Chapter 5

Johnson's Mansion. 7:30am

Vivian's pov.

I got out of the taxi and paid the driver, who drove away quickly. Looking up at the mansion before me, I gasped. 

This is really it, I thought. It has to be. I tapped my phone to reconfirm the address. I'm not mistaken. But am I not standing at paradise gate? I questioned, still marveling at the beautiful sight before me.

I was still lost in admiration when the gate opened swiftly and a security officer scanned me with his eyes. 

"Sorry..." I stammered

"Is this Mr Johnson's mansion please" I inquired.

"What business do you have here, young lady?" The officer growled at me and I instantly felt a flicker of fear.

Picking up confidence, I replied "I'm here to see Mr Johnson please"

"You have an appointment with him? May I check the appointment?"

"No, I...I"

"What's going on here?" A voice cuts in, trailing me off. I was glad when he came closer, and I discovered it was Fred.

"Ma'am, you're here" he said, his face lifting.

Relieved at seeing him, I flashed a smile and nodded.

"Please come forward. I've told Mr Johnson about you, and he's looking forward to meeting you."

He led me into the compound and I momentarily paused. It seemed like I had died and this was paradise and that Fred was the Angel showing me the way. He seemed to understand me and smiled instead. We passed through beds of flowers and I couldn't stop gazing at the beautiful cars in the park. 

Woah, I knew Johnson are rich, but I didn't know they are this strikingly wealthy.

Up from the corner of my eyes, I saw another gate and wondered where that led to. 

Everything feels so untrue that I pinched myself to ensure that I'm still not sleeping beside Cynthia. I had slipped out of bed earlier when she was deep in sleep. 

I skipped a beat, the moment my mind went to her. I hadn't told her about this, and her refusal is the last thing I wanted this moment.

Lauren's words resonated, and I remembered how I had rushed to Evelyn ma'am, telling her I had accepted her proposal. I wouldn't want to lose my mum and the only opportunity presenting itself shouldn't be thrown away. 

Through Fred's cousin, who was her customer, Evelyn ma'am had contacted Fred, and he had appeared so delighted at the news. He immediately asked me to come over the next morning, and he seemed very pleased now that I'd arrived.

 I gasped momentarily as we stepped into the living room. It was magnificent. The whole place glittered as if made of paradise stone. The inner decorations were glamorous and it feels surreal.

"This is unbelievable" I muttered.

"Sit" Fred said, pointing to a queen-like chair. "You'll be attended to shortly." 

"Yes, thank you" I began, but it was useless as he had already left.

 I drooped my bag on the glittering table and moved round to admire the paintings on the wall. 

"This is beautiful" I inhaled and, for a moment, I forgot what brought me to this paradise-like mansion. 

I reached for one of the paintings but was suddenly taken aback. It was a woman's voice. 

The voice repeated sternly "Don't you dare". 

I turned to see who it was, then I saw her advancing. 

She has a Queen's air around her and everything about her sparkles. She is a very beautiful woman and I marveled at how young and beautiful she looked. 

I immediately assumed her to be Mrs Johnson and put on my best smile ever.

"Good evening Mrs Johnson, pleased to meet you" I said in the most polite way.

She scoffed and walked angrily towards me. 

She looked intently at me such that I began to wonder if I had lip gloss on my nose.

"It's going to be tough teaching you the etiquette of this family". She began as if lecturing me. 

She continued, pointing at the paintings. "However, let me warn you never to touch any of these paintings with your filthy hands." 

Stepping back, she added "Oh God, you stink". With that, she turned around and ascended the stairs.

My cheeks colored in embarrassment. I was flustered. 

What have I done wrong? I thought, fixing my gaze on the maid who had been standing all along.

As if reading my thoughts, she said ""Listen ma'am". 

"In all my years of service, I've never been as close as you are to the paintings. Mrs Catherine admires them like a demi god". 

So what, is that enough to make me feel worthless? I thought 

"She made these pieces herself" she added, as if to let me see reasons for her boss' aggression.

I'm becoming nervous. Faking a smile, I beamed "Whoa, that's quite impressive".

"Yeah" the maid nodded and led me to the seat Fred had pointed to me earlier. She brought me a glass of juice and told me to wait for the family.

"Please be of good conduct" she advised while leaving, but turned halfway.

"Argh, I almost forgot. Mrs Catherine doesn't like to be referred to as Mrs Johnson". 

"Woah" I gasped. 

"Yeah, She adores her name so much and prefers to be called by it. Please put that in mind during the course of your discussion" 

I smiled and thanked her greatly for the information. I like the maid already, and I look forward to having a quality time with her next time. 

"I hope this isn't a bad idea", I thought, and took a sip of the drink.

I'll have to be cautious when I'm with her next time, I told myself, and let my thoughts wander to the man I'm signing a marriage contract with.

Charles, I thought and frowned. Is that his name?

Evelyn ma'am had mentioned something like Charles. Or maybe it's Coleridge.

I almost slapped myself for forgetting his name. 

Anyway, I know it's starting with Letter C. I sighed, rolling my eyes.

I imagined what he'd look like. Maybe he'll appear so handsome that I'd not be able to put my eyes off him. Tall, handsome, with deep eyes, broad shoulders, a cute smile and...

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice his entrance.

He let out an intentional cough to announce his presence. I looked at the figure in front of me and my mouth fell open.

"He looks hot" I said to myself, but was shocked at his reaction.

"What?" He screamed, widening his eyes at me.

"You?"

I glanced at my back to be sure he was not referring to someone else. A puzzled frown formed on my face. I don't understand this. What does he mean by "You?"