CHAPTER 4

Despite having his own apartment, his old room at the mansion remained the same as if he had lived there. He finished dressing and went downstairs to the dining room, where his parents were already seated with a girl who looked familiar but he couldn't place.

“Good evening, mom and dad,” he said as he sat down.

They both responded to him, and he then looked at his visitor and greeted her coolly because he needed to keep his manners in check.

“I believe you two know each other,” Mr. Dark said, looking at them both.

He was surprised to hear the girl respond, "I don't think he does, but I know him."

“Is that so?” his mother asked.

“Dylan is well-liked at school, but he keeps to himself and his friends, so it's not surprising that he doesn't know who I am.”

"Let's start with introductions," his mother suggested. "Dylan, this is Rita Norris, the daughter of the Minister of Home Affairs."

“Oh, you're the one. It's no surprise I thought you looked familiar. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Rita.”

“Nice to meet you as well, Dylan.”

Dinner was served, and they followed the table rules like civilized people. After finishing their deserts, the elderly couple left the two of them alone.

“I've always heard the mansion has a lovely garden with fountains.”

“Yes, it is wonderful. Possibly the most beautiful spot in the entire mansion.”

“Really? I've always assumed it was a lie,” Rita explained.

“Let me show you how we can stretch our legs this way. I've been sitting for so long that I'm afraid I'll get leg cramps.”

“All right, let's go.”

He led Rita to the garden at the back of the mansion. The Dark mansion was built nearly half a century ago, and it came with a flower garden of all kinds. Because of his grandmother's love of art, he learned that she had those four fountains built, three in the garden and one in front of the mansion.

He couldn't stop himself from telling Rita about the mansion's and garden's histories. He was relieved because she seemed to be captivated by everything he said.

“I really enjoyed tonight, Dylan.”

“Me too, we should do this sometime.”

“Next time, how about we just meet us kids and leave the elders out of it.”

“Very good idea, I love it.’

“So where do we meet next time.”

“At school, I will be busy so I have no idea,” Dylan said as he looked at her.

“You don't know any cool places where we can meet with friends, something like that.”

Dylan had an epiphany at that moment, and an idea came to him.

"Have you ever heard of Lucid Dreams?"

“What is it?”

“It's a club that caters to every need, or something along those lines. It is the coolest club I have ever been to. It's ideal for hanging out; you should look it up and we can hang out there. What are your thoughts?”

“I will research it and get back to you.”

“All right, just let me know when you make your decision.”

Rita's phone rang at that moment, so she excused herself and returned later. He almost missed it because he was preoccupied with what he saw the last time he went to Lucid Dreams.

“Dylan!!” Rita's summons drew him back in.

“Are you back?”

“Yes, I need to return right now.”

“Is that so?”

“It was a pleasure to be with you. May I have your phone number?”

“Sure. Give me your phone,” he said, extending his hand to her.

She gave him her phone, and he saved his number before returning the phone to its owner.

“Thank you; I will get back to you.”

“All right, let me take you to your car.”

He escorted her to her car and assisted her in getting inside. He stood there watching as she drove away from the mansion. He was finally free, no more pretending and all that. He'd fought to live another day.

He went back inside only to be summoned by his father, who appeared to be awake in his study.

When his father went into the study to see him, all he said was, “don't mess this up."

There may be a few words to anyone but him; he knew the consequences of defying those words, so he would do his best to stay on his father's good side.

Violet sat silently looking at herself in the large mirror mounted on the wall, as she had done every day for the past twenty years. She traced the peach flowers tattoo on her cheek that ran across her throat to her left breast with her right hand fingers.

The moment that mark appeared on her, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. When it came out, her mentor told her it was a blessing of life.

Anne appeared at that precise moment, carrying a tray containing her jewelry. She combed her hair first with a jade comb she had received from someone she had forgotten. Anne wore the gold head chain as well as two hair chains to complement the head chain.

A simple gold choker was placed around her neck, along with a few bangles on her hand, five rings for both of her hands, and her anklet. She never leaves the house without the entire set; if someone can defile her in a split second and make everyone around her look at her as if she were rotten, she can also make herself beautiful so that anyone who sees her becomes enchanted with her as if she used spells.

She stood up and took another look at herself, noting that she was no longer dressed in white. Her goddaughter had made this gown, and it was stunning; she was the last person she wanted to see sad. That's why she was dressed in a black and gold gown today.

“It's lovely,” Violet said, looking at her daughter.

“I'm glad you love it.”

“Let's go to the club; I'll eat breakfast there.” And please contact Martin; I need to speak with him.”

“Indeed, godmother.”