"Welcome home, My lady." Butler Stefan respectfully greeted me as I descended out of the carriage.
"Hello Stefan, it is good to see you alive and healthy." I greeted back.
"Of course my lady. I have yet to see your debut and look forward to it since the day you were born."
"My debut huh…" I answered nonchalantly. "I presume everyone is busy? As I see the same faces…" I say as I glance over all the servants bowing as we walk.
"My apologies my la.."
"No need to apologize and make lousy excuses. We both know my place in this house. I 've come terms with it since.. that day. I'm fine." I said as I walk to the main door.
As Stefan was guiding me to the door, I glance up the window of my father's study. I thought that I see the curtain moved a bit. Heading it no mind I continuously went inside and looked at the grand stair case before me. The painting of a beautiful goddess was displayed in the middle of it. I looked at the painting blankly and noticed someone walking down the stair case.
He walked regally and with a stoned face that was always useful in business negotiations. He was remarked by the empire as the "The Magnate Genius" for he knows what venture to pursue and was always successful. He alone is the reason why the Clandestine Business Empire expanded its power and maintained its status through the years.
My eldest brother. Jamiel Clandestine.
"Lily Rose. Your back." As his usual monotone voice. The words he could only muster to his sister that was gone for 7 years.
"I am." Briefly looking at him and then back at the painting.
As he noticed that I could care less to talk to him and just kept looking at the painting. He looked at Stefan as if asking for something.
"Master Jamiel, Lady Lily just got out of the carriage and was heading to her room."
"Has everything been taken cared of? Has her room been cleared and tidied up?"
"Yes Master Jamiel. The Duke had strict orders to prepare my Lady's room until the time she comes back." Stefan added.
With this I gave Stefan a look and was a little confused with my father's order. But I did not pondered on it any longer and before Jamiel could say another word I told Stefan that I will be heading to my room.
As I was heading to my room located at the side of the stair case, Stefan abruptly stopped me.
"My lady, your room is now on the second floor. Duke Clandestine figured you are healthier now so he transferred all your things in a room at the 2nd floor."
I was caught off guard but nonetheless started heading to the stairs. While I was taking my steps, I can't help but look at the beautiful painting before me. She was really a sight to behold. With her golden hair and beautiful smile that could warm up the room. I stopped momentarily at the middle of the staircase and looked at her more intently this time. I felt cold and I think that if I have emotions a tear may somehow show in my eyes. But I felt nothing and could only imagine the feeling I might have at that moment.
I started whispering to myself. "I am back mother. Your daughter is back."
In my room, I started unpacking my clothes and suit cases. Holding my clothes I looked at my new room.
It's wider and comfier. Unlike my previous room in the 1st floor. It was... Straightforward. It has a bed, a cabinet for my clothes, a small table and a simple chair. It was small and clean. But all the nightmares I had was in that room. I was assigned there so they could not hear my shouts. I think.
As I fix my things I went to the veranda and was surprised to see a familiar garden my mother loved. So this the room that can oversee the garden. But… if that is the case then the room next to mine is…
As I looked my right side, I see the familiar face of the man I tried to forget.
The face of the man that had always gave me that disappointed look.
The face of the man that I think I have seen in one of my nightmares.
My father. Duke Clandestine…