Mysterious Mansion

There were multiple plant boxes full of greenery that she had never seen before. Intrigued, she quickly touched a passing plant and random pillars doubting the reality of where Vincent had brought her, but the beauty and longevity were not to be questioned. The mansion was meticulously maintained to look like so.

Her steps were quick, as she trotted after Vincent who pulled the doors open when they finally got to the top of the steps which was quite the walk. She thought it was Vincent who pulled the door open, but only three spectacularly dressed men stretched out in the large hallway ready to greet them with a deep bow.

The front doors opened up to a huge room with lovely rouge carpets that spanned most of the first room. In front of them, the grandest staircase with accents of red jewels and golden lining that she had ever seen in her life curved upwards to the next level.

There was a crystal chandelier that hung overhead that also caught her amazement. She was getting distracted and failed to notice that Vincent was already a few paces ahead of her.

Charlotte awkwardly grabbed the back of Vincent's suit jacket, and he placed a hand on her shoulder to push her forward ahead of him, almost making her trip on her feet.

The main butler stood in front of the rest with a little monocle perched on his sharp nose, and Charlotte had to swallow the laugh that was threatening to spill out since the main butler looked exactly like the stereotypical one with his all-black ensemble with a white dress shirt.

His hair was all silver, however, it wasn't the sign that signaled old age, but a young and healthy male in his mid-twenties tied neatly in a ponytail in the back. His eyes darted down her length, sizing her up. Charlotte didn't know if they were all vampires, and she wearily smiled at them.

Vincent squeezed her shoulder. "Everyone, meet Charlotte Artelier. She will be a guest at this house for an unpremeditated

time. Please treat her and serve her with the utmost respect."

"Yes, master," the chorus replied.

Charlotte inclined her head slightly when more people joined the small party. She could see the scurry of a few maids, one cook, and a gardener that walked in to see the commotion.

Vincent was going on about how he was lonely, but Charlotte couldn't understand why. She saw amazing and kind-hearted people by his side at that very moment albeit not having the largest crowd, a close tight-knitted one.

She lifted a hand. "Hello, everyone. Please take care of me well."

The butlers bowed once more before straightening. The head butler smiled at Charlotte. He stretched out his hand to her, and she hesitantly shook his hand. "Truly a pleasure. I am Sebastian, the head butler of this mansion. I hope your stay here will be enjoyable. The maid that will be assigned to you..."

Charlotte hastily cut Sebastian off. "I apologize, but I don't need any maids. I thank you for your kind offer. I'll be sure to ask for help whenever needed."

She felt uncomfortable with everyone staring at her, and she wanted to have her own space. Charlotte hoped that she wasn't seen as rude. She was already at the point of no return with Vincent dragging her in.

Sebastian glanced over at Vincent for a response to which he nodded. Sebastian brought his hands together. "With that settled, why don't I show you to your rooms, Ms. Artelier?"

"Charlotte is fine," she answered brightly. "Please lead the way."

Sebastian nodded and started to ascend the tall stairs. Charlotte took a step forward, but there was a tug on her arm. She turned back to have Vincent lean his head down until his lips brushed against her ear.

She caught the scent of his expensive perfume which smelled dark and sensual and all of him. Her eyes darted to Sebastian who stopped on the stairs, intently staring back at them as were the other people in the room.

"I have some work to do. There will be a doctor sent up to your room to check for any substantial injuries. I'll see you later for tomorrow, so that you can rest."

Charlotte's lips flattened. "I thought explanations were coming."

"Tomorrow."

She bit her lip and shook her head. "I'll come to find you after."

Vincent finally nodded before meeting eyes trying to calm her. "I'll be in my office then."

Charlotte breathed out a defeated sigh. "Okay."

She followed Sebastian up the stairs with many curious eyes on her, and she wanted to bury herself in embarrassment at her ungodly sight. The hallway was as luxurious as the entrance with lovely character on the walls. The squares that were stacked upon one another embedded into the wall were beautiful, and Sebastian opened a room with double doors.