CHAPTER 3

The car glided through the well-paved city roads, eventually veering into a serene, upscale neighborhood surrounded by lush vegetation and beautifully manicured lawns. It was like driving into a different world — a world where power lived in silence and wealth spoke through elegance. The homes on either side of the quiet streets were sprawling mansions, each surrounded by thick hedges, high stone fences, and impressive wrought iron gates. Vibrant bougainvillea cascaded over the fences, and fountains glittered in private gardens. Surveillance cameras were mounted discreetly on every corner, quietly watching everything without making a fuss.

Amelia pressed her face to the window, wide-eyed and hushed. The quiet luxury of the estate filled her with both awe and uncertainty. It was beautiful, yes — but intimidatingly so. This wasn’t just wealth; it was old wealth — the kind that didn’t shout but whispered with firm confidence.

A few kilometers deeper into the estate, the car came to a wide silver gate set into tall granite pillars. A uniformed security guard stepped forward smartly and saluted Thomas, who gave him a nod. The gate rolled open with a smooth hum, revealing a long, tree-lined driveway. The trees bowed gently in the wind, framing the road like nature’s own red carpet. Amelia felt her heart thump in her chest.

After what felt like a full kilometer, the mansion finally revealed itself. It was massive, built in a classic European style with tall arched windows, white columns, and balconies adorned with flowering plants. A marble water fountain danced at the center of a circular driveway, flanked by an elegant flower garden that smelled of roses and jasmine. The car came to a halt by the fountain, and Thomas stepped out swiftly to open the door for Amelia.

She took a hesitant step out of the car, her shoes clicking against the polished stones beneath her. The entrance of the mansion had a royal feel — too clean, too perfect to be real.

The butler, a tall, dignified man in a grey uniform, stepped forward and bowed. Several staff members stood in a neat line behind him, all dressed immaculately, hands clasped before them.

“Welcome home, Miss Amelia,” the butler said formally, his voice smooth. “Mr. Cole has informed us of your stay. Your room is ready, and the staff is at your service.”

Before Amelia could find her words, a woman emerged from the tall double doors of the house. She was striking — tall, poised, and beautifully dressed in a silk cream jumpsuit. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her jewelry glinted with quiet wealth. Her stride was confident and graceful.

“Welcome home, sis!” she exclaimed with open arms. “I’m Viviana — your older sister.”

Amelia blinked. Sister? She hadn't had time to imagine what it meant to have a sibling. Still, the woman’s energy was warm and inviting.

Viviana pulled her into a light hug. Amelia hesitated for a second, then hugged her back. “I’ve always wanted a little sister,” Viviana said with a smile that lit up her whole face. “I can’t believe I finally got one.”

Amelia smiled shyly, her heart softening. The sting from the mall earlier — the sneering manager, the gossiping employees — still lingered, but Viviana’s welcome dulled the ache. At least not all rich people are mean, she thought.

“Come,” Viviana said, gesturing gracefully. “I’ll show you to your room.”

As they stepped inside the mansion, Amelia felt like she’d entered a dream. The floors were marble, polished until they mirrored the chandeliers above. The ceiling was vaulted with soft golden accents. Paintings — clearly original — hung on the walls beside intricate wooden paneling. The staircase wound upward like a ribbon, its railings carved from dark, glistening wood.

The air smelled of jasmine, sandalwood, and something sweet she couldn’t name.

They passed multiple living spaces, a library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a music room where a grand piano sat beneath a crystal chandelier.

Viviana led her up to the east wing and paused at an ornate double door. “This is your room. I hope you like it.” She pushed the doors open with a little flourish.

Amelia gasped.

The bedroom was nothing short of magical. A king-sized canopy bed stood in the centre with sheer white drapes, the headboard upholstered in soft pink velvet. Golden lights were strung above like a starlit sky. The floor was lined with a plush cream carpet, and there was a lounging area with a velvet chaise, a reading nook, and even a small vanity. French windows opened out to a private balcony with a view of the garden and fountain below.

A walk-in closet, bigger than her grandmother’s entire kitchen, stood open with fresh designer clothes already arranged inside. The bathroom was equally magnificent, featuring a sunken bathtub and gold fixtures that gleamed in the light.

Amelia sat at the edge of the bed, stunned. This room was larger than her whole house in the countryside. And it was all hers?

The butler stepped in respectfully. “Miss Amelia, please feel free to freshen up. If you wish to nap, do so — dinner will be served at 7, and one of the maids will wake you in time.”

Amelia nodded mutely, still unsure if this was reality or a strange dream she would wake from any moment.

Later, when dinner was served, the dining room came alive with soft laughter and the clinking of cutlery. The table was long and dressed in white linen, golden napkin rings, and glimmering candles. The meal looked like something out of a cooking show: filet mignon, roasted duck, truffle risotto, and fresh seafood arranged like artwork.

Vincent sat at the head of the table, looking pleased and more relaxed than earlier. “I hope you're settling in well, Amelia,” he said, offering a kind smile.

“I… I am. Thank you,” she said, still unsure of how to speak in this world of polished manners and plated delicacies.

“I asked the chef to prepare a little of everything,” Viviana announced with a cheerful smile. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, and I didn’t want you to feel left out. Try whatever you like!”

Vincent’s eyes twinkled. “It warms my heart to see you two getting along so well.”

“Dad,” Viviana said brightly, “I’ve always wanted a younger sister. I even asked for one for years, remember? And now I finally have her. Thank you! I’ll help her adjust to city life, show her around town, introduce her to a few of my friends. We’ll go shopping too!”

Amelia felt a blush creep into her cheeks. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that maybe — just maybe — this could work.

After dinner, Viviana excused herself to her room, giving Amelia a sisterly hug before she disappeared down the corridor.

But the warmth on her face vanished the moment her bedroom door shut behind her.

She stormed to her dressing mirror, yanked off her earrings, and threw them on the vanity.

“Of all the things he could bring home,” she hissed to her reflection. “A countryside stray?”

Her eyes narrowed with fury.

“She may have fooled Father with that sweet, wide-eyed act. But she’s not staying here long. I don’t care if she has his blood — she’s not stealing my place, my attention, or this life I built.”

Viviana stared at her reflection, her jaw tightening.

“I don’t care how innocent she looks. Amelia… I’ll make sure you go back to the countryside hole you crawled out of.”

And with that vow, she turned off the lights, her shadow stretching long and bitter across the walls, while the rest of the house remained blissfully unaware of the storm she was about to unleash.

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