4— A new home

After almost an hour of driving, we were finally in front of a gigantic black gate and according to my thoughts, the gate slid open and the car drove in.

Lights glimmered in my eyes immediately. The whole compound was very lighted and as the car pulled over, the guard hurried to open the car door.

“Welcome to your house, ma.”

“Thank you,” I returned and followed him, my eyes taking in the compound. Trees were planted scantily and apart from around 3 types of car at the right hand side, I'd have considered the compound to be empty.

Who doesn't have a garden in his compound? Well, I do not blame him, his hostile look might kill off the flowers after all.

“You can go in ma,” the guard's voice finally brought me out of my thoughts and I realized we were in front of a glass door already. “Lorraine will help you out.”

“Thank you,” I took the two steps in front of the door before I pushed it open and at once, warmth welcomed me, much to my liking.

“Oh my god, you're finally around!” An elderly voice screamed at once and I whipped my head to the sound of the voice.

“Oh dear, you look very pretty,” she gushed and slowly headed towards me, her arms widened. “Can I give you a hug?”

“Yes,” I nodded and leaned into her embrace. I wasn't a fan of people being close to my skin but because it's the first time, I had to match her happiness.

“You smell so nice,” she sniffed my scent as she slowly broke the hug. “Did Calvin bring you?”

And suddenly I was reminded of that horrible man. His unapologetic face after calling me poor. Goodness..I just wished I had gotten an apology from him.

“No, he didn't. He had work to do.”

“Oh, he's a busy man,” Lorraine smiled before glancing around, “do you want to settle down here or should I show you to your room?”

“My room,” I replied with a yawn. I was goddamn tired already. It was emotional tiredness. I needed to rest my mind. As soon as I spoke, Lorraine was leading the way and I observed the house.

The living room which we were leaving had fully white sofas with a glass table in between and… I stopped observing, realizing we were taking the stairs. I'd just leave everything till tomorrow.

“Here. I tried to figure what you'll like,” Lorraine pushed the door to my room open and I stopped in my steps.

The colour pink was the first thing I noticed. Pink curtains. Pink window blinds. Pink bedsheet. A white teddy bear on the king sized bed.

And at once, I understood Lorraine's words. She thought I'm the girly type. Oh no, I'm a sophisticated adult, not fawning over the bright colours.

“It's pretty tho not my taste,” I told her and she sighed.

“I can help you rearrange tomorrow.”

“Alright,” I nodded and turned to her and she stared back at me.

“Privacy? Right. I'll be out. Let me prepare your bath before I leave.”

And at once, my whole being stopped. My breath stuck in my throat as the word replayed. “Let me prepare your bath.”

No. My heart palpitated and I gasped as I tried to push the thought out, and slowly I found my voice. “There's a bathtub in the bathroom?”

“Yes, do—”

“The shower is enough. I don't want the bathtub.”

“Oh,” Lorraine gazed at me like I had lost my mind and I exhaled.

“It's my bathroom right? Just make it to my taste.”

“Sure, dear,” she flashed me a smile before heading to the door, “it'll be made to your liking tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” I replied as I began getting out of the dress.

————

“Goddamn it. Can't she leave her phone on for just a call?” I cussed as I tried Ari's number for the umpteenth time but it didn't go through. Frustrated, I tossed the phone on the bed and sat up.

It was morning already. The night was over. Even though it wasn't a night for me. My eyes were wide open all through the night, my body unable to adjust to the new environment.

It was always like that. And always, I used to try to make a portrait to keep myself busy but without my things, I had to use the internet to keep myself pretty. Yes, it was a pretty tough night.

“Hi dear,”

Lorraine.

“Are you awake?” She asked as she knocked from the door and I stood.

“Yes,” I opened the door and there she was, standing with a smile.

“Good morning. I came to help you get dressed. You have to be out for a meeting with Calvin.”

“A meeting?”

“Yes. It's impromptu or else you'd have been informed.”

Sighing, I shut my eyes. The reality was hitting me. I'd have to go out as his wife. How annoying. I'd be recognised as that scumbag's wife.

“I'll get ready myself. You don't have to worry but—” I stopped wondering what I'd wear. “I don't have a dress.”

“There's one prepared for you and besides, your things are now here.”

“Really?” I asked delightedly and Lorraine moved off the way and there my boxes were.

“I'll get ready soon then.”

“I'll go bring your dress.”

I shut my eyes before reopening. Can't she understand I want to wear what's mine. “What type of dress is it?”

“A gorgeous red gown.”

“You don't have to worry. I'll wear my own clothes.”

“But Calvin —”

“He doesn't get to dictate what I wear,” I counteracted at once. “Now, I'll go take my bath.” I replied and got my things. Like yesterday night, I had to take my bath in the visitors room — because I can't stand bath tubs.