Adira was shown to her room which made her gasp at its beauty. The room was expansive, with high ceilings that seemed to stretch out into the heavens, and the walls painted in a chic and neutral color of beige and gray. In the center of the room was a massive four-poster bed, draped in sumptuous silken sheets and surrounded by plush pillows that looked like they were made of clouds. There was a sleek sofa in the room - as well as a dressing table. A dressing table - Adira suddenly realized. She ambled to the dressing table and found so many cosmetics on it. Huh? He already made provisions for her cosmetics? Looking around, she found a room that looked like a closet and rushed into it. Her jaw almost hit the floor when her eyes met with the luxury. Rows and rows of designer shoes, handbags and clothing were displayed, each piece looking beautiful and expensive. The walls were lined with mirrors, and in one corner of the closet, a plush velvet chaise sat elegantly against the wall, with a soft and fluffy throw blanket draped over it, creating an inviting and cozy nook. As Adira took it all in, she felt like she was in a luxurious boutique. Was this hers? She wondered. Tears slipped her eye as she plonked herself on the seat and lifted her hands to her face. What did she do to become so lucky? How could her life take such a drastic turn? She was deeply in tears when she heard someone call from the bedroom. "Miss Adira?" It was a female voice. "Are you in the closet? My name is Yvonne and I've been assigned to be your personal maid." ****†****†****†****† The day went swiftly. Adira got to know Yvonne more who showed her round the important places of the house and helped her to fit in properly. According to Yvonne's story, Nikola's mother had found her on the streets some years ago when she was homeless and took her in to work as a maid. So, Yvonne felt very indebted to the family because they've been extremely nice to her. Adira had been served a sumptuous meal, and when she was done eating, she took a very deep nap - one her body has been longing. For the first time in a long time, her mind was relaxed for a nap. However, as she laid on the bed, she couldn't help but think of Lancelot and Jardine. Where could they even be at the moment? *** Soon, it was evening and Adira knew she had to get ready to meet Nikolai's parents. She felt a little nervous, wondering if his family would accept someone like her. Her experience with Lancelot's parents had made her scared. After taking her bath, Yvonne was there to primp her up. She first applied some makeup on her face and afterward, took one of the best dinner gown from her closet. Yvonne was a pretty friendly lady who was twenty-seven years old. When Adira was done putting on her dress, she stood in front of the mirror with self admiration. She was for a moment, stunned by her new appearance. "Heavens! You look astonishing, ma'am!" Yvonne clapped her hands. Adira managed a light smile that only lasted for a second. "Thank you." It was a long red dress with a slit on her left thigh and it's off-shoulder part revealing her cleavages. Her glossy hair was pulled back in a tight bun, with a few wispy strands escaping and framing her face delicately. Gold earrings sat pretty on her ears, as well as bracelets on her wrist. Adira marveled at her own beauty. Never did she expect to look so pretty. Jardine's words flashed in her head: 'Why on earth would he want to leave a rich classy lady like me for someone as low as you?' Adira wondered if Jardine would be able to repeat that statement if she were to set eyes on her. A knock came on the door. Swiftly, Yvonne went to get it. "Is she ready? Tell her Mr Nikolai is already waiting," Adira heard the man say to Yvonne. The door closed with Yvonne returning to her. "Uh...we need to leave now, ma'am. The boss is already waiting." "Okay," Adira took her purse and exited the room with Yvonne. She climbed down the staircase, walked pass the sitting room and out to the facade of the building where Nikolai was already waiting in a black SUV jeep. One of the men beside the car opened the door for her and she got in, taking a seat next to Nikolai. He was gorgeously dressed and again, wore gloves on his hands. "Good evening," Adira greeted cursorily, and all he did was nod without looking at her. She sighed and looked away as the car began moving. ****†****†****†****†****† The SUV jeep was greeted by a phalanx of security personnel who quickly ushered them in upon seeing Nikolai in the car. As they drove in, Adira's eyes beamed at the large curricular fountain in the middle of the compound, with a jet of water shooting up in the air and cascading back down into the pool below. The duplex itself was a sprawling mansion, with multiple levels and wings jutting out in different directions. Adira was beginning to wonder if she was truly fit to be there. The car pulled to stop in the middle and simultaneously, the door was opened for both of them. The sweet scent of wealth washed over Adira as soon as she stepped out of the car. The influence of the family was too strong, it even mingled in the air. She looked at Nikolai and found him already walking towards the house. And as she followed him, her eyes found a certain man at the balcony. It was dark and Adira could not have a clear view of his face, but she could swear he had his eyes on her. She lowered her gaze and followed Nikolai into the house. Getting into the exquisite living room, they met an advanced couple there who Adira recognized to be Nikolai's parents. She had seen them in the news once. The woman got to her feet with her face beaming. "Son!" She exclaimed happily, throwing her arms open for a hug which Nikolai received. She tried pecking his cheek, but he pulled his face away. Adira saw a glint of disappointment in her eyes, but she washed it off with a smile. "How're you doing?" She asked. "I'm fine. Good evening, dad." "Nikolai. How was your day?" The old man asked with an air of authority, still seated. "Good," came Nikolai's brief reply. Afterwards, all eyes turned to Adira. "Is she the one you told us about?" Nikolai's mother inquired, while Nikolai responded with a nod. "Good evening, ma'am, good evening sir," Adira inclined her head. "Good evening, dear. You look so beautiful," Mrs Bellamy flashed a charming smile at her. "Thank you, ma'am" Adira's heart fluttered. Nikolai had a striking resemblance with his mother. The woman looked really young and beautiful, it was obvious she was the type that fought against aging. "Come on, the dining's already set," Mrs Bellamy said. "Let's proceed, shall we?" They all proceeded to the dining and took their various seats. Adira was made to sit next to Nikolai, but he was barely even looking at her. The servants came up and began dishing the meals and shortly, two unfamiliar men arrived - one seeming older in age than the other. Adira knew instantly that the older one had been the one staring at her from the balcony. And even as he took his seat opposite her from the other side of the table, she still noticed him throwing uncomfortable stares at her. Who was he? Could he be Nikolai's brother?