Mrs. Davidson

The next day, Auralia found herself sitting in a sleek, black car which was making its way through the downtown area of Marsion City. The high-rise buildings and well dressed people walking through the city made it reek of wealth and privilege.

It made her realize how rundown and poor her area was, the streets full of gangs and people trying to make ends meet. Seeing the sudden change, made her wonder how both the wealthy and poor could live so close together yet be so far apart.

Shaking her head to clear the dark thoughts entering her mind, Auralia turned away from the tinted, glass window to look at the bodyguard sitting in the passenger seat in front of her.

After signing the contract with Maria's lawyer, she had quit her part time job at the bar and had prepared for a long stay at Maria's friend's house. Apparently, Maria wanted to get the ball rolling as fast as possible, not wanting to lose any time.

Auralia didn't like the sudden uprooting of her life, but she had to deal with it and follow the whims of the older woman. Thankfully, Jamie had agreed to take over for her only class today, otherwise Auralia wasn't sure what she would have done.

The car came to a sudden stop, drawing Auralia out of her thoughts. She looked out the window again, seeing that they had stopped in front of two large, golden gates.

Beyond the gates stood a majestic three-storey brick building with French windows. Fresh, green grass surrounded either side of the mansion. As the gates opened, the driver started the car again, driving down a cobbled driveway with a fountain in the center, leading up to a small staircase and wooden double doors.

It was a grand place, one that made Auralia think belonged to a noble. Like it was something out of a fantasy novel, a rare sight in such a modern city.

When the car finally came to a stop in front of the entrance of the mansion, the driver quickly jumped out the car and grabbed the back door for her, opening it so she could step out.

She did so, finding a man who looked to be in his fifties, taking her luggage out the car boot. Auralia wanted to protest, but a shake of the bodyguard's head told her it was best that she kept her mouth shut.

She instead followed the butler, she assumed the older man was a butler, and the bodyguard into the mansion. Inside was just as grand as the outside was, if not even more so.

Everything screamed wealth, from the marble flooring to the huge, gold chandelier hanging above the entrance way. Various paintings hang on the cream colored walls and all the furniture seemed to be hand crafted and customized for the house.

Auralia followed the bodyguard and butler through the place, completely in awe with it and surprised that something so beautiful existed in her city. That she would be living here for the next few months.

The trio made their way upstairs, Auralia bags being handed off to a nearby maid. Soon, they came to a big, wooden door, the butler softly tapping on it.

"Madam, your guest has arrived." The man said in a clear voice.

Auralia gulped and rubbed her sweaty hands down her black skirt, suddenly a little nervous about meeting her "grandmother".

"Come in." A shrill voice called out.

The butler opened the door gesturing for the two to walk inside. Auralia took a deep breath and entered the room, finding herself in what looked to be a sitting room, Maria and an older looking woman sitting across from each other on floral couches, sipping what looked to be tea.

As soon as she stepped inside the feminine room, the older woman turned to look at her, smiling a little while Maria continued to ignore her. The door shut behind her reminding her she needed to introduce herself.

"Good morning ladies. I'm Auralia Davidson." She said quickly, hoping her voice wasn't shaking.

"Greetings dear." The older woman replied, her blue eyes sparkling with joy. "Come have a seat with us."

Auralia nodded her head and walked over to the two women, taking the seat next to Maria. As she placed her hands in her lap, Maria set down her empty teacup.

"Auralia, I'd like you to meet a dear friend of mine, Lina Davidson." Maria murmured as she smiled softly at her friend. "She'll be your family until you marry my son. The staff here all think you are really her granddaughter from overseas."

Auralia nodded her head in understanding, having been briefed about the whole thing earlier by the bodyguard. Mrs. Davidson's youngest son had disappeared a few years ago, most believing that he had moved overseas. She was to be the daughter of the missing son.

"I'll also be the one educating you about high society and so on while you stay here." Mrs. Davidson continued. "And please call me Grandmother, Mrs. Davidson will be too stiff."

"Alright, Grandmother…" Auralia smiled nervously.

It was a little weird calling some grandmother, not knowing either her maternal and paternal grandparents. But she decided it was best to practice as she was going to live like that for a year.

"Good…" Maria clapped her hands, standing up. "Lucas will be coming tomorrow morning for your training and you'll have lessons in the afternoon. So, I'll leave you two to chat and get some rest."

"Okay Maria." The older woman said as she and Auralia too stood up. "It was good to see you again. And thank you for everything."

"Of course dear." Maria smiled at her friend, before waving goodbye as she walked to the door.

Maria soon left the room, leaving Auralia to get to know a woman who would soon become her grandmother.

"Tea dear?" Mrs. Davidson asked once the door closed behind Maria.

"Sure…" Auralia said, turning around and taking the teapot to pour two cups of tea.