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.
Rose emerged from the restroom, covered in a fluffy towel that was securely wrapped around her chest. Her hair was still wet from the shower, and water droplets glistened on her skin. A sweet perfume floated off of her as she strolled across the room, infusing the air with a delicate fragrance.It seemed he knew everything that a woman needs, expensive things that Rose wouldn't even dream of owning. It was still too good to be true. She stood in front of the bathroom mirror and stared at herself for a long time. She was worried about what was going to happen. She had never been with a man before, but this was her wedding night. In a real sense, it seemed like he owned her, she hadn't offered anything to him, and he had been the one giving. She took a deep breath, "he won't force me to do anything that I don't want to", she thought, "he's reasonable just like he said earlier", Rose said to herself In a low whisper trying to give herself some form of assurance. Rose didn't know anythin
Rose struggled to open her eyes, as she woke with stretching and yawning, it was the start of a new day, a new life. One that she hadn't planned for or took out time to deliberate upon. She'd have to learn all that she needed to with the decision already made. As she sat up, still half awake, she noticed a difference to the room where she was. The walls were painted with a different color, the desk, tge doors and windows. She looked down at where she lay and noticed the bedsheets were also different. There was something familiar about where she was. This was the room where she had her bath, the previous night. This was the room he showed her before he suggested they sleep together In his. She began to wonder how she got from his room to this one. Rose wasn't a light sleeper, although she was obviously tired from the activities of the previous day. The busyness of that day had sapped all the energy from her. But still how was she carried From one rooi into another without waki
Prisca was sixty nine years old, but looked like she just celebrated her sixtieth. All her hair had turned gray, but she didn't seem to be too worried about it. It was neatly made and packed in a ponytail, allowing it to fall behind her neck, caressing only the tips of her shoulders as she walked. Her dress was clean and smart looking, her top matching the shoes on her feet. She was neatly dressed and spoke fluently and unapologetically, her eyes not moving away from yours as she did. Her fingernails were neatly trimmed, her face bearing marks of wrinkles. Her lips were still and never moved, except and only when she spoke, and her teeth never showed. It was as though it was Impossible for her to smile.She also had the appearance of a mourning woman. Like there wasn't anything to change her countenance again. "She's looks like she'll be in my mum's age range"Rose thought. It would be nice to have someone like my mum around. But prisca wasn't looking like any of Rose's thoughts.
Sebastian and Prisca go way back. Sebastian was the picture of success; he had built an empire from the ground up in Way's many couldn't explain and was constantly surrounded by gorgeous ladies, luxury automobiles, and cutting-edge technology. Prisca, on the other hand, was the only person who knew Sebastian better than anybody else.Prisca had worked in Sebastian's home for over two decades. Her tale with Sebastian began when Sebastian was just a boy, when tragedy struck an affluent Wayne family in Chesterfield bustling metropolis. The parents, well-known benefactors and business moguls, died far too young, leaving behind their young son, Sebastian. It was a devastating blow that shattered the foundations of the many co operations, and sent shockwaves through many people's hearts.Prisca, who had been a trusted confidante and employee of the family for years, stepped forward to shoulder the weight of responsibility in the aftermath of this tragic loss. She took little Sebastian under
Maya Lugard used to be a very lady, emerged from the ashes of a troubled past in Chesterfield, Chesterfield was noted for its volatile temperament reminiscent of Los Angeles' bustling streets. She encountered various hurdles as she grew up in the midst of adversity, which turned her into a strong and driven individual.Maya was exposed to the harsh truths of life at a young age. The streets of Chesterfield provided little comfort or security, forcing her to negotiate a world of restricted options. She, on the other hand, refused to let her circumstances define her and clung to hope, hoping for a better future.She soon found consolation in the embrace of love as she grew into adulthood. She married, Fabian Lugard. and she and him welcomed two beautiful children into their lives: Rose and Jason. The joy of motherhood flooded her heart, providing her with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Maya poured her heart and soul into raising her children, wanting to protect them from the
Rose, picked up the dress, after she had her bath, The dress was a special garment composed of delicate, blush-colored silk that emphasized her innate elegance and delicacy. Her stunning attractiveness was enhanced by the dress's exquisite lace and lovely stitching. The tight neckline emphasized her slim body, while the skirt cascaded down in graceful waves, giving an ethereal appearance with each stride she took.Rose tried to focus her attention on her hair. She decided to let her hair down in free, romantic curls, enabling golden strands to frame her face. She added a few delicate flowers to her hair, carefully chosen to match her gown and lend a bit of simplicity to her entire look. She smiled awkwardly as she caught a glimpse of her mirror, not knowing if Sebastian would notice the change in demeanor.She decided to add a trace of makeup to complement her natural features. Her cheeks were touched with soft rosy blush, and her lips were ornamented with a delicate shade of light b
"I can't thank you enough… Sebastian", "This is more than I could have ever asked"Rose said smiling, almost shedding a tear."No no" Sebastian Said, his hands moving towards her face, and with a napkin dabbed off the tear threatening to drop from her face. "You're going to make a mess of your Make up," he said with a slight chuckle.She looked at him smiling like a child, for some reason she wasn't feeling strange In his presence tonight. He was almost Twenty years older than her. But he still had his young youthful look making him weirdly attractive."This night isn't for crying" "I planned this especially for you and me". It was weird to be in a room with someone you barely knew, but now she was married to one. Rose didn't know what to feel. As the dinner progressed Rose noted servants come in and out attending to requests from Sebastian. She wondered if they were hired, or from the house. She proceeded to ask about Prisca."So I met Prisca", "it's funny how I thought she w
As Rose prepared for the day ahead, the morning sun shed a pleasant glow through the windows of Sebastian's mansion. She'd spent the night in a separate room, the one he had assigned to her, her heart heavy with unfulfilled expectations. Sebastian had unexpectedly gone the previous evening for a rendezvous with her in the garden of his estate leaving Rose feeling even more distant, not knowing what his next step or demand would be and what he might want from it.Rose stood in front of her vanity mirror, her fingers delicately combing through her the flowing curls of her hair as she considered her appearance. She chose an attractive yet modest attire, a dress that showed both professionalism and her own distinct sense of taste. She couldn't help but wonder what was in store for her at Sebastian's office as she dressed herself with discreet trinkets.Meanwhile, Sebastian was standing in his study, fixing his tie with detached care. His gaze was drawn to the grandeur of the chamber, whic