Crimson Inheritance

Chapter 7: The Day After the Night Before

The room, though modest in size, exuded a sense of meticulous charm, every detail in its place. A delicate fragrance lingered in the air, enhancing the serene ambiance. The single bed, immaculately made with crisp linens, rested atop a pastel-hued carpet, its soft tones blending seamlessly with the room's understated elegance. To one side of the bed stood a polished wooden bedside table, adorned with a simple lamp casting a gentle glow and a small stack of books. On the opposite side, an antique vase cradled a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Above the bed, a sturdy-framed window commanded attention, offering a breathtaking view of the distant mountains. Even now, as the twilight faded into night, the majestic peaks retained their allure, though shrouded in shadow. Across from the bed, a stately fireplace added a touch of timelessness, its hearth waiting to be kindled. An armchair, plush and inviting, was paired with a small table, perfectly positioned for a quiet moment of reflection.

To the left of the fireplace, a small, empty cabinet stood, its top adorned with framed photographs, and a petite potted plant. Beside the cabinet, large curtains hung heavily, their fabric rich and textured, hinting at a balcony beyond.

I tossed the purse and clothes on the bed and moved toward the curtains, drawing them slightly apart for a glimpse of the outside world. Through the glass of the tightly closed door, I saw the mountains, which earlier provided a stunning backdrop, were now barely discernible, swallowed by the pitch-black night. A profound silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional chorus of nocturnal creatures. Beneath the sparse glow of two street lights, my car stood parked serenely in front of the building.

Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, I casually tilted my head upwards, and the sight that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking. The sky, clear as polished glass, was a vast canvas of stars, each one twinkling with a brilliance that seemed almost ethereal. The moon hung low and enormous, its luminous face so mesmerizing that my eyes couldn't tear away. It was as if the heavens had unveiled their most stunning display just for me. 

I stood there, for a few minutes, captivated, letting the tranquil splendor of the night wash over me. But as the minutes passed, the weight of the day began to press down on me, and my eyelids grew heavy with the pull of sleep. Reluctantly, I turned away from the enchanting night sky and made my way to the bathroom, tucked discreetly in the corner of the wall where the entrance door was, hidden from view when standing at the threshold. 

I quickly changed into the clothes Mrs. Miller had kindly left for me—though they were a bit large, they were soft and comforting. My original clothes were carefully placed in the empty cabinet. Without hesitation, I crossed the room and slipped under the covers of the neatly made bed. The moment my head touched the pillow, I felt the last remnants of consciousness slip away. The world outside, faded into the distance as I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

***

 I awoke to the faint sound of activity from the floor below, pulling me from the depths of slumber. Groggy and still half-dreaming, I instinctively rubbed my eyes and extended my hand to the side, expecting to find something familiar—a habit formed from countless mornings in the comfort of my own bed. My fingers swept through the empty air repeatedly, searching for the familiar touch of my phone, always resting on its imported holder atop my luxurious bedside table.

The realization struck me like a jolt of electricity—I wasn't home. The rich surroundings of my bedroom, with its expensive decor and familiar comforts, were nowhere to be found. Instead, the events of the previous day flooded back into my mind, piecing together the puzzle of where I was. The soft, unfamiliar linens, the simple elegance of the room, and the lingering scent of fresh flowers all confirmed it—I was at Ethan's.