Ava stepped out of the cab and stared at the building in front of her. It wasn't the sleek, modern apartment complex she'd envisioned finding in London. Instead, it was a grand Victorian villa, its red brick façade adorned with intricate carvings and ivy climbing the walls. A wrought-iron gate guarded the entrance, and a small, manicured garden hinted at a peaceful oasis within the bustling city.
"This is... unexpected," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.
Aesher Solutions certainly knew how to take care of their employees. Instead of the generic corporate housing she'd anticipated, they'd provided her with a temporary residence that exuded history and charm. A wave of warmth washed over her. This felt like a place she could truly settle into, at least for a while.
A woman with a kind face and a crisp uniform emerged from the house. "Ms. Bennett? Welcome to Kensington Villa. I'm Mrs. Hobbs, the housekeeper. Let me show you around."
Ava followed Mrs. Hobbs through the grand entrance, her eyes widening with each step. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior. High ceilings, ornate cornices, and polished hardwood floors spoke of a bygone era of elegance. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating the tastefully furnished rooms."This is the main living area," Mrs. Hobbs explained, gesturing towards a spacious room with plush sofas and a fireplace. "The kitchen is just through there, fully equipped with everything you might need. And your room is upstairs.
"They ascended a sweeping staircase, the banister smooth beneath Ava's hand. Mrs. Hobbs led her to a room at the end of the hallway. It was large and airy, with a four-poster bed draped in luxurious fabrics and a bay window overlooking the garden. A door led to a spacious en-suite bathroom."It's beautiful," Ava breathed, taking it all in. She felt a sense of wonder, like she'd stepped into a period drama."We aim to make our guests feel at home," Mrs. Hobbs said with a gentle smile. "If you need anything at all, just ring the bell."Left alone, Ava explored her temporary abode. She unpacked her suitcase, placing her clothes in the antique wardrobe and her toiletries in the marble bathroom. Then, she indulged in a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of her journey and the lingering tension from her meeting.
Feeling refreshed and invigorated, Ava decided to call her best friend, Chloe. Chloe, settled with her parents in South of France, had been her biggest supporter throughout her career journey.
"Chloe! Guess where I am?" Ava exclaimed as soon as the call connected."Let me guess... Buckingham Palace?" Chloe teased.Ava laughed. "Not quite, but close! I'm in this amazing Victorian villa in Kensington. Aesher Solutions provided it as temporary accommodation. It's incredible!"
Ava proceeded to give Chloe a virtual tour of the house, holding her phone up to show the grand rooms, the elegant furniture, and the charming details.
"And check out this view!" Ava exclaimed, stepping out onto the balcony. The sun was setting over London, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The city lights twinkled below, creating a magical panorama.
"Wow," Chloe breathed. "You've definitely moved up in the world, girl!"
"I know, right?" Ava said, a grin spreading across her face. "It's all a bit surreal. The job, the city, this house... It's like I'm living someone else's life."
"Well, get used to it, because this is your life now," Chloe said. "And it looks pretty damn amazing to me."
Ava and Chloe chatted for another hour, catching up on each other's lives and sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Ava felt a pang of longing for her friend, but also a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. She was in London, ready to embark on a new adventure, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Ava stepped back inside, a sense of contentment settling over her. She had a beautiful home, a challenging job, and a city full of possibilities waiting to be explored. This was her new beginning, and she was ready to embrace it with open arms.