Dumbstruck

As the car continued its journey, Alison lost track of time, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. The once rhythmic hum of the engine had now slowed, signaling that they were nearing their destination. A wave of unease washed over her as countless questions flooded her mind: Who was the mysterious man behind the contract? What did he want with her? Would she ever be free from whatever trap she had fallen into? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but there was nothing she could do but wait for what was to come.

The car finally came to a stop. Alison noticed they had passed through an enormous, gleaming golden gate, which shut behind them with an ominous finality. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had just said goodbye to her freedom. The door to the car opened, and she knew it was time to step out and face whatever awaited her.

As she emerged from the car and straightened up, Alison's breath caught in her throat. Before her stood a mansion of such grandeur that it defied belief. The sheer scale of the building was overwhelming, its towering façade an architectural marvel of regal splendor. She could see that the mansion was surrounded by impeccably manicured gardens, with a variety of vibrant plants and flowers arranged in elaborate patterns. To the north of the mansion, she glimpsed a tennis court, a golf course, and both volleyball and baseball courts, each one pristine and ready for use. On the south side, an enormous swimming pool gleamed under the bright edge lights and underwater lighting, with fountains artfully placed around the area, adding to the serene yet opulent atmosphere.

This was just the front of the mansion. Alison could hardly imagine what other luxuries lay hidden around the property. The sight of two gardeners meticulously trimming a garden bush and others tending to a flowerbed only emphasized the meticulous care and wealth that maintained such a place.

A light touch on her shoulder startled her, causing her to recoil in surprise. She turned to see a tall man standing just inches away, his face devoid of expression. He looked to be in his mid-40s, and from his formal attire, Alison guessed he was one of the mansion's staff.

"Oh, hello," she said meekly, still trying to recover from the shock of the place.

"Welcome," the man replied in a neutral tone, gesturing toward the entrance of the mansion. "Right this way, ma'am."

Alison blinked in surprise—did he just refer to her as ma'am? It felt strange to her; after all, he was old enough to be her father. "You don't have to call me that. Just call me Alison," she said, her voice tinged with discomfort.

The man looked slightly taken aback but nodded in understanding. Without another word, she followed him obediently toward the mansion.

Crossing the threshold of the large golden doors, Alison was again struck dumb by the sheer opulence that surrounded her. The interior was a masterpiece of architecture and design, every detail screaming wealth and refinement. The soaring ceilings were adorned with intricate patterns depicting mythological scenes, painted in vibrant colors and highlighted with gilded accents. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, its countless prisms casting a dazzling array of light across the grand entryway.

The marble floor beneath her feet was polished to a mirror-like finish, inlaid with elaborate patterns of gold and onyx. To her left, a sweeping grand staircase, spiraled gracefully to the upper floors, each step embellished with gold leaf that caught the light in a mesmerizing display.

The walls were lined with opulent silk wallpaper in deep, rich hues, complemented by ornate moldings that shimmered with gilded details. Tall, arched windows draped in heavy velvet curtains allowed beams of sunlight to stream in, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.

To her right, a series of elegantly furnished rooms beckoned, each more lavish than the last. The drawing room featured plush, velvet-upholstered sofas and chairs, antique tables set with fine crystal and porcelain, and an imposing fireplace framed by an intricately carved marble mantel. Above it, a grand mirror with a gilded frame reflected the splendor of the room, amplifying the sense of space and luxury.

Beyond the drawing room, the formal dining room showcased a long mahogany table set for a banquet, surrounded by high-backed chairs upholstered in rich brocade. Twin crystal chandeliers hung above the table, casting a soft, inviting light on the gleaming surface. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings in gilded frames, each piece a testament to the mansion's grandeur.

As she continued to explore, Alison discovered a library that took her breath away. The room was filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, each lined with leather-bound volumes that hinted at the wealth of knowledge contained within. A cozy reading nook, complete with plush armchairs and a roaring fireplace, beckoned her to sit and lose herself in the pages of a book. The scent of old paper and polished wood added to the room's undeniable charm.

Everywhere Alison looked, there were touches of extravagance and elegance: ornate candelabras, fine sculptures, sumptuous rugs, and delicate porcelain vases. The mansion was a true palace, a testament to luxury and refinement, and she felt as if she had stepped into a dream.

She was so captivated by the surroundings that she didn't realize she was standing still, her mouth slightly ajar, until the man beside her lightly tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see him watching her with mild concern.

"Are you alright, Miss Alison?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"Y-yes, just a bit flustered," she replied, managing a nervous smile.

The man nodded. "I'll let Alice take it from here," he said, gesturing toward a young woman dressed in a maid's uniform who had appeared behind Alison, seemingly out of nowhere.

Puzzled, Alison turned to face the maid, who was standing curtly behind her. "Good day, ma'am," the maid said politely. "Allow me to show you to your room."

Alison managed a weak nod, still trying to process everything. She followed the maid up the grand staircase, down a series of hallways lined with stunning paintings and sculptures. Alison couldn't stop staring in awe at how beautiful everything was, her sense of wonder only growing with each step.

Finally, they arrived at a rose gold-colored door, which the maid unlocked and opened. This, Alison presumed, was her room. As soon as she caught sight of the glorious, magnificent king-sized bed, the exhaustion she had been ignoring all day suddenly hit her like a wave. She felt utterly drained.

"If you need anything else, please let me know," the maid said.

That was the only sentence Alison registered; she was completely oblivious to the fact that the maid had been speaking to her the entire time. She managed a nod and mouthed a "Thanks."

The maid nodded curtly and left the room, shutting the door behind her and leaving Alison alone.

Without wasting another second, Alison walked weakly to the bed and slumped down onto it. The only thought that crossed her mind as she sank into the softness of the mattress was how incredibly comfortable it was.

*Oh my gosh, this is heaven.*

She couldn't think any more. She wasn't sure if it was sheer exhaustion or if she was deliberately blocking out her thoughts. Either way, within seconds, Alison was fast asleep, the luxury of the bed cradling her into a deep, dreamless rest.