I took a deep breath and signed the document, my hand trembling slightly as I wrote my new name: Elira Ravelli. It felt surreal like I was signing away my old life and stepping into a new one. I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for me.
As soon as I finished signing, my stepfamily started discussing the reception they had planned.
"We should all go celebrate!" Margaret exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's a beautiful day, and we have so much to be grateful for."
I shook my head, feeling a sense of detachment from the whole situation. "I'm not interested," I said flatly, my voice devoid of emotion. "I just want to get this over with."
I knew that their celebration was more about having the tycoon invest in the company than my marriage to him.
They all looked at me in surprise, but I didn't care. I didn't want to spend another minute with them than I had to. They were no longer my family. I don't have their names any longer.
Michael Lewis, the stranger who had brought the documents, cleared his throat. I'm afraid I have instructions to take you to your new home, Mrs. Ravelli, he said, his eyes apologetic. "Aleczander's mansion is waiting for you."
Him calling me Mrs Ravelli felt right. I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. At least I could get away from my stepfamily and start fresh.
"I need to go back to the house to get some of my things," I said, my mind racing with the logistics of moving into a new home.
Michael nodded. Of course, I'll take you there first. We can stop by your father's house and then head to the mansion.
As we drove to my father's house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I was leaving behind the only home I had ever known, and I wasn't sure what the future held.
When we arrived at the house, I quickly went into my room and packed my bags, taking only the necessary things I needed. I didn't want to be burdened with too much luggage in my new life.
Before leaving, I went into the room my parents shared before mom went into a coma and he remarried. Margaret had made a fuss about staying in the same room that mom had shared with dad, and so they stayed in a different room.
I was glad that they did. I sometimes came here when I was missing Mom too much, I would smell her favourite perfume. It would wrap around me, giving me a sense of peace like she was hugging me right now.
She had bought a full box of them as she was in love with the product. Taking the box along with me, I was about to leave when I saw something on the dressing table. Walking closer, it was her special locket shaped like love and had the Luminbloom flower engraved in it.
I had the exact same one on my neck. I always wore it. Taking mom's own, I kept it in my clutch as I eventually left the room, going downstairs with my luggage.
As I stepped out of the house, Michael was waiting for me, his eyes kind and understanding. Ready to start your new life, Mrs. Ravelli? He asked, his voice gentle.
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to start fresh, to leave behind the old Elira and become the new Mrs. Ravelli.
The ride to the mansion felt long, but I didn't mind. I was lost in my thoughts, reflecting on my life and the choices I had made.
When we finally arrived at the mansion, I gasped in shock. It was three times the size of my father's mansion, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. The exterior was a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with large windows and a sprawling garden.
Michael smiled as he led me out of the car. Welcome to your new home, Mrs. Ravelli, he said, his eyes proud.
The entrance to the house had small water fountains on both sides. The large doors were exquisite, with their intricate details and elegant designs.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I gazed at the mansion. It was imposing, but it was also beautiful, and I couldn't wait to explore it.
As we stepped inside, a maid greeted us, her eyes kind and welcoming. Hello, Mrs. Ravelli, she said, her voice soft. I'm Cinthia, the head maid. I'll show you to your room.
"Oh and Mrs Ravelli, he......." Michael started but I interrupted him.
"It's Elira. Call me Elira please. I told him softly, as much as I was growing to love being called Mrs Ravelli, it would be better if I was called Elira.
He smiled at me before he continued.
Elira, I wanted to inform you that Aleczander is on a business trip. It should last a week, or he might come back earlier.
"Oh, ok. Thank you, I replied. I didn't exactly know what to feel at that time. Should I be sad that I won't be able to see my husband in a week, or should I be elated that I have enough time to be mentally prepared for meeting him?
He took his leave after that, saying he had to get back to work. I understood, at least he was nice towards me.
I followed Cinthia, my eyes taking in the opulent decorations and the sprawling layout of the mansion. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
As we walked, Cinthia told me about the mansion, the gym, the pool, the game room, and the in-house cinema. She showed me Aleczander's room, which was next to mine, but warned me not to enter. She also showed me his study, but we didn't go in.
I was fascinated by the mansion, and I couldn't wait to explore it further. But as we walked, I also couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. I was marrying a stranger, and I had no idea what he was like.
As we reached my room, Cinthia smiled. This is your room, Mrs. Ravelli, she said, her eyes kind. "You can rest here, and I'll bring you some dinner later."
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Cinthia. She was kind and welcoming, and I was glad to have her as a friend in this new chapter of my life.
As I settled into my room, I realized that my luggage had already been brought in. As I settled into my room, I kept thinking about what he would be like. I didn't know what to expect, but I was glad to have some time to myself.
Later that evening, I joined Cinthia in the kitchen, helping her prepare dinner. We chatted as we worked, and I learned more about her and her life. She had been working for Aleczander for three years now, and she loved him like a son.
We had just finished preparing dinner, so I was about to head upstairs so I could freshen up. As I stepped my foot on the stairs, I heard the door open.
Turning back, I was rooted in my spot. A young lady looking in her early twenties was wheeling at someone whose face was obstructed.
She wheeled him in further, and I was able to see his face. I stopped breathing when his eyes met mine, my heart was pounding in my chest.
"Aleczander." His name breathlessly left my lips.