Vows in Order | 18+

05 • lola

c h a p t e r

05

❦

MY NERVES KNEW NO BOUNDS.

I found myself trapped in a vehicle at an intersection I knew not where it lead, without a driver without a seatbelt.
The dread of apprehension taking roots deep within me as I rubbed my sweaty palms over my dress.

Alexander walked close to me, a step behind, his massive frame acting like an anchor in this sea of bedazzle and glamour. The insides of the mansion was equally extravagant if not more.

It was lined with smaller white pillars of marble, hoisting up a dome made of thick glass with a large chandelier hanging from it. Ray of paintings lined the sides, a red carpet all over the corridors.

My heels clicked as I approached the living area, the seating arrangement featured soft leather sofas facing each other lined with plush blue cushions littered with small pillows. Two chairs with wooden headboards sat in between them, all covered by intricately woven upholstery.

A coffee table made entirely of glass stood at the centre of it all, holding up a large bouquet of carnations. The sweet floral smell oozing through out the space.

The butler dressed in a crisp uniform with a white moustache regarded the both of us, "Señora Herrera will join you both in a minute." He said amicably. I handed over the gift I had brought for Nana Herrera to him, the latest handbag from Dolce and Gabbana, I needed an ask a huge favour from Isabel for it.

Alexander took a seat on one of the expensive settees, stretching his legs out while ushering me to join him. I somehow managed to make my way to the same settee but placed a bit of distance between us.

He looked at me for a whole beat before looking away, his jaw clenching.

"Bienvenido!" A voice shrilled with age echoed from behind me, making me stand on my feet almost abruptly. I turned around to face Nana Herrera.
"Discúlpame por hacerte esperar."

[ Welcome! I'm sorry for making you wait. ]

A woman in her late fifties approached with us purposeful steps, her stride confidence and laced with elegance. She was clad head to toe in luxury, her silver hair tied in a bun behind her head, her feet covered in manolo blahnik peep toes.

She wore a white turtleneck covered by a woolen loro piana over coat that reached her knees. A string of pearls coiled around her neck while a pair of large pearls hung from her ears.

She was a force to be reckoned  with, a sense of inferiority automatically generated within me as I walked over to the woman. Upon closer inspection, her light eyes were lined by kohl and her lips were a shade darker than mine, split into a smile.

"Buenas noches, Nana Herrera." I greeted, as she opened her arms and caged me within them. I swallowed my surprise and returned the gesture with equal enthusiasm.

"I have heard so much about you, let's talk over dinner." She turned to the butler standing against the wall, "Maneul set the table."

As Maneul dissipated between the walls to god knows where, all of us headed towards the large dining table made of mahogany wood. Nana Herrera taking the seat of the head. Alexander sat down on the seat right next to her, but right as I was about to sit beside him her voice made me pause.