Ruins Of The Glory

Under the moonlight, the grand mansion looked magical. Softly glowing lanterns lit up the gardens, casting a warm glow on the paths. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers. 

Verena stood at the entrance, captivated by the enchanting scene. She had been there before, but only in the morning, and she hadn't gotten to explore the mansion.

The mansion's exterior shimmered with light, each window a cozy snapshot of warmth and life. The courtyard fountain sang a soothing melody, its gentle splashes blending with the soft rustle of leaves from the surrounding trees.

Louis stood beside her, hands at his back, as he watched her reaction. He had seen girls jumping while watching such a view, but looking at Verena, he noticed she appreciated the beauty but didn't lose her mind.

"This is so beautiful!' Verena admitted, and a small smile finally formed on her lips, which was not gone unnoticed by Louis before it was completely gone. And she just watched the view with calm expressions, her eyes wide with wonder.

"I knew you'd appreciate its beauty. And today, you're not just appreciating it as an outsider," he said, guiding her further into the house.

Verena looked at him with a confused expression. He just smiled and held her hand in his warm one. 

In the hall, a procession of servants stood in impeccable uniformity, a living testament to the house's heritage.

Louis pulled Verena with him. Servants eyes widened looking at their master holding a woman's hand. It was beyond shock for them. 

Their master never brought a woman with him before but now there was a beautiful woman walking with him hand in hand.

Louis smiled and said, "Everyone, this is Verena, your new mistress. This is, Sophia, our head maid, and Bennett, our butler." 

As she looked at them, the head maid, Sophia, approached Verena with a genuine smile.

Not only did Louis have a head of staff, also known as butlers, chauffeurs, bodyguards, and two gardeners, she caught sight of them tending the gardens, but he also had two more servants.

What exactly were they doing in this house, and why did he need so many people? Verena was wondering in her mind.

 She already knew Louis was wealthy but didn't expect that the man's wealth was far, far beyond what she had imagined.

In her hands, she held a bouquet of flowers, each bloom seeming to capture the essence of the night. "Young mistress, welcome!" she said, her voice a gentle melody in the tranquil evening.

Bennett also nodded with a formal smile, adding. "Indeed, welcome to this lonely villa! You will make this place bright with your presence." 

"Thank you, Sophia and Bennett for the warm welcome," she replied, her voice filled with awe. Verena accepted the bouquet with a grateful smile, the petals soft against her fingers.

Little did she know, her arrival had sparked whispers and excitement among the staff as they eagerly awaited her presence.

As the introductions continued, Louis made it clear that Verena was not just a guest but the young mistress of the house and his soon-to-be beloved wife. 

The news spread among the servants like wildfire, and a ripple of reactions followed.

Verena noticed the mix of emotions on the faces of the servants. Many faces lit up with genuine happiness, thrilled by the presence of the woman who had captured their master's heart.

"Your wife? Oh, how wonderful!" one of the maids exclaimed, her eyes shining.

"Master is going to marry!"

"They are perfect for each other." 

Verena walked with Louis, feeling proud but also a bit overwhelmed.

And as the whispers and hushed conversations followed her through the hall, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the role she now held in this grand house.

Louis gestured towards head maid, his tone courteous yet firm. "Sophia, can assist Verena in finding her room?"

"Of course, Young Master," she was taken a back that the young couple would be living separate rooms? 

She then turned to Verena, a polite smile gracing her lips. "Right this way, Miss. Verena."

As they walked, Verena noticed Sophia curious gaze to them earlier. 

To break the ice, Verena smiled and said, "Please, call me Verena. 'Miss Verena' sounds too formal!"

"I dare not. You are our young mistress." She immediately rejected calling her by her name. 

Verena shook her head and then, sensed the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. "Just to clear things up, Louis and I aren't married yet. So, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to share a room before the wedding."

"Ah, I see. Thank you for explaining. Tradition is something we hold dear in this house too." She now understood why they needed to share separate room. 

With the air now cleared, they reached the second floor. Sophia paused before a door adjacent to the open balcony, turning the knob to usher Verena inside. 

"Here is your room, Miss. Verena. I hope it suits your liking."

Verena's eyes widened as she took in the exquisite decor. She turned to Sophia with genuine awe. "It's breathtaking. Thank you Sophia."

The older woman's smile widened. "I'm glad you like it, my dear. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

As Sophia left Verena to her own devices, Verena's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the plush carpet, the elegant writing desk, and the inviting armchair by the window.

She couldn't help but speak her thoughts aloud. "This room is like something out of a fairy tale."

"I'm relieved that the room meets your high expectations." Louis's voice echoed from the doorway, amusement evident in his tone. 

He leaned against the doorframe, his shirt's upper buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his tanned skin and the hint of his collarbone.

Verena's gaze fell upon him, the muted lighting lending an air of intimacy to the moment. The flicker of candlelight and the distant moon's glow played upon his features, accentuating the rugged lines of his face.

His deep, expressive eyes seemed to hold secrets, drawing her in. He stood with an understated charm, both approachable and mysterious.

"Oh, don't think you're off the hook. I'm still waiting for that tour of the gardens you promised."

Louis crossed the room with a grin, taking her hand in his. Making her heart skip a bit. What's wrong with this man?

"Consider it scheduled for tomorrow. But for now, would you like to share a night's rest with me in this room?"