Amara stood up to entertain her eyes; she walked her way through the mansion; for almost 30 minutes, she was moving from one apartment to another. The rooms seemed to multiply as she kept exploring different things. The marble floors and glittering walls were enough to keep her attention for more than 5 minutes.
As she moved, she accidentally entered a room, the study room of Dennis.
"Hello, can I help you?" Dennis's voice echoed in the room. Amara had never thought that there would be anyone in that room at that time.
"Hmm... No. I am just ehn". Amara stammered in fear. She didn't know what to say, and the fear of being accused of trespassed ran through her mind.
Dennis put on the light "Hope you can see me now," Dennis asked softly.
"Oh, I am sorry I trespassed into your privacy," Amara's voice calmed a little. She now knows it's Dennis.
Dennis laughed "I know you are trying to explore, and here you are. You have just wandered into my study room".
Amara wasn't sure how to respond. She just stood there, unsure whether to leave or stay, feeling like a child caught sneaking around.
"Come and have your seat!" Dennis spoke as he turned in her direction.
He was sitting on a rolling chair.
Amara looked at the chair, but she hesitated. "I will not want to distract you, sir!"
"It's fine. I am not here for anything serious, I just came to quickly check out my diary and see the next appointment on my schedule". Dennis said with seriousness.
"All right" she moved towards the seat.
"I seldom have visitors here; it's very private to me," Dennis said with a smile running over his face.
She crossed her legs and shifted her gaze around, she was avoiding direct eye contact with Dennis. "I didn't mean to interrupt your work."
"It's not that," Dennis interrupted gently. "I'm just... surprised to see someone end up in here. Most people wouldn't dare wander off like that. The house is big enough to lose yourself in if you fail to map out the way you are navigating".
Amara chuckled. "Just leave drinks alone; I have had enough of that."
Dennis let out a small laugh too, his voice carrying a warmth that surprised her. "I see. So, you decided to explore?"
" I am just too curious to see some things. And I am in awe; everything here is exclusive". Amara spoke in awe.
Amara's gaze turned to the shelf; the atmosphere and the aura in that place were different from other places in the house.
"This place is cooler than every other place. Starting from the lighting, decorations, and all". Amara affirmatively let out her opinion.
"You are right; I was more intentional about the settings of this room because I know it's not a room that anybody can just come into. And most decisions I make in business are drawn here". Dennis spoke convincingly.
"I see. I think I will need such a space too." Amara smiled in agreement with what Dennis said.
Dennis chuckled
He chuckled, with interest. "I wouldn't expect you to be the type to hide in a study."
She leaned back in the chair, feeling herself relax. "I'm not. I just... sometimes I feel like I don't belong at places like this."
Dennis raised his eyebrows slightly. "You don't belong? Why?"
Amara shifted in her seat, feeling her settle as she grew more comfortable in the conversation. "It's just that...you know, everything here feels so different from what I'm used to. People are inexpensive dresses, talking about things I can't even understand."
Dennis watched her for a moment, his eyes softened "You know, you might think that, but I don't see it that way."
Amara glanced at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Your background doesn't define you or dress define you. What matters most is your very self-esteem." Dennis said with conviction.
Amara sighed " I agree with you"
Dennis gazed at her again and said with conviction, "Amara, from what I have seen so far, you carried yourself well. Your self-esteem is intact".
Amara chuckled, she didn't expect him to say something like that. She wasn't used to compliments from dignitaries and sincere people like Dennis.
Amara didn't know how well to respond. She summoned courage after a few seconds. "Thank you, sometimes I just feel like I don't fit in enough".
Dennis leaned against the desk, his posture more relaxed than before. "You don't need to fit in. Be yourself. That's what matters."
There was a long silence between them, and Amara could feel his words gaining weight in her mind. She wasn't used to hearing something so simple but so true.
Dennis broke the silence with a small smile. "I think you've had your excursion enough. If you want to take your leave now, I'll show you the way back."
Amara smiled, standing up. "I would so much appreciate that."
"Oh, before I allowed you to go, how much are you paying me now for the excursion you did into my room?" She said jokingly.
Amara blushed as she spoke "I am pretty sure you wouldn't want to collect any money from someone like me."
Dennis chuckled. "How are you so sure about that? The choice is mine; I can choose to collect money from you. Remember, it's my study room you have come into ".
"How much do I even have? All the money in my account wouldn't even be worth one-tenth of your own". Amara said convincingly.
"All right, I free you," Dennis responded with a smile.
They both stood up and walked towards the door that leads to the party space. As they stepped into the hall, Amara felt lighter than she was before in the studying room with Dennis.
Dennis turned to her with a casual smile. "Don't be a stranger next time. Just, uh... maybe knock first?"
She laughed softly. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your time!"
Amara felt emotionally alive as they parted. It was a brief moment, but something came alive in her. The warm audience from Dennis was an encouragement to her.