The surroundings completely flabbergasted her. This private residence is so grand, so huge yet humbled. That's odd.
It's a two-storey building with a classic design, a mixture of cement blocks and cut stones giving off a country vibe. Glass panels with deep windowsills, a natural color scheme with varying shades of gray, black and tan. The house was surrounded with thick stone and brick walls with a solid roofing mimicking that of a thatched roof.
Are they some kind of royalty? Is this a castle?
Am I still in the Philippines?
Where am i exactly? Laurice was completely out her wits.
The whole place looks quite new. Perhaps a few years old. But she couldn't really tell since the maintenance of the residence might be top-notch. Casting a glance at the butler beside her, she thought there are probably more servants on the premises of the house.
Not minding her behavior, Laurice surveyed the place some more drifting her gaze from the house to some other direction. She could not see any further though since there were walls surrounding the area.
"This villa is surrounded by farmlands owned by The Walsh Family. Welcome, young miss!" The butler's short introduction gave Laurice another round of shock.
Walsh? A foreign family? They seem to be extremely rich and eccentric. Their family home is definitely a traditional home of their native roots.
Walsh ... Now why does that sound familiar. Laurice pondered. A certain 'Walsh' flashed her mind. She shook her head vigorously.
That was one scary thought for her. She almost had a vague premonition of danger.
Brushing off the matter, Laurice collected herself and sighed. Everything has escalated this fast already. She had better fulfill her mission today and leave immediately. She can't afford to offend this certain family in any case possible.
"When will i get my car back, Sir? I still have my keys with me. I believe your young master must have contacted you about it. I will leave right after i perform today." Laurice told the old man to be at ease because she will not be staying long.
Perform? The butler was perplexed for a second and responded, "You may call me butler Han young miss, i have been informed of your arrival and will need to ask young miss for the key so we may send someone to retrieve your car for you. The distance here from your car's location is approximately an hour. You may stay longer in this villa as you please madam. I'm sure the young master wouldn't mind." The butler heard his master's words awhileback and thinking it was alright to speak on his behalf, he added some persuasion to his statement just now. This woman maybe looking like a commoner but there's something he can sense to her unpretentious demeanor. He believe she's a good person. He was never a poor judge of character, he could not be misled.
Laurice whined inwardly.
Ofcourse she minds! Her lips curl upwards as she heard the butler's explanation. She needs to leave here asap! She despised luxury among anything. Regreting her decision of coming to this place Laurice put on her usual dead pan face but still responded politely.
"Please call me Laurice, butler Han. I am not your young miss." Handing over her keys she pleaded, "I hope to retrieve my car in an hour. I still have matters to attend to right after. I shall leave this matter in your care then butler Han. Please call me as soon as my car arrive. Thank you very much!" Leaving no room for negotiation, Laurice was about to ask for permission to enter the villa when she saw Louie ran off from the inside heading towards her direction.
It appears the little young master has finally awaken from his slumber and was searching frantically for someone and when he spotted her a sense of relief engulfed him as he rush towards her direction, flung his arms wide open and clung unto her slim waist.
"Mommy!"
"Mommy I had a bad dream."
Mommy?!
The butler was instantly frozen in his spot. His eyes darted towards the woman, his jaw-dropped. Hearing how the young master address the woman, he wondered. Was she the young master's biological mother?! No, that's not possible. He was told of the young master's circumstances so he knows the facts. After a long pause he shook his head.
Laurice shot a glance at the butler who was having a complicated look on his face. She heaved a long sigh and could not decide whether to laugh or cry with his reactions. She could roughly guess what was running through the butler's head as of the moment.
Things have escalated to this extent, she could no longer ignore the issue at hand. She must explain herself or the misunderstanding on her end might worsen. But before that, she needs to handle the little master clinging to her first. His hands trembling in fear. Probably due to having been awaken from a bad dream. Laurice felt pity towards the child.
"That was just a dream, sweetie. It isn't real. Don't be afraid. Hmm?" She spoke softly being cautious with her words to avoid committing any mistake to further the misunderstanding.
She press her palms lightly on Louie's forehead to check if he's running a fever and pats his head to calm his nerves down. These gestures didn't escape the butler's eyes.
"Aren't you hungry, sweetie? Auntie will cook for you."
Auntie. Laurice thought she better address herself as such so as to not appear to be currying favor from the young master and to better clear the matter of misconception.
Louie frowned. What auntie? He looks at his mommy like an abandoned puppy yet again but still nods his head in response.
"Mommy, i'm hungry."
"Alright, auntie will make you food. Let's feed your little tummy." Laurice put on a little smile to appease the little master but felt quite remorseful having seen his face. He must have been saddened by the sudden change in her.
The pair entered the house hand-in-hand while emitting some strange peaceful aura. The butler was momentarily shaken with what he's witnessing thinking this news will make her madam extremely happy.
The butler led them happily inside the villa passing through the massive living room space, there was an oak chimneypiece to one corner, and a wide array of collection of drawings were plastered in the beige painted walls. One particular corner were covered with an intricate wall paper, the staircase hall facing the door was definitely a proof of remarkable craftsmanship, too. It was all metal bars probably the only modern feature of the house, the reception room doors contain elaborate plasterwork. One couldn't miss the focal point of the premise which was the high and white ceiling with detailed woodart carvings.
The overall interior of the house was pretty much 70s inspired derived from Western European culture. Maybe too retro for Laurice's taste but she was still stunned how beautiful it was from the inside. It was elegant but wasn't tacky at all. It has that old home vibe to it that she likes.
Home that she likes. Hmm.
Her eyes glinted with longing.
They continued on their way inside and as they walked past the dining hall, her eyes caught a particular painting hanging on the wall.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the painting.