Chapter 5

Rose began to regain consciousness after a few moments. She opened her eyes to see a hazy person looming over her. The figure gradually came into focus, and she realized it was Sebastian.

"Thank God you're okay," Sebastian replied, his voice filled with relief.

Rose sat up and stroked her neck, attempting to comprehend what had just occurred. "What...what happened?" she wondered, her voice trembling.

Sebastian paused for a moment before responding. "I apologize, Rose. I never intended for you to see what was in my drawer. I swear they're not human heads. They're specially made-artifacts. I'm a lover of art, and those are special one's made by my friend for me, they are made to look exactly like the real thing, that's basically what it is my dear".

Rose took a long breath, attempting to calm herself. "All right, all right. I trust you. But why did you grasp me in that manner?"

"I panicked," Sebastian said. "I didn't know how to explain it to you, and I didn't want you to see something that might scare you." "I'll put them in a more appropriate place now".

Rose nodded slowly, still processing everything. "Okay. I see what you're saying. But you have to admit, that was a little frightening."

Sebastian chuckled strangely, happy that Rose wasn't mad at him. "I suppose it was. But I assure you, there is nothing to be terrified about. "I promise we'll go to one of those exhibitions so you'll see some of these things for yourself." "I bet you'll even become a fan, just like me".

Rose grinned, a weight lifted from her shoulders, she wondered why she allowed her curiosity and suspicion to take over her and dictated her actions. Even though she was suspicious she shouldn't show any signs of mistrust so soon, considering how much he has done for her, and not be too quick to allow shallow gossip to get the best of her. "All right, I believe you. But maybe next time you should warn me before keeping anything strange that I might see?".

Sebastian smiled. "Deal. And, hey, if you want to see some more, I'd be delighted to show you." Sebastian said, knowing she would decline.

Rose smiled, thankful to have married such an hilarious and interesting man, but wondered why he would take interest in something so weird and strange like human skulls. "I'd like that," she replied. "But perhaps not right now." "I believe I will require some time to recover from that scare."

It was already night, they had dedicated the whole day to the wedding ceremony. From the church down to the reception. Rose had never experienced such luxuries in her life before, these were truly the stuff of her wildest imagination.

From struggling to go to school to feed, now it almost felt like she had the world on her feet, servants answering to every one of her demands, clothes to her liking, it was all too good to be true. 

*********

Now it was just her and Sebastian In his gigantic Mansion, located at the distant end of Chesterfield city.   

Sebastian's Mansion was a breathtakingly gorgeous mansion, with tall white columns and fine architectural elements that set it apart from the other but very few opulent residences in the neighborhood. She was struck by the enormous lawns that stretched out before her as she entered the front gates. Its construction would indicate that no cost had been spared. The gate was built of wrought iron and was artistically designed with elegant scrollwork and gilded accents.

As you approached the driveway, you were greeted by a huge grass that had been meticulously kept. The Mansion itself was a magnificent four-story building that towered over the surrounding landscape. It had a white marble façade with tall pillars surrounding the entrance.

The great entrance of the Mansion was embellished with crystal chandeliers that gleamed in the light as you entered. The walls were covered in exquisite artwork, and the flooring was dazzling marble. Everything was beautifully clean and well-kept, well-manicured, and adorned with vivid flower beds.

The interior of the Mansion was equally stunning, with lofty ceilings and beautiful marble floors that glinted in the sunlight coming through the large windows. The walls were covered with great artwork and intricate tapestries, lending a feeling of grandeur and refinement to each chamber.

Despite the Mansion's magnificence, there was a sense of peaceful solitude that pervaded the entire place. She couldn't help but feel lonely as she walked the meandering corridors and innumerable chambers, each one seemed more opulent than the last.

 Sebastian's Mansion was a breathtaking display of riches and elegance, but it also served as a reminder to her of the immense distance, especially financially, that separated her from him.

While she was in the room, before being consumed by suspicion, she noticed that the room in which she entered was lavish and furnished with the finest furnishings. His suite featured a king-sized bed, a fireplace, and a balcony with views of the gardens. Sebastian was clearly accustomed to a life of wealth and extravagance.

The contrast between her old and new lives was stark. In one fell swoop, she had gone from a small apartment in a modest area of Chesterfield to this huge Mansion. The rate at which her life had altered had made her dizzy, hopeful of the opportunities that lie ahead. But somehow scared, Wondering if there would be any more price to pay than just marrying this total stranger, who appeared to be her savior, her angel of rescue, and silently hoped he wasn't a demon she heard about From the lips of those women in the restroom. Maybe they just spoke out of jealousy, and envy. But she couldn't help to acknowledge that there's always an element of truth in everything.  

"Come let me show you to your room"

Sebastian said, offering her his hands for her to get up, as she was on his soft sofa.

"My room?" 

Rose asked in a perplexed tone.

"Yes", "I Know quite well that you barely know me, and I'm not unreasonable to ignore this fact" 

"So I prepared a separate room for you, you might want your privacy and time to get to know me more, so yea"

Rose was surprised for a moment she questioned his decision, but after he had spoken, she bought into it, "he's such a gentleman" she thought

"So everything you need is in there", he said as they entered the room. 

"But I would love for us to stay together tonight," he said.

Rose froze, come to think of it, she had never had a reason to spend the night with him or any man before, until tonight.

"It's our first night together you know"

Sebastian said with a smile on his face.