Wave stood in front of the colossal mansion, staring up at its towering structure with a tired sigh. It was massive, with its pristine walls, the intricate architecture and the stone fountain. They all screamed wealth and power. It was overwhelming, a stark reminder of the world Hunter belonged to- one far different from her own.
Having spent twenty whole minutes just for clearance had drained her patience. The security checks and questioning were exhausting and added to the walk from the entrance to the actual manor which was a never-ending journey.
'How did I end up here?' she wondered, shifting uncomfortably as the grand mansion loomed before her.
It had all started with a disagreement- she and Hunter had been debating the venue for their weekend tutoring session. Hunter had then casually suggested that they make do and hold the tutoring at his place, 5 PM. She hadn't protested much; it wasn't like she could host him at her place, especially with the ridiculous rampant rumors at school, all week, that they were dating.
The tutoring session was meant to last three hours, a compromise they made to free up their Sunday. But now, thanks to the mansion's vast grounds, long driveway and the strict security protocols, it was already 5:30 PM by the time she reached the manor's grand entrance.
Looking at the bodyguards in suits patrolling the place, their eyes sharp and calculating. The maids moved along with quiet efficiency through the garden, tending to every details. The guards at the door entrance stood like statues, unblinking and unmoving. She was too scared to approach them.
She felt small and out of place. Just then, Butler Yate appeared from the shadows, his movements smooth and deliberate. He gave her a polite bow, his voice soft yet firm, "The second young master is waiting for you in the library."
Wave nodded, her heart racing as she followed him. Butler Yates led her inside the mansion. God! it was like what she had seen in movies coming to life. From the vast foyer were the grand chandelier hung to the walls adorned with elegant artwork down to the corridor walls lined with intricate tapestries and antique furniture. Everything smelled money.
As they reached the end of the hallway the large double doors of the library loomed ahead, imposing and beautiful. To think they had a big library inside a house! with a quiet gesture, Butler Yates opened the doors, revealing the vast library beyond. He stepped aside allowing Wave to enter fully before he closed it and disappeared with a bow.
"Hunter!" Wave called out her voice echoing in the space, there was no way she was going to act like she was surprising him in that library. What if she got lost? That would be embarrassing!
"What?" There he was, standing by a grand desk as if waiting for Wave to make a fool of herself. "Here I thought you wouldn't make it and maybe turn around after seeing the place."
Wave smirked, "I would've if I didn't feel like I was entering a fortress for a toddler who needs constant supervision."
Hunter glared at her, "Oh, please. You wouldn't get it, but this 'fortress' is here to keep people like you from wandering in."
Wave walked towards him, "People like me? So, all the ordinary folks who don't get to play king of hill? I guess I'm lucky to even make it past your armed guards."
With a chuckle as he leaned back to his chair, "Don't be jealous, you can get the royal treatment too. You just have to say the word please."
"I bet if I sneezed wrong, the guards would toss me out, so, no thank you, this lowly citizen wants to just have her only title as a pauper to remain with her." Wave said as she proceeded to seat down.
Hunter shook his head, clearly amused, "You're lucky you're as insufferable as you sound."
With a final exchange of mocking glances, they both settled in silence as they finally began the lesson. Hunter slid a stack of heavy textbooks across the table toward Wave, the crisp pages and embossed covers practically screaming wealth, "Here. You'll be using these," he said with a smug.
Wave eyed the books, "So this is why you told me not to bring my own," she said, flipping through the glossy pages, "Turns out you're prepared."
Hunter shrugged, clearly unfazed, "What, did you think I was joking? Unlike you, I don't have to rely on outdated hand-me-down or those flimsy, dog-eared things you call books!"
Wave snorted, holding up one of the ridiculously thick textbooks, "Right, because heaven forbid, I bring anything that's not gold plated or imported or custom made." She ran her fingers over the pristine cover, "Are these even real, do they just exist to show off?
"They're real deal. they'll actually teach you something if you can keep up."
"Oh, I'm sure. Let me guess, they're written by some genius professor who tutors Billionaires?"
Hunter leaned forward and before he could say anything Wave had already moved to a biology topic and began explaining to him.
"Alright, let's start with something simple, " she said flipping the book open to a cell diagram, "I assume you at least know what a mitochondrion is?"
Hunter blinked, leaning back in his chair, "Uh... something about power?"
Wave sighed, "The powerhouse of cell, Hunter. Come on, even five- year-olds know that."
"Yeah, well I pay people to know things for me."
"Not anymore. Now, focus." she tapped the page, "The mitochondria produce energy in form of ATP. Without it, your body wouldn't' function properly."
Hunter squinted at the page as if the words might magically rearrange themselves into something more interesting, "Right. So basically, without these little guys, I'd be dead."
Wave smirked, "Exactly, But considering how lazy your brain is, I think yours is already half dead!"
That's how they study every day. They studied for an hour, during the hour snacks were being brought in every ten minutes until Hunter asked them not to.
At 7:30, Shan arrived at the manor. Shan came after one of Damon's secretaries told her that Damon would be back from his business trip that day. She was dressed too sexily. Ready to welcome Damon. She sat at the parlor waiting for Damon to arrive so she could throw herself on him like every single time.
One thing sure was this day she had come prepared. She wasn't going to take Damon's rejection anymore.
The ticking of the antique clock on the wall felt louder with each passing second. She glanced at her reflection in the glass coffee table, adjusting her hair each passing minute and pursing her lips.
Few minutes later, one of the maids entered with a tray of refreshment, setting it down with a polite bow. Shan barely spared her a glance, waving her hand dismissively, "I don't need that," she sized the maid.
"Just get me a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon."
Minutes dragged on, and her confidence wavered slightly.
'What if?' No not this time!
Finally, the distant sound of approaching engine which came to a halt at the entrance. Shan straightened, her dress as soon as she heard footsteps echoing through the halls. She rose to her feet with a practiced sexy smile as she called out.
"Damon,"
Damon looked at her coldly. Shan's smile didn't falter, but a flicker of unease crossed her eyes. She took, a slow deliberate step forward, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor.
"You're back," she purred. "You can have the wine, it might help you unwind." gesturing at the glass with wine.
"I don't need wine to unwind," he said cooly, walking past her towards the lift, "And I certainly don't need distractions."