I walked into the mansion, and I was in awe of the place. It was absolutely beautiful. There was a double-sided gas fireplace and an open display cherry wall that looked through to the atrium beyond it.
The terraced decks offered ocean views perfect for relaxing. I could already see myself enjoying that spot. I still couldn't believe there was a lake on the estate. This is exactly where I need to be. Everything felt overwhelming yet so beautiful. I doubted I'd finish my tour today; the place was massive.
The large windows in the living room also served as doors leading to the terrace, allowing us to see the front gardens.
"Mom, I can see you love flowers," I said, smiling. "Yeah, baby, I do. Do you have yellow tulips in your garden?" "Of course I do. They're my favorite."
"Me too, Mom. I love them so much."
"Really? It seems we have a lot in common," she said warmly. "Come, let's get seated by the lake. "I would love that."
"You girls carry on," my dad said. "I have to finish something in my office."Sure thing, Dad." Mom and I made our way to the lake, and the fresh scent of flowers welcomed me. I breathed it in deeply.
"Mmm… I just love this," I said.
We took our seats as the maids served us snacks. "Mom, I must say, I love this place so much. It feels like I'm on vacation. There's this serene calm that just relaxes my body. It makes me forget all my problems."
"You're right, my child. This is exactly what I wanted. That's why William bought this property."How I wish I had grown up here. My life would have been so different."I know, baby. But what's important is that you're here now. We have to make the best memories together."
"I can already tell you're the fun type," I giggled. We talked about random things and laughed our hearts out. "Mom, how did you and Dad meet?" You want to hear my story?"
Aurora nodded.
"It's a long one, but don't worry I'll tell you."
****Thirty Years Ago****
"Camila, I can't wait any longer."
"Oh, Kim, please just wait a few minutes."
"And where are you girls going?" Rita asked sternly. "Mother, we're just going to a party. Liam's friend invited us."And who is that friend, if I may ask? "Uhm… it's William Riverson." Oh, I see. So you're going to a party at the Riverson residence?"
Camila came rushing down the stairs.
"Why are you still standing here? Let's go!"
"Where do you think you're going, wearing that?" Rita blurted out. Camila wore a short mini skirt and a blue tank top that exposed her stomach. Her lips were painted a deep red."Come on, Mother it's a party look."
"You girls are not going to that party. The Riversons are our mortal enemies." That's between you old folks. Why are you dragging us into your fight?" Camila rolled her eyes.
"You're not leaving this house, and that's final. And as for you, Kim, you won't be going out anymore." And why is that?" Because there's a marriage proposal for you. It's from the Brooks. Diana and I have decided that you and Charles should get married."
What?! That's nonsense, Mother! Why are you deciding my life for me? I'm grown enough to know what's best for me. I don't love Charles we're just friends! Don't tell me you've mistaken our friendship for something more!" Yeah, Mother, Kim doesn't love Charles she loves Will—" Camila began, but Kim quickly covered her mouth before she could finish.
"I don't care," Rita said with a smirk, walking out of the room. But Mom!" Kim slumped onto the couch, frustrated. "William, you can't imagine how happy I am! My mom spoke to Kim's mom and told her about my feelings for Kim. Bro, Kim's going to be my wife!" Charles exclaimed.
"Yeah man, I'm happy for you," William replied with a forced smile, giving him a light hug.Bro, I gotta go. You know how my old man can be sometimes." Yeah, sure."
William rushed to his room, ignoring the butler and even his mom's greetings.
Charles was his best friend, and he loved him dearly. William had fallen for Kim long ago, but because of the feud between their families, he had kept it hidden until he finally gathered the courage to confess. Kim had been just as happy as he was; she'd been crushing on him since they were kids.
Charles knew the truth but still pursued Kim.
William and Kim had been dating in secret until Charles confessed his feelings to William. That crushed him. He felt stuck, torn between his love for Kim and his loyalty to Charles. He believed Charles had a better shot, especially since his own family was at odds with Kim's.
He ran a hand through his hair and gulped down a second bottle of Hennessy. Just then, his phone rang it was Kim. "William… my marriage has been arranged. I'm getting married to Charles. I just called to tell you… and to end our relationship." She hung up.
"Good girl. That's it. Now you'd better bury all those feelings you have for him… unless, of course, you want to see me dead," Rita threatened. Her youngest daughter, Sofia, had exposed Kim's secret affair. Rita had been furious, and the only way she could maintain control was through blackmail.
"You'll marry Charles, and that's final."
Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. Kim had a solemn expression as she walked down the aisle with her uncle. She prayed her message had reached William that he would come and save her. "If anyone here has any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace…"
"I do."
Gasps echoed through the crowd. Everyone turned toward the voice. A soft smile appeared on Kim's face as tears welled up in her eyes. She removed her veil. "The woman getting married has been taken by me. She's pregnant with my child." Kim ran to embrace William. "I knew you would come!" she sobbed. Charles clenched his jaw, glaring at them in rage.
"Wow, Mom. What a story. So… that child was me, right?" "No, my dear. I lost him. It was a boy your big brother." Kim wiped away her tears. "I'm so sorry, Mother. But… how did it happen?"
"There was a party held right here in this mansion. I fell down the stairs. William still believes someone pushed me. We checked the footage, but that part had been deleted.
William replaced all the guards and upgraded the security system. I always blamed myself for losing your brother. It still hurts. The fall caused complications with my womb. I never thought I could get pregnant again. When I found out I was carrying you… I can't even describe the joy I felt. But then I lost you too."
"Mother, you've been through so much. I can't even imagine going through half of it."
I wiped the tears from my face and rested my head on her lap.
"You should know this, my child don't lose hope. You will certainly have a child of your own. I'm confident about that."