Valtheron Heights. I could never not desire living here. When Lady Grizelda found me in the orphanage, she decided to take me with her. She was my granny's best friend way back in ballet school. It was a promise to make me pursue ballet class as well. To live with her in the grandest Valtheron manor in Valtheron Heights.
"I cannot wait for you to meet my grandsons," I stopped peeking through the limousine windows when Lady Grizelda finally has spoken.
"Grandsons? Well, I'm good with kids. I'm sure I can be of good service."
She smiled cunningly and barely showed no wrinkles on her billion-dollar face. "Nikolai is the youngest. He's in his sophomore year of college,"
"And speaking of college, you will be going to Valtheron Arts School. But don't you worry, dear. Nikolai will be there."
My face is puzzled and joyous. Is this really happening? The retired and ever greatest ballerina, Grizelda Valtheron is taking me in? I swiftly scanned my sight below. I am looking very plain and unfortunate with my blue cardigan and long fitted plaid skirt. Lady Grizelda must have noticed the shift in my emotions.
"Why the sad look in your face, Clementine? Aren't you happy with my decisions?"
"Nothing... I just... I don't think I can catch up with this kind of lifestyle." I grimaced, completely hopeless and insecure.
The Valtheron is an elite family of artists. They own one of the world's largest and exclusive art museum foundation. Their name screams wealth and talent while I am just nineteen years old who came from the orphanage. I know nothing about arts and being rich.
The Chantilly extensive gate parted open for the limousine. I couldn't stop fidgeting on my seat while Lady Grizelda stays still like a queen. "This isn't Beverly Hills. It's just a humble home," she commented.
A humble home? They literally own the green lands and the mansion here!
"You will be reminded of some house rules. Especially when the oldest is present in the mansion. He's quite sensitive with strangers."
"I shouldn't worry about that. You're here to guide me." I confidently said.
"Dear, I don't stay much in the mansion since I travel a lot. Besides, the brothers do like their peace." What does that even mean? I will be left alone with them?
I was about to protest when the door struck open. "My lady," the man escorted the old finesse lady out of the car.
I didn't wait to get escorted out the limo so I jumped out on my own. My jaw dropped upon seeing the enormous and luxurious Queen Anne manor. The bricks are of red and cream-colored, surrounded by heavy shades of fresh green grasses. The garden is bounty with its lonely pavilion and swing set.
"This is your new home now, Clementine. Shall we get inside?" I followed the traces of Lady Grizelda, still my eyes are gaping everywhere.
The door creaked wide open, the echoes surged in an unfathomable and unsettling feeling. I could hear my own breathing in the total silence. I almost fall on my feet standing in the middle of a sacred and spacious principal floor of the manor. It feels as though I am inside of a gothic fairytale. I wouldn't even be surprised if the furniture is alive. I explored my sight and took notice of the oil painting of a family portrait by the grand staircase. They all look classy and elegant. The mother. The father. And their three sons.
"Who are they?" Escaped my lips, with my heart almost slipping out of my ribs.
Lady Grizelda was about to speak when loud footsteps barged in, catching my attention towards the long, grand staircase. "Why bother coming home, Gran?" a mocking voice swirled in.
"And it looks like you already brought the little snack." The man glanced at me and smiled playfully. He scanned his lusty eyes from my head to toe, sniffing in the air. He's tall and bulky with really nice body proportion. He looks effortlessly chic with his old money clothes.
"Language, Kennedy. Show a little class." Lady Grizelda warned. He gently took the hand of his grandmother and kissed it.
"Where are your brothers? I thought we talked about this." she shook her head in disappointment.
Just imagining there are two more of this man makes my head spin. I don't think I'll survive in here. Not with all the intentional glaring and smiling.
"Gran!" Another voice echoed. But this time, it sounded pleasant and ordinary.
"There you are, my dear boy!"
"Here goes the little devil." Kennedy gave a snide remark upon the arrival of the other man. He looks younger and brighter than this Kennedy. He was almost running towards our direction and gave his granny a big, welcoming hug. I have noticed his quick glance at me. "You must be the new girl. I'm Nikolai, and you are?" He took my hand and gently placed a chaste kiss on the back of my palm.
"Wasn't I right, Nikolai? Isn't Clementine such an angel?" the old lady sneered.
My mouth parted open in awe and embarrassment.
"She's charming, but she's not really that hot. I don't think she's your type, Niki. And besides, her background is not even special, nor interesting." Kennedy chortled.
Before I could even protest, Lady Grizelda interrupted, "But she's not yours to criticize, Kenny. Miss Clementine is reserved for our dearest Nikolai."
Every word traps me inside my spineless soul to even drop another question to express the amount of my curiosity and shame.
"Nikolai will escort you to your room, Clementine. And Kennedy, call Cruise and have him join us for dinner." she uttered like it was a final decision.
Before we could even step a foot to leave, Kennedy threw me a malicious and disgusting look. How I badly wanna wipe the grin off of his face. Their servants brought my luggage upstairs in the guest wing. I've only seen two of the Valtheron brothers... I just hope the last one is not a pain in the ass.
"Granny is always full of surprises. My apologies if she dropped the news earlier than planned." Nikolai trailed off while walking beside me.
"I don't understand a word you're saying." I didn't know how to sounded politely but I made sure I was confident.
"Have you heard of the concept of fixed marriage?" Nikolai paused from walking and stared into my eyes.
I gulped and managed to look away, shaking my head. "You're bluffing."
"I wish I was. But you and I are betrothed. Didn't you find it strange when my grandmother decided to bring you in this mansion?"
His words stayed in my mind longer than it took me to settle down in my new room. The walls are painted burgundy. There is a queen-sized fluffy bed covered with brown canopy. A grand, antique piano. A carved wooden wardrobe and a dresser. It is indeed a dream come true to breathe in this kind of lavish lifestyle but at some point, I feel myself suffocating from an unknown, mysterious reason.
I took a deep breath before undressing my clothes. I pulled my skirt down and unbuttoned my cardigan, leaving nothing on but my underwear and brassiere. I was about to reach for the robe when I heard a loud thud outside the room. From when I was standing, I saw an unfamiliar man, prowling by the ajar door. His fierce eyes lingering through my body. My blood rushed up to my cheeks, completely speechless.
"Do you normally take off your clothes while the door is open?" he casually asked in a strict, yet calm demeanor.
He must be the oldest Valtheron. He looks like he's in his late twenties. He is taller and broader than Kennedy. His sleek, raven-colored hair is hiding the intensity of his eyes but I did not remember him leaving his magnetic gaze from my bared body for even a short second.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." I uttered and slightly covered my curves with my hands. He continued on exploring my chest and thighs with those enchanting, mysterious eyes.
"Of course, you are sorry. Not unless you are inviting someone to help you undress." he smirked and turned the knob before walking away.
I throw myself on the bed and collapsed. I didn't realize I was holding my breath, remembering the way he fantasized my body in the most trespassing yet admirable manner. I brought my nimble fingers to a trip down the laces of my underwear and noticed I was already soaking wet and ready.
Okay, what was that all about? I was freakin' sure I closed the door!