2. A New Life.

Kira.

"I'm Oden Himmer, the Monsorries' chauffeur, and I'm here to take you home."

He motioned for me to enter the black limousine that was waiting for me right outside the church's front doors, treating me like a queen as he opened the car's front doors.

I walked over to the car and hesitantly climbed inside, looking out the car window at the church as though it were my final time to view it.

My heart was thumping loudly in my chest as the car steadily accelerated. I started to ponder what life would be like in my new home. Father sold me off to the wealthiest family in the country, who are way out of our league. What kind of lifestyle would that be? How do the people there behave? Am I going to be welcomed?

They may not want me in their family, based on how I was treated at the wedding. Nobody from that place was there.

I sat in the moving car staring out the window as people and objects passed by, feeling already cold and alone. I didn't even notice when I dozed off. Who can blame me? Sleeping through my worries till I feel better is how I cope.

I don't know how long I slept, but when I opened my eyes, it was already dark outside. While the car was still moving and I was still inside, there were no other people or vehicles around; instead, there were only lush trees and plants, almost as in a conservation area or a maze.

Trying to figure out where I was, I scowled and pressed my temple in confusion. Though the entire wedding process was still in my head as a dream, I immediately understood that this was actually a nightmare from which I would never be able to awaken.

Where the heck am I?

Why does it take so long to reach the home of the man I married? Who is he? My mind was racing with so many ideas that I tightened up even more.

It took up to an hour or more before I finally felt the car slowing down. I peered around to see what stalled us, but I was astounded to see bodyguards standing in front of a silver gate. I gripped the seat of the car as it continued to drive deeper and deeper into the gates as it passed them, feeling as though I was being sucked into a jail from which there was no way out.

I had never experienced anything like this before. How is it possible for someone to live here?

My pulse thumped in expectation and anxiety as I caught the first glimmer of light. Before I realized what was happening, the vehicle stopped briefly before restarting its motion. Through the tinted glass, I observed as the light grew brighter as we passed through another gate. It resembled rising to glory and being astounded by brilliance with every square inch covered.

At this point, the sky had already begun to go dim. I took a swallow with trembling hands.

My eyes widened wide in astonishment as we neared the heart of the light, fighting not to bulge out of my forehead.

This now stood out as the lone object of beauty in this nightmare. If a fortress were massive, what I glanced at was gigantic with additional tiers of towers attached to its vastness, making it a stronghold, but not the typical ones we see in movies and reality shows.

I tried desperately to breathe through my nostrils, but it was ineffective. I opened my mouth to at least gulp in some air, but it felt as though my lungs had also failed. How am I supposed to deal with my new family when I can't even function in the simplest thing as inhaling and exhaling?

My heart began to beat in my ass as the car drew to a stop. Our drive put us in front of the humongous Mansion. A few maids and a few bodyguards were already stationed in front of the big doors. All of them wore uniforms. The men wore black suits, while the women wore black dresses with white apron-like patterns above the gowns.

When Oden opened the car door, I was still inside, uncomfortably glancing at them. He extended a hand in an effort to assist me because I was finding it challenging to move in my bridal dress.

All eyes briefly focused on me when I stepped outside before they swiftly dropped it to the ground. After the initial glance, none of them had the courage to look at me again. I struggled to remain composed and keep my head high. I continued to keep my stance despite the fact that this was draining me of energy. After all, I have spent my entire life attempting to impress.

The maids were standing with their heads bowed as I slowly made my way up the few stairs that were mounted before the wide hallways. Suddenly, a man with his hands crossed behind him emerged from the entrance. He had the sternest expression I've ever seen, and he was also wearing a black suit. His gaze wandered over every inch of my body, giving me the most unfettered expression anyone has ever given. I immediately started shaking as I looked back at him. I trembled from his gaze; something in the way he stared frightened me a little.

His hair was gelled and styled backward, and his impeccable stance looked like a finely carved sculpture ornamented with attitude and sophistication.

"Welcome, Miss Kira." He spoke in an awful tone, his voice soft but deep. He was certainly not welcoming. He appeared displeased by my presence.

He said plainly, maintaining that look, "My name is Gus, The Butler of the Monsorries." "Come with me, and I'll show you to your chambers."

That was all he muttered before beginning to enter Mansion while still maintaining his hands crossed in the backward position.

Is that all there is to it?