Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 17 - In the Old Manor

I have never been in the manor for more than a year now, and it feels distant to be in this place again.

The rustic gates creak as they opened when our driver spoke by the intercom.

"You've been awfully quiet. Has your tongue been cut out from you, dear?" My grandfather mischievously said.

"It's been a while, Grandfather, that I've stepped into the grounds of the manor," I said while trying my best to gawk my eyes through the window just to evade his stare.

I never knew I would be back in this place — not this soon. The memories still haunt me, and I know Grandfather will love to see me suffer, for he has been tough to be around since the accident.

It is still half a kilometer away or so before you get to see the manor from the gate. It's not visually seen from the main road as woods hide it. After a few minutes, the mansion is in view. Just right in front of it is a big fountain placed in the center of the roundabout. The car makes a semi-circle and stops by the front of the manor. As I got out of the car, I looked around. I see a bunch of bushes lined up with flowers blooming from its stems. I smell the fragrance the flowers bring and the fresh air the wind blows towards me.

It's indeed been a while since I have been here.

The house staff lined the upper step on the staircase leading up to the main door. In unison, they greeted my Grandfather and me.

"Miss Luna!!!" a familiar voice shouted my name from a distance. I turned around and saw my most favorite person.

"Nanny Nora!!" I ran to her and hugged her tight. She responded and pulled me away after a minute, looking at me from head to toe.

"You've grown, my dear, and you look different," she said with a worried tone in her voice.

"Oh silly you, Nora! I'm still the same babe you took care of after all these years. I have missed you so much," I said, hugging her once again.

I got goosebumps when I heard Grandfather clearing his throat. I forgot that I came with him. I got too excited seeing Nora still being an employee of the house.

"Forgive me, Lord Harper! I could not control myself as I have missed your granddaughter ——"

"Enough. Luna, see me at the study by 8 pm tonight. Help yourself with dinner," Grandfather coldly instructed and went his way. When he was out of sight, Nora and I giggled.

We hugged once more after that and another one after that. I almost cried while embracing her in my arms. Nora was one of those people who taught me to enjoy life, for we are but living a short one. She always knows how to cheer me up every time Grandfather scolds me for something I have done to disappoint him. Nora has always treated me like her own daughter, for she lost hers during labor.

"What do you want to do here, Miss? When your Grandfather told us that you would be coming, I immediately prepared your room. Do you want to see it?" She asked while gleefully holding my hand. I can genuinely feel that she is happy to see me. I nod as a response to her question.

We walked up the staircase to the main door, and the other maids opened it for us. As soon as the door opened, I could see the giant staircase from the left leading up to the second floor. I remember that it was the same staircase I walked down when I had my first gala. The staircase is a big open hall that works as a living room now, but during parties and galas can actually become a small ballroom. The hallways are long aside from this one. Anyone can really get lost here if you are new to the manor.

Nora was in front of me, guiding me to my room. I cannot help but still get mesmerized by how big the manor is, as if it was my first time in a place like this. Nora was talking about how things were in the estate when I was away. I can't seem to focus on what she was saying at the moment. She opened the door to my room, and I scanned the room and remembered pieces of memories from the past - both good and bad.