The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Forty: Voice

The chopper landed on a secluded island. We saw some maids in their uniform waiting for us and men who looked like bouncers. A lady with glasses in a black buttoned-down shirt and white pencil-cut skirt walked straight towards Mr. Tony.

'London, this is Maggie, my secretary. You can call her if you need anything.' Mr. Tony said as he continued walking towards a black SUV.

'Hi, I'm Magdalene Ramirez. In short, Maggie.' the lady said as she offered her hand while walking.

'London Mojan.' I said as I accepted her hand, then shook it.

Maggie and I entered the passenger seat while Mr. Tony sat at the shotgun seat.

'Where are we going?' I asked Maggie.

'We are heading to Mr. Tony's mansion near Mount Melan.' Maggie said as she scanned her tablet.

I nodded to what she said. I returned my eyes in front of me. I met Mr. Tony's eyes looking worried. He was staring from the rearview mirror. I made no reaction. I was mad at him for ignoring Paris. I understand he was worried about me getting hurt, but it didn't happen if it wasn't for me. I should be blamed for it. And I should suffer because of it. Not Paris or anyone. I shifted my eyes on the window beside me.

After a long silent ride, we arrived at the mansion. From there, I could see the vast blue ocean that surrounds the island. The waters and the rock formations were great in view. It looked untouched and without marks of human intervention. It seems that people who constructed this place were very careful not to destroy its natural beauty. The only sign that people inhabited this island was the mansion that Maggie was talking about.

The mansion looks modern from the structure and the interiors. It was the complete opposite of Ivory Mansion, which was mainly classic in its design and the way it was constructed. The moment we entered, men with black suits and women in maid uniforms lined up.

'Is her room already prepared?' Mr. Tony said to an old lady in the first line of women.

'Yes, Mr. Roberts.' the old woman replied.

Mr. Tony turned to me. 'You should rest first. Should I take your meal to your room?'

'Yes, please.' I said while looking down.

'Please guide her to her room and prepare her dinner as well. She will eat there.' Mr. Tony said to the woman beside the old lady.

A woman guided me to my room. It was a simple room with a large bed and pink dresser. It had two doors inside. One for the spacious walk-in closet and the other one was for the large bathroom. The colors baby pink, ash gray, and white were mainly used in the room. It also had a small cactus plant near the window. It was like a room made for a teenage girl. My dad did wait for me for a long time. I should be happy now. But, why? Why won't these tears stop flowing from my eyes?

There's no moment where my mind wasn't attacked with fear and anxiety. I stared blankly at the wall like I had lost my soul. The image of Paris bathing from his blood flashed on my mind. It made me close my eyes tight, but it won't get away from me. I was scared to lose him from the very beginning. Now that it was about to come true, I can't contain the fear inside me.

I cried the whole night until I got tired of it.

I know that I look lifeless right now. Who wouldn't? After what I saw I couldn't even have a proper sleep. That night, I woke up because of a nightmare. I woke up gasping like someone who was about to drown. I saw Paris in my dreams trying so hard to breathe. His blood pooled the concrete ground. He was calling for help. He was saying my name over and over.