you wearing it once at the campus.”

Right. Nicholas saw me wearing the necklace one time. Now I understood why he kept staring at it during that day.

“ Well.. me and my friends decided that we’ll return it once the owner looks for it. And it’s the only clue I had that will lead me to the Hooded Guy. “ I explained while whispering the last part.

“ If I wasn’t so frantic to leave that day, then maybe this wouldn’t have happened.” He said with a sigh.

“ If you don’t mind, Why Emily though? It belongs to you.. isn’t it?”

There was silence for a moment and I thought that maybe Nicholas has no intention to answer my question. I just paid it no heed and went back on looking outside the window.

Oh well. There goes my attempt to start a conversation.

“ It was given to me.” Spoke Nicholas which slightly startled me. “Emily is the name of my grandmother. She was the one who gave it to me.”

“ I see.. then I guess the Letter D stands for Dean, right? Which is a part of your name?” Nicholas didn’t reply and I mentally face-palmed at my lousy attempt to continue the conversation. Great Lianne.. Just Great.

Silence continued to envelop us and the static sound of the radio can be heard loud and clear. It was followed by the DJ’s voice and a particular song which caught my ears.

-When I was young I’d listen to the radio,

waiting for my favourite songs

When they played, I’d sing along

It made me smile

A serene feeling suddenly hit me and I relaxed under the melody. The city lights reflected a little shade and only then I found out that we were already in the urban area. I continued listening to the song and enjoying the comforting feeling it brought me.

Every Sha-La-La-La

Every Wo-o-wo-o

Still shines

Every shing-a-ling-a-ling

That they’re starting to sing

So fine

Scenes popped up in my head. Particularly a trio of children who are playing happily in the fields. I didn’t know why but the scene just appeared without thinking. I turned to Nicholas’ direction and it seems like he was humming to the tune of the song.

When they get to the part

Where he’s breakin’ her heart

It can really make me cry

Just like before

It’s Yesterday once more

“ It’s Yesterday once more....” I repeated the last line in a breathless whisper. Before we know it, we were passing down a road filled with lamps on the side. It’s like a tunnel or passageway but with lighting to support the way. At least, that’s how I view it.

“ We’re almost there.” The driver said.

The car stopped in front of a massive silver gate. It took a few seconds for the gate to open and I was in awe as I observed the area. Wow. It’s like we are in a park and there is even a water fountain! The pathway was guided by small and circular LED-like devices. I can see a gazeebo on the distance and also what seems to be a greenhouse, I suppose?

“ Is that your house?” I said and pointed to a large 3-storey building.

“ We’re not yet there.” Answered Nicholas without facing me.

“ What is that building then?”

“ That is only a warehouse. The main house is still a few meters away.” Replied the driver.

I was shocked and couldn’t utter a word. That building is only a warehouse? Heck, it is even larger than the whole apartment we are living in! I know that Nicholas is rich but damn.. I guess I wouldn’t be used to this kind of fortune.

The car came to a halt after a few minutes. Nicholas unbuckled his seat belt while I hurriedly grabbed my things to follow him. I don’t want to get lost in this unknown place and starve myself to death! Heh. I’m exaggerating. But yeah, I think that would be possible knowing how large this place is.

I followed Nicholas and a castle-like structure stood before us.

“T-THIS IS YOUR HOUSE?”

He entered the large door and the inside was like a dream come true. Expensive furniture is present and the signature chandelier hanging from the ceiling. I was in awe with my feet firm on the ground that I didn’t notice a servant heading our way.

“ Good Evening, Sir. ”

“ Where’s George?”

“ He’s currently checking some floors but he’ll be back soon.”

“ Tell him to meet me at my room and if you may..” Nicholas looked at me before he spoke with the servant. “ Lend her some clothes and show her one of the guest rooms.

The servant was surprised for a second but she immediately nodded and answered.

“ Of course, Sir.”

“ There’s food in the kitchen. Just order one of the chefs to cook for you if you want.”

After that, Nicholas climbed the long flight of stairs, leaving me alone in this stupidly huge place. What the heck? How am I supposed to find my way here?

“ Shall we go?” spoke the servant in a kind tone and I was shaken out of my thoughts.

“ Right. My bad.”

I chuckled awkwardly and followed the servant’s steps. We passed by a hallway and it is filled with paintings and amazing art. One painting caught my attention and it was a portrait of an elder woman with a little boy on her lap. The woman was wearing a necklace which was very similar to what Nicholas has right now.

“ That is Madam Emelia. And the child on the portrait is Sir Nicholas.” The servant explained as she also observed the painting.

“Emelia.. so Nicholas’ grandmother. Where is Madam Emelia right now?”

“ Well.. she already passed away. 10 years ago to be exact.”

“ Oh.”

We continued walking and climbed a few floors. There were several doors and we stopped at the 4th door on located on the left corner.

“ This is my room and we are currently on the 3rd floor. This is the floor where the servants’ room are located. Mr. Howard lets the servants stay in the house, you see.”

“ That’s great, I think.” I replied shyly. She released giggles and led me inside her room. There were a few furniture and the place looks comfortable enough.

“ I’ll just scan some clothes for you.”

“ Thanks. Umm..”

“ Hazel. My name’s Hazel.” She said with a smile.

“ Yeah. Thanks Hazel. Come to think of it, we haven’t introduced ourselves earlier.” I said in an amused tone. She chuckled and handed me some clothes.

"Anyways, My name is Lianne.”

“ Well, Lianne. I hope you are okay with these.”

“ No worries. As long as I don’t go naked then I’m okay with anything.” Came my reply as I accepted the clothes she offered.

“ I’m glad. If you won’t mind me asking, are you and Sir Nicholas best friends?”

“ Well... I wouldn’t call us friends.. to be honest.”

“ I knew it! Then you’re his girlfriend then.” She said as if she discovered something amazing.

“What?! No no no. You’ve got the wrong idea. That, I assure you.”

Hazel’s brows furrowed in confusion and she just shrugged her shoulders afterwards.

“ Oh. I just assumed since you are the first girl she brought here. Usually, his best friends would be the ones who would visit so if you aren’t his best friend, then perhaps you are a lover.”

How would I explain my connection with Nicholas? I can’t just tell her that ‘Hey, I found out about your master’s secret so here I am, forced to go into this huge castle of a house!’

“ Anyways, let’s go downstairs and meet Mr. George.”

We got out of the room and headed to the 2nd floor. An elderly man greeted us and politely smiled as we came face to face with him. He was of fair build and he seems to have a strong posture despite of old age. His crew cut stood out which was slightly gray in colour.

“Mister George. Sir Nicholas ordered for you to meet him in his room.”

“Ah. He might have a request as usual.” He shook his head slightly and turned towards me. “ I assume this is our guest right here.”

“ Good evening, sir. My name is Lianne. ” I said and politely offered my hand.

He waved off my gesture with an amused chuckle.

“ No need for formalities. You can just call me George since you are Nicholas’ guest.” He faced Hazel and instructed her. “ The materials requested by Mr. Howard arrived a few minutes ago. Tell the other servants to place them in the warehouse.”

Hazel nodded and went on her way to execute her task. George motioned for us to walk as he guided me on the way.

“ Dinner is about to be served in 5 minutes. Let me escort you to the dining area before I give you a tour around the house.”

We headed to the ground floor and turned to the east wing. There lies the Dining area which was similar to a mini restaurant in style. It had 2 large tables and 4 mini ones which can support 5 people. The area has a good amount of space and at least 50 people can fit inside.

“ Just sit anywhere you want. The household chefs would just serve your dinner in a while. In the meantime, I would meet Nicholas and see what he wanted.” He said with a chuckle. “ Anyways, enjoy your meal, Ms. Lianne.” He slightly bowed before leaving me to wait for my food.

I chose the mini table near the window side and I sat comfortably on the chair. Wow. Living in this place feels like a fairy tale. But doesn’t it feel lonely to live in such a huge house and the only people living with you are your parents and siblings? Maybe other relatives live here as well. Speaking of siblings.. Does Nicholas have any brothers? Or perhaps sisters? What about her mother? I haven’t seen her visit the University. Maybe she was just busy? Nah. Who knows.

An aromatic smell attracted my senses and a chef brought in some dish to my table.

“ Enjoy your meal.” The chef said before walking away.

It was a complex dish of meat, sauce, leafy vegetables and etc. Honestly, I didn’t have any clue on what kind of dish it was. But who cares? I’m too hungry to figure it out.

I grabbed my fork and sliced the meat with the knife. I dipped it in the sauce and gosh, the flavors erupted in my mouth. It was sooooo good. I ate my meal like a dinosaur not caring if other people would see how unattractive it was. The food was amazing and you could literally cry tears of joy.

“ I know I shouldn’t be overjoyed at my current situation but.. I can’t help it. I gotta enjoy the food.” I said and continued chewing.

A pang of worry popped up in my head especially the possible outcome and effect of discovering Nicholas’ secret. But nah. I decided to worry about it later and savor the delicious meal I have at the moment. Yuum.

-Chapter End-