After three days, the day of Julie's discharge from the hospital finally arrived. She dressed elegantly in the long black knee-length gown Roman had brought for her.
Her shiny black hair cascaded down her back, with a few strands framing her left shoulder. As she slowly slipped her slender legs into the white high heels, Julie looked like a stunning vampiress, her pale complexion adding to her ethereal beauty.
"Ma'am, the car is ready," one of the guards informed her from outside the room.
In the past three days, Julie had been isolated, with no visitors to break the monotony. Roman had left her room to bring lunch, but she hadn't seen him since.
The only people she interacted with were the guards who brought her meals, reminding her to eat and not starve herself, as it would help her body recover.
She felt like a princess locked in a room, with no desire to explore the hospital or its gardens, where patients often took walks. Now, as Julie prepared to leave the hospital, she felt a mix of emotions.
She was happy to be discharged, yet unhappy about having to follow a stranger she had never known existed until the moment she opened her eyes and saw him.
Despite her reservations, Julie was thankful that she wouldn't have to spend her days on the streets or sleep on the road, vulnerable to kidnappers and rapists.
Roman had asked her to decide whether to move in with him or go her way, but he hadn't followed up on it. Instead, he had sent a dress through the guard, instructing her to prepare herself for discharge.
"The time is already here," Julie said to herself, taking a deep breath.
As she made her way to the door, one of the guards opened it from the outside, leaving Julie taken aback. She stared at the guard, then murmured, "Thank you." As she stepped out of the room, the guard said, "Good morning, ma'am," and bowed simultaneously with the other guard.
Julie was taken aback again by their formal attitude. She blinked, wondering, 'What are they doing? This is seriously funny.' The corners of her mouth twitched as she grated back, "Good morning."
The two guards shared a shocked glance, clearly surprised by her response. Normally, when they greeted young ladies like Julie, they didn't expect a reply. But today, not only had someone responded to their greeting, but she had also returned the courtesy.
"Thank you, ma'am," the guards said in unison, leaving Julie with a raised eyebrow, wondering, 'Why are they thanking me?'
Before she could ask, the other guard quickly said, "Follow me, ma'am." Although Julie found it strange to be addressed as "ma'am" repeatedly, she didn't comment and trailed behind him, the other guard following closely behind her.
As they walked to the hospital entrance, Julie was led to a sleek black Rolls-Royce Wraith parked directly in front of the hospital.
As she approached the car, the driver swiftly opened the door for her to get in. After she was settled, he closed the door and greeted her with a bow, mirroring the guards' earlier gesture.
The drive was remarkably smooth and quiet, with the driver navigating the roads at a leisurely pace, as if handling fragile cargo.
After almost an hour of driving, the car came to a stop in front of a magnificent villa gate. The gate swung open as the guard at the entrance recognized the car.
The driver steered the vehicle toward the stunning building ahead, and Julie gazed out the tinted glass window, her mouth agape in wonder.
As the car pulled up to the entrance, Julie beheld the breathtaking villa. The majestic white building stood tall, exuding an air of confidence and opulence. The villa's facade was adorned with intricate stone carvings, and the windows sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight.
A beautifully manicured garden, complete with a tranquil fountain and vibrant flowers, stretched out before the villa, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The driver opened the door, and Julie stepped out, her eyes fixed on the villa's grandeur. "Wow," she breathed, unaware she had spoken aloud.
"Ma'am, please follow me," the driver said, standing beside her. Julie's eyes fluttered closed, momentarily forgetting his presence. "Okay," she replied, trailing behind him as he led her toward the villa.
As they entered the villa, Julie's wonder only grew. The interior was a master class in elegance, with lavish furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and exquisite artwork adorning the walls. They walked through a spacious hallway, lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ornate tapestries, before entering a beautifully appointed living room. The room was filled with plush sofas, a grand piano, and a stunning fireplace that seemed to be the focal point of the room.
The driver guided Julie through the villa, showcasing its various amenities and features. They passed by a state-of-the-art kitchen, a private movie theater, and an indoor swimming pool. As they walked, Julie's amazement only depened, her mind struggling to comprehend the sheer scale and luxury of the estate.
Finally, the driver led her to a beautifully appointed bedroom. "Ma'am, this will be your bedroom," he announced.
Julie's eyes widened as she took in the room's splendor. The bedroom was a serene oasis, complete with a plush king-size bed, a private balcony, and an enormous walk-in closet. "Oh, okay," she replied, turning the door handle and stepping inside.
The driver followed, closing the door behind them. "Ma'am, I will now be on my way," he said, turning to leave. However, he abruptly stopped, recalling a final message. "Ah, I was about to forget – the boss said he will see you in the evening. He will return for dinner."
The driver nodded and inquired if Julie needed anything else before departing.