In the heart of Wales, behind the walls of the grandest estate in the city, lies a hidden gem: sixteen-year-old Anna Hussain. With her mother as serene as the morning mist and her father a vibrant burst of color, Anna grapples with her identity-caug...
Dear y'all, past two weeks have been so busy with my post tooth surgery and religious festivity that I don't find time to interact with everyone on the platform. I didn't even realize its Thursday today until I received texts from some of you asking for a new episode. Thank you for loving this story so much! <3 Let's dive into Anna's exciting vacation days & find out what fate has in store for her.
*I'll update book cover after every two episode. Thanks for this beautiful cover* ❤
P.S. Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating ✨
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We found ourselves outside my mom's sprawling mansion, nestled just beyond the northeast perimeter of the city, awaiting the grand gates to swing open and welcome us inside. Let me tell you, this place is more than just a house-it's practically a kingdom unto itself.
Even my dad, who's no stranger to wealth as one of Wales' top billionaires, doesn't boast such expansive property. It's not that he couldn't afford it; simplicity just suits him better, and I tend to agree.
But this mansion, with its towering boundary walls that seem to stretch into infinity, covers a staggering 30,351.4 square meters of land. It's excessive, to say the least. I can't help but wonder what the point is of owning such a colossal estate when you hardly even reside in it.
The main gates stood imposingly, glistening with a coat of gold paint, towering at a height of 15 feet. It took four men to pry them apart, granting us passage onto one of the three winding driveways leading to the entrance of the house.
As we navigated through, I couldn't help but notice that even the shortest route stretched a whopping three kilometers. Flanking the driveway on the right, an expanse of lush lawn unfolded, adorned with a kaleidoscope of flowers in bloom.
At the heart of this botanical paradise stood a majestic fountain, its waters cascading gracefully. There was something mesmerizing about the way the water flowed, reminiscent of childhood days spent here, lost in the simple joy of playing with pebbles by the water's edge.
As we traversed along the driveway, a path veered off to our left, leading to the private horse racing track-a testament to my mom's passion for these majestic animals. The mere thought of horses was enough to stir excitement within me.
Among them, Gallant, a striking black horse, held a special place in my heart. Named after the legendary Gallant Fox, a champion Thoroughbred from the 1930s, Gallant embodied grace and strength.
But the mansion grounds were more than just a haven for horses. Along the longest driveway, cages housed an array of exotic animals.
From swamp and axis deer to the regal Markhor goats and Blandford's foxes, our private zoo was a sanctuary for wildlife. During the day, these creatures roamed freely, adding to the vibrant tapestry of our estate.
While the front of the mansion exuded an air of grandeur, it was the rear that truly captivated me. Here, one could immerse themselves in a world of luxury and leisure.
Whether hiking along the hills, swimming in the vast 300-meter pool, or indulging in a serene horseback ride, the options were endless. And let's not forget the enchanting deer, reminiscent of scenes from a real-life Bambi movie, or the breathtaking sunsets over Rawal Lake, visible from the elevated vantage point of our estate.
As our vehicle came to a halt behind another parked car, the driver hastened to open our doors. Stepping out into the balmy afternoon, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding me.
The garage, illuminated by low-hanging bulbs, showcased an impressive array of vehicles-a testament to my mom's refined taste and penchant for extravagance.
Passing through the entrance doors, I was greeted by an interior that exuded sheer luxury. Every corner of the mansion was adorned with opulent touches, from the gilded pillars to the intricately crafted decorations. The color scheme-dominated by shades of gold, green, and royal blue-accentuated the grandeur of the space, while evoking a sense of regal splendor.
Descending to the ground floor, I was met with a plethora of lavish amenities-a game room, a state-of-the-art movie theater, and a dining hall fit for royalty.
The American-styled living room and traditional drawing room provided ample space for entertaining guests, while the kitchen overlooked the front yard and a boat room faced the expansive backyard.
As we made our way through the corridors, I was greeted by Nancy, our longtime housekeeper. Despite her age, her warm smile and nurturing demeanor remained unchanged. Known affectionately as 'Nancy Maa' in our household, she was more than just a caretaker-she was a guiding presence, overseeing the daily operations with unwavering dedication. Her embrace offered a sense of familiarity, grounding me amidst the opulence of our surroundings.
"Look at you, you have grown so much," she beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with affection. I returned the smile, grateful for her warm welcome.
"Thank you, Nancy Maa. You, however, seem to be aging backward," I remarked with a playful grin, noting the youthful glow in her eyes.
Next, the familiar figure of the elderly housekeeper, now sixty years old, approached us. Memories of his humble home flooded my mind-the cozy one-bedroom house where love abounded among its inhabitants.
As my mom exchanged pleasantries with him, I bowed respectfully, acknowledging his presence before stepping back.
"Are you alright?" Nancy Maa's concerned voice interrupted my thoughts, her furrowed brow indicating her worry.
"Um, yeah, I..." I trailed off, momentarily lost in contemplation.
"Anna! You're still standing here? I told you to go get ready. Your uncles and aunts are on their way, and we'll be having lunch together. Go now and change," my mom's authoritative voice broke through, punctuating the air with its familiar tone.
I have just arrived.
As my mom ascended the stairs, I followed quietly, retracing the familiar path to my old bedroom.
The opulence of the mansion was evident in its expansive layout-six bedrooms, eight bathrooms on the first floor alone, and two bar rooms above. Despite its grandeur, the warmth of family gatherings lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the sterile elegance of the surroundings.
Entering my bedroom, I sank into the plush mattress, welcoming its soft embrace. The exhaustion from the long flight weighed heavily on me, and I longed for a moment of respite from the relentless whirlwind of memories.
But as I reclined on the bed, a familiar sensation enveloped me-a gentle swaying motion that stirred memories of childhood mischief.
I chuckled to myself, recalling the envy in my cousins' eyes when they first laid eyes on my unique bed-a whimsical creation suspended from the ceiling by metal chains.
Before I could dwell further on nostalgia, a knock at the door jolted me back to the present. A young woman entered, her professional demeanor contrasting with the whimsicality of my surroundings.
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Aright folks that's all for the day. Let me know if y'all enjoyed the chapter. xoxo
