Revelation

The Next Morning

Alison awoke to the warmth of the sun filtering through the open curtains, the bright light forcing her to shut her eyes almost immediately. She groaned softly, rubbing her eyes and gradually reopening them, allowing them to adjust to the brightness filling the room. Glancing at her wristwatch, she noticed it was already 10 a.m. A sense of panic washed over her as she mentally scolded herself—how could she have overslept? She wasn't supposed to get comfortable here so soon, especially when she knew so little about her current situation.

Swinging her legs to the side of the bed, Alison stood upright, wobbling slightly as she steadied herself. Only then did she take in her unfamiliar surroundings, truly noticing them for the first time.

The room was a vision of pure elegance and luxury. The ceiling was adorned with intricate plasterwork, and a grand chandelier hung from the center, casting a warm, golden light throughout the space. The walls, with their ornate moldings and soft, neutral tones, created a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

At the center of the room stood a grand king-sized bed, its tufted velvet headboard framed by gilded accents. The bed was dressed in sumptuous linens and plush pillows, inviting anyone to sink into its comfort. Beside it, elegant nightstands held delicate lamps that added a soft, ambient glow to the room.

Tall windows, framed by heavy, rich drapes, allowed natural light to stream in during the day. These windows led out to a private balcony, where Alison could imagine herself enjoying a peaceful morning with views of the sprawling gardens below.

A cozy seating area featured a pair of sophisticated armchairs and a small sofa, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or getting lost in a good book. A fireplace with an ornate mantel added warmth and served as a beautiful focal point.

One wall was dedicated to her love of books, with a built-in library stretching from floor to ceiling. The shelves were filled with an extensive collection of literature, organized meticulously. A rolling ladder made it easy to reach the higher shelves, a relief to Alison, knowing there was something to occupy her time in this lonely mansion. Next to the library, a reading nook with a cushioned window seat offered an inviting spot to lose herself in a story.

In a well-lit corner of the room, a large mahogany desk awaited, equipped with all the essentials for writing or working. The desk was paired with a comfortable chair and elegant storage cabinets, offering both functionality and style.

Every detail in the room reminded Alison of her life before her parents died—everything was so perfect, so reminiscent of the past she had loved and lost. For a brief moment, she wished this feeling of comfort could last forever.

A small knock on the door drew her from her deep thoughts. She walked over and opened it to find the same maid who had shown her to her room the previous night. The maid greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, ma'am. Did you sleep well?"

Alison managed a nod, too overwhelmed to correct the maid about addressing her as 'ma'am.' "Your breakfast is ready and served downstairs in the dining room," the maid continued.

It was only then that Alison realized she had barely eaten anything since the cookies she had stuffed into her mouth the previous day in her rush to the bar. The thought of food brought a wave of relief. "Okay, I'll be down soon," she replied, eager to freshen up first.

The maid nodded, "If you need anything, please let me know."

"Okay," Alison said softly.

With that, the maid turned and left the room. Alison shut the door and trudged over to her suitcase. She opened it and retrieved a baby pink bathrobe, feeling a sense of relief as she discarded her scruffy outfit from yesterday. Grabbing a towel, she made her way to the bathroom, once again awestruck by its grandeur. The space was even larger than she had anticipated, every inch of it exuding luxury.

The bathroom was a sanctuary of indulgence, with warm lighting that highlighted its elegant design. A deep soaking tub, set in polished marble, was positioned beneath a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing in comfort.

To the side, a spacious shower with glass doors featured multiple showerheads and a built-in bench, creating a spa-like experience. The floors and walls were covered in creamy marble, adding to the room's opulence.

Every detail, from the sleek fixtures to the soft, ambient lighting, combined to create a serene and indulgent atmosphere. Alison felt like she had entered a personal haven, a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility.

The bathtub had already been filled with warm water, lined with rose petals. Alison had once read that soaking in water laced with rose petals helped soothe the skin and reduce anxiety, though she wasn't entirely sure if it was true. Nonetheless, she loved the beautiful scent that filled the air. She slipped off her bathrobe, set it aside, and carefully descended the steps leading into the tub. As she sank into the warm, scented water, she felt her tense muscles relax almost instantly, and a surreal sense of calmness washed over her. It was blissful.

She spent several minutes lying there, lost in her thoughts. She would text Riley as soon as she was done, just to say good morning. Even though it hadn't been a full day since she last saw him, she already missed him terribly. She also needed to text Jayden, who was no doubt upset with her for not answering his calls and keeping him in the dark. She would have to make it up to him somehow. The thought of that brought a small smile to her face.

After a while, Alison sat up, feeling refreshed. She climbed out of the tub, washed her hair, and proceeded to take a warm shower. When she was done, she wrapped the towel around herself and walked over to the vanity table. She took a seat, got out a blow-dryer, and began drying her hair. Once finished, she brushed it and tied it into a ponytail that cascaded in waves past her shoulders. It was a bit bushy, and she sighed in frustration, still struggling to get the hang of styling her own hair. Back then, she had a personal stylist who did her hair and picked out the best dresses for her. But that life was over, and now it was time to move on and hope that the future would be kinder to her.

She was about to head back to her suitcase to pick out a dress when she suddenly remembered the maid's words from yesterday. She had been too exhausted to consider it at the time, but now she recalled the maid mentioning something about a closet already filled with accessories tailored to her taste. Curious, Alison walked over to the closet and opened it. She was not prepared for what she saw inside.

Alison stepped into the closet for the first time and was stunned. The space was vast and luxurious, illuminated by a stunning chandelier. Custom-built shelves lined the walls, filled with shoes—ranging from delicate heels to stylish boots—neatly organized and reaching up to the ceiling.

Another wall showcased an extensive wardrobe, with rows of neatly hung clothes arranged by color and style. Drawers held folded items like sweaters and accessories, all perfectly organized. In the center of the closet, a marble-topped island displayed her jewelry and accessories. A plush chair and ottoman nearby offered a comfortable spot to try on shoes or admire her collection.

A vanity area with a large mirror and soft lighting was equipped with makeup, brushes, and skincare products, all neatly arranged. Elegant perfume bottles and delicate jewelry pieces added charm. Full-length mirrors allowed her to see her outfits from every angle, and a cozy seating area with a chair and side table provided a place to relax.

Alison was amazed by the luxurious and meticulously organized space. It felt like she had stepped into a fashion dream, with every detail combining style and practicality. The closet perfectly reflected her refined taste and love for fashion. It was incredible.

She walked over to one of the shelves and picked out a pair of black jeans and a cream-colored sweatshirt. When she tried them on, they fit her perfectly. She slipped on a pair of casual flats and was ready.

Although she had dressed for breakfast, Alison wasn't exactly looking forward to it. It meant heading downstairs, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the man behind the contract might be waiting for her there. She took a deep breath, gathering her resolve, then grabbed her phone and walked out of the room.

As she descended the stairs, her mind raced with questions about the mysterious man behind the contract. She wondered if he was downstairs waiting for her, what he looked like, and how he would act. Would he be kind or hostile? The atmosphere in the mansion felt heavy, and from the body language of the staff she had encountered so far, she could tell they feared him. That didn't sit well with her.