The Mansion

PEARL

As the cab sped through the city toward the outskirts, I was confused about whether to feel irritated or concerned over what was happening.

He placed his head on my knee, with his scattered hair falling across his face. He let out a tiny snore and a thick odor of alcohol. He murmured in his sleep on occasion as if afraid.

'Please don't leave me,' he muttered, moving his head from side to side while clutching my arm.

'How vulnerable the mighty has become.' I thought to myself.

The cab glided into the suburbs through the city's nighttime glow. It was like stepping into another world. The cold breeze enveloped me quickly, murmuring a calm tune you can't find in the city. We drove down streets dotted with gardens that displayed botanical masterpieces, leaving a scent of luxury and affluence in the air. Buildings towered behind the gardens as if to protect them.

We continued driving until we reached the end of the road, where we turned a corner and came face-to-face with a large, intimidating gate that served as a barrier between the outside world and whatever was beyond it. It was written 'Bass Mansion' in elaborate archaic design.

I was getting out of the cab, trying to figure out how to get in, when I noticed a small button.

'Hello; I'm Pearl, and Mr Bass is with me,' I said over the intercom. 'If someone is available to come outside...'

I hadn't finished my sentence when I noticed the gate slowly opening wide and standing in front of an expansive driveway lit by bulbs between the trees on the pavement.

I stepped back into the cab, still in awe, and watched as each curve felt like the opening of a mystery until we finally arrived at the end, where we could see water flowing from the mouth of a golden carved lion into a fountain. It was as if I were a character in a book.

Although I was aware of our club's clientele's wealth, I was unaware of their actual level of wealth. I make my money, making them feel good, but I try not to snoop around in other people's lives.

I became so struck by the surroundings that I didn't notice a man beside me until he cleared his throat.

'Good evening, ma'am.'

'Ma'am?'

I glanced up to see a man in his late 50s wearing a tailored black suit with a white shirt peeking out from behind. His head was full of silver hair permed to the back, with a few strands in the front dyed black.

I recoiled at his piercing gaze when I felt a stir on my lap

'Anders, leave the poor girl alone.' Alexander slurred with mockery evident in his tone.

'Sir, let's get you inside.' Anders shifted his gaze off me to focus on his boss.

"What the hell," I muttered angrily. I paid the cab driver and got out to help Anders, who looked like he could pass out at any moment. Alexander staggered out of the car but had to lean on Anders, who I could see crumbling under the weight.

Anders gave me a silent, apologetic look and thanked me.

We had a hard time getting Alexander, who was muttering incoherent words, inside the mansion, which was darkly lit, eerily silent and somehow managed to give off an air of luxury.

We made our way through the hallways until we reached an expanse of space that, I suppose, was the living room.

As soon as we got him settled, a maid showed up out of nowhere with a glass of water, and then another maid quickly followed suit, taking off his shoes as though it were a daily routine. I was stunned and sat there.

Alexander and I were left alone when the maids departed. Anders quietly followed suit, shutting the door behind them.

"What have I gotten myself to get into?" I pondered.

Just on cue, Alexander began muttering loud enough for me to hear from the cozy cushion I was sitting next to him.

"I refuse to be betrayed by anyone ever again!" I should be more careful; my name is Alexander Bass.

I took a step towards him.

'What's the real story here? What is behind all these acts from the proposal to this night?'

He said, "Pearl, I wish you could understand," in a drunken manner. 'I wish I could share this burden with someone else.' He let out a deep sigh.

I began to soften as I noticed a vulnerability beneath the arrogant exterior he constantly showed.

'There's no one to trust.' No matter what happens along the way, everyone wants to take their cut from you. Even the All-Powerful Alexander Bass gets tired of it.' He chuckled dryly.

As we shared a moment of open honesty, the room seemed to hold its breath. We were two people from different worlds who shared a link in the struggle to escape the confines of our own lives.

I had no idea this night would result in a turbulent journey full of passion, drama, and the revelation of secrets that would tie us together in ways we could never have predicted.

The discussion ended with a gentle snore before I could reply.

ALEXANDER

I struggled to open my eyes, but my head kept banging like construction was going on inside it.

'Aarrrggghhhh…' I groaned as I held my head in my palm while sitting up. The room felt like a spinning ball at that moment.

'What happened last night?' I tried remembering.

I heard a shuffle beside me. I looked beside me to see Pearl from the strip club adjusting in her sleep, looking uncomfortable.

'What the hell happened last night?' I didn't realize I had said it out loud.

"Please don't tell me you don't remember that you made me miss a lot of money last night and almost killed Anders from having to drag your drunk self inside," said a sleeping voice next to me.

'Tell me you remember, and I will pretend it was worth it.' She sneered.

Focusing more on what happened last night, I could mostly remember going to the club, as it's been my usual routine since the discussion with my father. I also remembered asking Pearl for the answer to my proposal. I can't remember how I got home or why she's here.

'Why are you here?' I turned to her.

'Why am I here, you say?' She sat upright with her eyes piercing through me with a perfect blend of anger and irritation.

'Pearl, don't leave me…' She said in a mocking tone while rolling her eyes.

I struggled to remember what she meant

'I just can't remember how you got here or why you followed me home.' I said tiredly, bowing my head back in my palm.

'You were a mess last night, and you didn't come to the club with a car. I had to be sure you got home safe.' I heard her say in a soft voice.

'I had to stay back to make sure you didn't choke on your vomit before getting home.' She finished in a mocking tone.

'Also, Anders couldn't drag you up the stairs to your room, so we had to settle for here.'

'So, did anything else happen last night I need to know of?' I asked.

She looked away, grabbing her purse and ignoring the question I asked.

'I asked you a question.' I growled lowly.

'Just know not everyone is out to get you.' She looked at me with remorse and walked past me towards the door.

'What do you mean by that?' I grabbed her hand, stopping her from walking away.

Standing up to tower over her and exert my authority

'I will ask again, what do you mean by that?'

As we stared at each other, the room echoed with an uneasy silence.

I felt her heartbeat against her chest walls. I couldn't tell if it was from anger or fear.

Her plump lips were pressed into a thin line, leaving me with the thought to press my lips against hers.

'Where did that come from?' I asked myself as I shook my head. I should know better.' I silently reprimanded myself.

'It's nothing.' She said, breaking eye contact.

'Pearl?' I called questionably

'I have to go. I need to pick my daughter.' She said without taking her hands off mine.

'Today is the day you give me a response to my proposal, Pearl.' I said, moving on from the previous question.

She was about to respond when the door swung open, separating us. The sound of heels striking the marble floor filled the room.