The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Thirty-five: Ivory

Everything was white with a touch of gold and silver from the ceiling to the flooring. The lobby was very spacious like it was made to held big parties. On each side of the room was a giant staircase with gold railings, curved and connecting on the center. The connecting point was illuminated by a giant crystal chandelier.

I've seen luxurious houses before, but they're not yet near to the extravagance of the Ivory Mansion. I could say that this mansion was ancient and lavish. We were all in awe of its beauty.

'Wow! I didn't know you own a place like this, Paris.' Lloyd squealed.

'I think your family likes to spend too much money on luxuries.' Scot commented.

Paris shrugged. 'Maybe. This property was owned by our family even before my dad was born. Spending for luxury might be running in my blood after all.'

'But they have the money for spending. No matter how expensive a thing is, it would not be a problem to them.' Lloyd said to Scot.

'But still, it's not economical.' Scot uttered as he continued to disagree.

I sighed. 'Really? You are seriously arguing about spending? You two sounded like a married couple.'

Scot looked at Paris with disgust. 'I would not marry that guy even if he's the last man on earth.'

'But if both of you were the last persons on earth it would mean the extinction of the human race. You're both males who might end up killing each other over a piece of bread.' Lloyd said as he laughs.

'You are right. Yeah. But still, I won't marry him.' Scot commented.

'Who says you're marrying him, Scot?' I countered, crossing my arms.

Paris smiled in amusement. 'I will call the attendants to prepare something to eat. You can take a look around. Feel at home.'

'If you say so. I will surely make myself at home.' Lloyd commented.

'As for you, come with me.' I held my breath when Paris whispered in my ear.

I felt his fingers on my hands.

'Where are we going? What about telling the attendants to prepare our food.' I asked between my giggles.

He turned to me over his shoulders, then placed his index finger on his lips. He was telling me to turn down my voice. I looked around if anyone heard our noise, then I glanced back at him when I realized there was no one else in the room.

'The food for us was already served in the dining. I will show you something.' He whispered to me once more.

We were already in the darkest part of the mansion. I can't figure out where we are, but I felt safer when Paris was with me.

It was the same feeling when he took me to the middle of the forest on my last day of tutoring him. He was like a lucky charm that gives me the confidence to do something crazy. Even if it would hurt me in the end. I don't care. Because of him, I am brave enough to fight anything. But at the same time, because of him, I became a coward. I was damn too scared to lose him. My source of strength and my weakness in one person. I didn't know it was possible until I met him.

He twisted the knob of the wooden door. An uncanny sound echoed in the empty hall as it opened. The moon was full, illuminating the stone path. Paris was first to walk outside. I followed after him, looking around.

He unlocked a small steel gate at the end of the stone path with a key. He waited for me to enter before he closed it. We entered on the arched hedge taking us to a silver lake. The light from the moon reflected on the waters making it look like a silver plate. Fireflies lit the grasses as we walked. My gown's hem got messy but I didn't mind it. All I thought about was how beautiful this place was and how happy I am to be with him.