Morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the elegant room. Ophelia stirred, her head throbbing and her body aching from the aftermath of the previous night. She blinked slowly, trying to piece together her scattered memories. The plush bed she lay in felt unfamiliar, and the luxurious surroundings only heightened her confusion and unease.
The room was tastefully decorated, with soft cream-colored walls and rich, dark wood furnishings. A large window offered a stunning view of a meticulously maintained garden, the early morning dew glistening on the leaves and petals. Beyond the garden, a shimmering swimming pool reflected the clear blue sky. The opulence of the room was undeniable, from the intricately designed chandelier hanging from the ceiling to the ornate mirror on the opposite wall.
Ophelia's eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail. The master bedroom was on the second floor, as evidenced by the view. The rich, expensive feel of the place suggested she was in a grand villa. Panic set in as she realized she was in an unfamiliar place, wearing unfamiliar clothes. She tried to sit up, but her body protested, weak and sore.
To her right, a small nightstand held a bowl of water with a cloth soaking in it and some tablets. The tablets were clearly for fever, and the cloth had been used to cool her down. A sense of confusion mixed with a faint sense of gratitude settled over her. Someone had taken care of her.
Her mind raced as she tried to recall the events of the previous night. She remembered drinking at the bar, the feeling of utter despair, and then... nothing. Trying to piece together the missing hours only made her headache worse. She tried to move again, this time more slowly, testing her strength. As she shifted, she noticed a fresh set of clothes neatly folded on a nearby chair.
Ophelia's pulse quickened as fear and uncertainty gripped her. She was in a stranger's home, with no memory of how she had arrived. The realization sent a shiver down her spine, and she instinctively gripped the blanket tighter around her.
The house was eerily quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds outside. Ophelia's gaze moved to the door, her heart pounding as she heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. The door knob turned slowly, and she braced herself, her fingers clutching the blanket with white-knuckled intensity.
The door opened, and Alexander stepped inside, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea and a light breakfast. He paused, taking in her vigilant and fearful expression. His face softened into a reassuring smile.
"Good morning, Ophelia," he said gently, his voice calm and soothing. "How are you feeling?"
Ophelia's eyes widened in shock and recognition. "You..." she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Yes, it's me," Alexander replied, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "How are you feeling?"
"What happened? Where am I?" Ophelia asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion.
Alexander raised his hands in a calming gesture. "You're safe. This is my villa. Last night, you were in no condition to be left alone, so I brought you here. Aunt Mili, our household help, took care of you."
Ophelia glanced around the room again, her mind racing. "Why did you do this? You don't even know me."
Alexander's gaze softened. "Let's just say I have my reasons. But for now, you need to focus on getting better. You were running a high fever last night. Aunt Mili left these tablets for you. Take them, and then freshen up. I've had a fresh set of clothes laid out for you in the bathroom."
Ophelia's initial fear began to subside, replaced by a cautious curiosity. She glanced at the clock on the wall and realized it was well past noon. "It's already lunchtime," she murmured, surprised at how much time had passed.
"Yes, you've been asleep for quite a while," Alexander said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Come downstairs when you're ready. Aunt Mili has prepared lunch, and it's waiting for you."
Ophelia watched as he left the room, closing the door gently behind him. She took a deep breath, her mind still whirling with questions. She decided to follow his advice, taking the tablets and then making her way to the bathroom.
The bathroom was as elegantly designed as the bedroom, with marble countertops and a spacious shower. She found a fresh set of clothes neatly folded on a stool. After a refreshing shower, she changed into clean clothes, feeling somewhat revived.
As she descended the grand staircase, the beauty of the villa struck her even more. The ground floor was expansive, with a large hall that led to a well-equipped kitchen. The decor was understated yet undeniably expensive, with an air of effortless elegance.
The grand living room featured high ceilings and large windows that allowed natural light to flood in, highlighting the intricate details of the decor. Plush sofas were arranged around a coffee table made of dark, polished wood. A grand piano stood in one corner, and the walls were adorned with tasteful art pieces. The overall ambiance was one of serene luxury.
Ophelia found her way to the dining area, where Alexander was waiting. He looked up from his phone and smiled as she entered. "Feeling better?" he asked.
She nodded, still wary but less so than before. "Yes, thank you. I... I don't know how to repay you for this."
"Consider it a favor," Alexander said, gesturing for her to sit. "You don't owe me anything. Just focus on recovering."
Ophelia sat down, eyeing the delicious spread of food laid out before her. Aunt Mili, a kind-looking elderly woman, bustled in from the kitchen, setting down a pot of steaming soup. She smiled warmly at Ophelia. "Eat up, dear. You need your strength."
"Thank you for taking care of me last night, Aunt Mili," Ophelia said softly, feeling a wave of gratitude.
"Oh don't worry lady, this is all thanks to the master." Aunty Mili looked at Alexander and quickly added a couple of lines before running away to the kitchen. "Ah, it's okay child you have your lunch, you must be hungry."
Ophelia was surprised at her sudden disappearance but touched as well. She began to eat, the warm food comforting her in a way she hadn't expected.
Alexander watched her quietly for a few moments before speaking again. "Ophelia, there's a lot we need to talk about. But first, tell me how you're feeling."
Ophelia looked at him, her eyes still reflecting the turmoil she felt inside. "Confused. Lost. But... better, I think."
"Good," he said, leaning back in his chair. "We'll take it one step at a time. For now, just know that you're safe here."
Ophelia nodded, still processing everything. Despite the uncertainty of her situation, she felt a glimmer of hope. Although this was all a sudden encounter that she did not expect. Definitely she had a lot to talk about to him but for now she just wanted to get a bit better before she decides what to do next.