206: BACK IN HAVEN ARIEL’S POV After a stressful and exhausting journey that I thought was going to last for hours, I approached the grand entrance of my new mansion. I would be dwelling in the new place, along with Laura, her husband, and her brother, if he wanted to. The wrought iron gates swung open slowly, revealing a winding driveway lined with majestic oak trees. The crunch of gravel beneath my car’s tires echoed through the quiet surroundings. I could feel this greatness washing over me the moment my car came to a stop in front of the palatial estate. And yes, I did have it fixed. I had seen a truck driving in my direction then, and I didn’t hesitate to stop it. Luckily, the man was kind of a mechanic. Well, something like that. But, in conclusion, he helped me out. I got the problem fixed, and boom! I was on the road again. Stepping out of the vehicle, I took a moment to absorb the sheer magnificence of my new home. The mansion stood before me like a castle out of a fairytale, its grand facade adorned with intricate carvings and towering columns. The sun and its magnificent beauty made the whole place shimmer with an otherworldly light. And as I walked up the steps to the entrance, I marveled at the sheer size of the mansion. Although I had been in a similar place, it was quite wonderful. Extremely awesome; five stars. A new home indeed, a time to relish every moment, and things would be really great if my blood was here with me on that. The double doors loomed before me, carved with elaborate designs that seemed to tell their own story. I reached out a hand and pushed the doors open, stepping into the grand foyer. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight before me. The foyer was a symphony of opulence, with a gleaming chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a sweeping staircase leading up to the second floor. The marble floors shone under my feet, reflecting the light in a dazzling display. I wandered into the mansion, footsteps echoing through the empty halls. I passed through room after room, each more luxurious than the last. The living room was a study in elegance, with plush velvet. sofas arranged around a roaring fireplace. The walls were adorned with priceless works of art, their colors vibrant and alive. Next, I found myself in the dining room, a grand space with a long table set for a feast. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm glow over the room. I ran a hand over the table’s smooth surface, feeling awe at the thought of hosting dinners and gatherings in such a magnificent setting. I continued my exploration of the mansion, finding a library lined with floor–to–ceiling bookshelves filled with leather–bound tomes, a sunlit conservatory filled with exotic plants, and a cozy study with a mahogany desk and a crackling fire. Every corner I turned revealed a new treasure–a new marvel to behold. I felt as though I had stepped into a dream–a world of beauty and luxury beyond anything I had ever imagined. Tears pricked at 206 BACK IN HAVEN the corners of my eyes as I realized that this incredible mansion w build a new life and a new future.. now mine, a place where I could I also made my way to the master bedroom. The room was a sanctuary of peace and luxury, with a canopy bed draped in silk and a window overlooking the sprawling grounds. I sank onto the bed, overcome with gratitude and wonder at my life’s turn. Yes, because I had no idea I was going to here today. I thought I would still be with Lakel, or with Andre and the kids. be I was still ensconcing myself on the bed, taking in the luxurious surroundings of my new bedroom. Suddenly, I heard a soft knock on the door. “Uh, come in?” I made a confused face. The door opened, and two well–dressed maids walked in, a tray of refreshments in their hands. I was quite surprised; I thought I was the only one at the mansion. When did these two arrive? Were they here the whole time? “Welcome, Miss Ariel,” one of the maids said with a warm smile. “We have been waiting for you.” I looked at them in confusion. “Waiting for me? But how did you know I was coming?” The other maid said, “Mrs. Laura had assigned us to wait for you and take care of your needs. She wanted everything to be perfect for your arrival.” “Oh, thank you,” I told them, touched by Laura’s thoughtfulness. The maids set down the tray and started to unpack my clothes and arrange them in the closet. And when they finished their tasks, they left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I was grateful for Laura’s generosity and everything she had done for me, even though we were not related one bit. She was indeed a caring woman, and she reminded me of Elizabeth. I did miss that; I couldn’t believe everything had to turn out this way. With a contented sigh, I settled into the plush bed. It had been a long and tumultuous journey, but I needed to get ready for the journeys ahead. Because I knew clearly that this Vengeance of mine was going to be a bloody one. After a nap, I made my way to the living room, cleaning my eyes and yawning as well. But then I saw Laura standing a little bit close to me. She was sort of far away, and the smile on her face was a delightful one. “When did you arrive?” I asked, smiling as I budged closer. “About an hour ago. The maids told me you were sleeping.” I slept for an hour. I thought it was just a few minutes. Like, what the hell?” Laura chuckled. “Aren’t you just silly?” She looked around. “So, you like your new home?” “Like it? I love it! Thanks for everything” 206 BACK IN HAVEN 3/3 “You’re welcome. Now, about this revenge of yours, when are you going to be stepping into action?” “Any day, I might decide to finish the whole thing. I just have to be prepared.” “You are prepared already. You have the money to help you with everything you need. Now you have To make sure Luke and the others pay for what they did to you.” “I will. I’m not going to let them get away. It’s a promise I made to my son; I’m going to avenge hist death.” “I’m really shocked by your story. How can a father kill his own son?” “He has always been a monster, dark in the heart. But I never knew he would take things too far.” “I feel so sorry for your son. He never got the chance to spend time with his father, and when they met, he was murdered.” “It’s so sad,” I said inaudibly. “Look, Ariel,” Laura uttered, moving her face closer. “You need to assassinate Luke.”
