THE PERFECT HUSBAND (LEE BROTHERS #1)

Chapter 64. Poppy's Mansion

✧FAITH ZEICAN LEE✧

A week later.

AS we pulled up to the grand gates of the Herald mansion, I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and nervousness. The sprawling estate was more magnificent now with its manicured gardens and imposing architecture.

Ngayon na ang araw ng pag-uwi ni Poppy rito, kasama ako. Pero naiwan pa ang ibang gamit namin sa bahay dahil hindi naman kasya sa sasakyan. Ipahahakot na lang namin. Tig-isang suitcase lang muna ang dala namin ni Poppy, para sa mga importanteng gamit lang.

Poppy's father, Mr. Herald, drove us up the winding driveway, a warm smile on his face. Nasa backseat naman kami ni Poppy, magkahawak kami ng kamay simula pa kaninang umalis kami sa bahay pauwi rito sa mansyon nila. 'Yong sasakyan ko naman ay bukas ko na lang din kukuhanin sa bahay dahil ideya ni Poppy kanina na sumakay na lang kami dito sa daddy niya para hindi na raw ako bumukod ng sasakyan papunta rito.

"Welcome home, Poppy," masayang sabi ni Mr. Herald matapos niyang ihinto ang sasakyan niya sa driveway, his voice filled with pride and affection.

Poppy, sitting beside me, squeezed my hand. Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. "Hindi ako makapaniwala na babalik ako ritong masaya dahil kasama na kita, daddy, at si Faith."

We stepped out of the car, and Mr. Herald led us to the grand entrance. The massive double doors opened into a stunning foyer, with high ceilings, marble floors, and a crystal chandelier that cast a warm, inviting glow. The air was filled with the subtle scent of fresh flowers, kaya walang patid ang ngiti ni Poppy habang iginagala ang tingin sa nakakapanibagong paligid.

Mr. Herald turned to us, his smile never fading. "Tara at i-t-tour ko kayo. There have been some changes since you were last here, Poppy."

Nauna siyang maglakad sa amin and we followed him through the mansion, each room more impressive than the last. There were elegant sitting rooms, a grand dining hall, and a library filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Habang lumilibot kami, napapasulyap ako kay Poppy at kita ko ang totoong saya sa mukha niya. Hindi ko siya nakikitang ganito kasaya noong narito pa ang mga Samonte kapag pumapasyal ako rito. Lagi lang siya noon nakayuko, tahimik at parang takot makipag-usap sa mga kasama niya sa bahay.

"And here," Mr. Herald said, stopping in front of a set of ornate double doors, "is your room, Poppy."

Tinulak niya ang pinto pabukas, revealing a space that took Poppy's breath away. Dinig na dinig ko ang pagsinghap niya because the room was enormous, far bigger than the annex house she had. The walls were painted in soft, calming hues, and the furniture was luxurious yet tasteful. A king-sized bed with an intricately carved headboard dominated the room, flanked by elegant nightstands. There was a sitting area by the large windows that overlooked the gardens, complete with plush armchairs and a coffee table. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the entire room.

Namimilog ang mga mata ni Poppy nang humakbang siya papasok, maging ang bibig niya ay bahagya rin nakaawang, taking in the grandeur of her new room. "Daddy, s-sobrang... ganda. At sobrang laki. Kasya dito ang dalawa o tatlong annex house."

Mr. Herald walked over to her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You deserve the best, anak. Gusto kong maramdaman mong bahay mo 'to at welcome na welcome ka rito. This room is yours, to reflect the amazing woman you've become. Dito na rin mag-stay ang asawa mong si Faith. Kung ayaw niya, puwede naman siya sa guestroom," natatawang biro ni Mr. Herald nang balingan ako.

I wrapped my arm around Poppy's waist, pulling her close. "It's beautiful, Mr. Herald. Thank you for making her feel so welcome, at gano'n din ako."

He smiled at us, his eyes shining with pride. "Of course, you're part of this family now, Faith Zeican. And this is just the beginning. Marami pa 'kong surpresa para sa inyo ni Poppy, at lalo na kay Poppy."