"Mr. Wade has asked for you to wait for him here," Mike said
"Wha... what?" I asked
"If there's anything you need, do not hesitate to call the house staff," Mike said and a good number of house staff came out. At their forefront was an older man in his sixties, impeccably dressed, his demeanor exuding professionalism.
"This is Peter, he's the butler around here, please make yourself at home." Mike said
"Welcome ma'am," Peter greeted and bowed before turning to the house staff. "This is a guest of Mr. Wade's, see to it that she's well taken care of." Peter said.
I was led towards the elevator by the staff. Soon the elevator doors slid open on the second floor, revealing a long, quiet corridor. Unlike the bustling luxury of the lower floors, this area felt eerily still, as if untouched for a long time. The soft golden lighting cast delicate shadows on the ivory walls, giving it a dreamlike aura.
As I stepped out, the staff guided me toward a grand double door. The moment it swung open, my breath hitched.
The room was bathed in soft shades of pink and milk, exuding warmth and comfort. A plush queen-sized bed sat at the center, adorned with silk sheets and delicate floral cushions. The wooden floor gleamed under the glow of the chandelier, and the massive walk-in closet to the side was already stocked with an array of fragrances and comfortable designer clothes.
The staff moved swiftly, placing the newly purchased items into the wardrobe, arranging everything with precise care. I stood there in silence, watching, feeling completely out of place in this world of luxury.
"Miss, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call," one of the staff members said, bowing slightly before leaving the room.
I gave a small nod, barely able to speak. Once the doors shut behind them, I exhaled deeply, letting my shoulders relax for the first time all day.
Curious, I walked towards the bathroom. The second I stepped inside, I was in awe. The marble walls glistened under the dim lighting, and a large Jacuzzi tub sat elegantly in the corner. The scent of floral air fresheners lingered, calming my nerves.
Without hesitation, I turned on the shower, letting the cold water fill the bathtub. As I slowly sank into it, the fatigue of the day finally caught up to me. My body, weak from hunger and exhaustion, welcomed the soothing water. I leaned back, allowing the memories to take over.
*Flashback – Five Years Ago*
I could still remember the way my father beamed with pride that evening.
"You've done well, Medley," Mr. Baron Stuart, my father, said, his deep voice filled with admiration. "Securing a project worth four billion dollars at such a young age… I'm proud of you."
His words meant everything to me. As the owner of Imperial Mist Perfume, one of the best selling perfume company in the city, he was a man of high standards and discipline. I had worked hard to prove myself, and his approval was my greatest reward. I dream of owning my own perfume company in the future, just like my dad's.
"I want you to have a forty percent share in one of my companies, and I'm gifting you a brand new Rolls Royce" he continued, sipping his whiskey.
"Dad…" I gasped, stunned. "That's too much."
"Nothing is too much for my daughter." He smiled, his gray eyes softening. "You've earned it."
"Thanks dad!" I said giving him a hug. I felt on top of the world. At that moment, I believed nothing could go wrong.
But then he was in my life. A few months before my major success, I had met Louis. It was on a quiet evening when I was heading back from a meeting, I was walking towards my car when out of nowhere, a thug had attacked me, attempting to snatch my purse.
"Let go of me!" I screamed, struggling to break free.
Just as panic started to consume me, a man appeared out of nowhere, throwing himself between me and my attacker. A brief struggle ensued, and though he managed to fight him off, he was stabbed in the process.
"Are you okay?" I cried out, kneeling beside him.
"I'm fine," he muttered, clutching his bleeding side.
"You're not! We need to get you to the hospital."
That night, I stayed by his side, refusing to leave until he was stable. That was the first time we met and the beginning of our bond. Over time, we grew close, and I learned about his struggles, his job as a waiter, his poor background, his dreams of owning a perfume store. He had nothing, yet he had a heart full of love and ambition.
And I loved him for it.
But my father didn't.
When I finally introduced Louis to my father, I had hoped he would see what I saw, a hardworking, kind-hearted man.
Instead, the moment he walked into the room, my father's disapproval was written all over his face.
"This is Louis Carter," I said nervously. "The man I told you about."
Louis extended his hand. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Stuart."
My father didn't take it. Instead, he leaned back, crossing his arms. "A waiter?" he scoffed.
Louis stiffened, but he didn't lower his hand.
"Dad...?"
"I did a background check on you, you're not fit to be my son-in-law"
"Dad how could you...?"
"You disappoint me, Medley." My father's sharp voice cut through the room. "Of all the men in the world, you bring this to my table?"
"Louis is not just..."
"You think love is enough? Do you think he can protect you? Provide for you? Do you realize what people will say?" His face turned red with anger. I knew about my father's taste but I was hoping he would see the positive and not the negative side of Louis
I clenched my fists. "I don't care what people say! I love him!"
My father shook his head, his expression filled with disbelief. "Medley, you are the heir to my empire. I have spent years building a name for this family. And you think I'll let you throw it away for a waiter?"
Louis's jaw tightened, but he remained silent.
"You will end this foolishness immediately," my father ordered.
"No," I said firmly. "I won't dad, I love him."
My father's face darkened. "Then you are no daughter of mine."
My breath caught in my throat.
"What?" I whispered.