“This mansion has twenty-one bedrooms. But I’ll take you straight to the highlights to save time.”
I try not to gawk as he leads me into the art gallery. This place has its own dedicated art gallery? Well, consider me truly impressed.
Next through the sliding glass doors, we step into the backyard. I’m met with a sprawling oasis of greenery.
“Now look at this.” Clutching my shoulders, Damian turns me. I gasp at the view of downtown Los Angeles. Our family estate has a beautiful garden, but this... it’s like stepping into a secret paradise. The sheer size and perfection of it all are breathtaking.
I’m still basking in the beauty of the nature when Damian is whisking me away from it and into the entertainment zone. My jaw drops when I take in the four-lane bowling alley. And not far from it is the fully equipped movie theater twice the size of my own.
After touring the personal nightclub, I’m genuinely awestruck. Then he takes me to the expansive rooftop deck but excuses himself to attend an important phone call.
I don’t mind much because the view before me is simply breathtaking.
Numerous sitting areas, elegantly arranged with plush cushions and stylish furniture, invite relaxation under the blue sky. The gazebos, adorned with flowing curtains, sway gently in the midday breeze.
I picture myself spending lazy afternoons in this secluded haven. The idea of sinking into one of those chairs, a book in hand and the golden warmth of the sun on my skin, feels irresistibly inviting.
Damian and I can have endless stargazing nights here. The vision of us doing that makes me smile foolishly.
This place is grand just like him. Every corner of this place screams luxury and untouchable power. Just like him
I can’t help but think it’s a perfect fit for Damian. The sleek design, luxurious details—it all resonates with his style. Though it’s not his place, it feels like it was made for someone like him.
My stupid, stupid heart starts imagining a life with Damian in this stunning mansion. It begins fantasizing about a future with lazy mornings and passionate nights. It pictures a time when I don’t have to long for his time because he would be right by my side all the time.
When I feel a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, I turn. Damian stands a few feet away with his hands in his pockets.
My face heats up, hoping like hell he can’t read what I’ve been thinking.
“Hey.” I smile.
He comes to me and doesn’t stop until he is circling his arm around my waist. “Sorry, I had to take that. I didn’t mean to leave you so long.”
I glance at my dainty watch and realize it had been over fifteen minutes. “It’s all right. I’ve been enjoying the view.”
“Lunch is served. Come.” He guides me to the formal dining area. I frown when I see my plate had been set at the other end of the table. I want to object but don’t wish to come across as clingy so I let it go.
The first course consisted of the Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Salad. We are eating the main course, a Pan-Seared Black Cod with Saffron Risotto when Damian suddenly asks, “So what do you think?”
“About what?”
“About the mansion.”
“Oh,” I dab at the corner of my mouth with a napkin, then smile as I look around. “It’s absolutely stunning,” I say, my voice filled with admiration. “The attention to detail, the architecture, the vibe—it’s all exceptional.”
“Good.” He seems pleased with my answer and resumes eating in silence.
“Whose place is this anyway?”
“It’s one of my recent acquisitions.”
My eyes widen in surprise. “This mansion? You bought it?”
He nods. He is a real estate mogul. He might have some plans for it in the future—perhaps an investment or a resale opportunity. We dine in comfortable silence but my mind races the entire time.
The property is so beautiful. I want to know what are his plans for it. I want to tell him to keep it. The thought of anyone else living here except him doesn’t sit right with me. These walls have his aura stamped all over them.
When we move to dessert, we are treated to a Dark Chocolate Truffle Torte, adorned with edible gold leaf and accompanied by fresh berries and a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream. It was a decadent masterpiece, concluding our extravagant luncheon on a sweet note. And although, I’m in a sugar coma, I can’t keep quiet anymore. “Are you going to flip it?”