The black car gradually came to a halt at the Mansion's lobby.
A formally dressed man opened the door for Bernard to step out after the vehicle stopped.
Exiting the car, Bernard stretched out his hand to aid Viona in descending from the automobile.
With a welcoming hand from Bernard, Viona slowly disembarked from the car.
Holding Viona's hand, Bernard led her into the Mansion, where a lineup of neatly arranged servants stood ready to greet them at the door.
"Welcome, Sir and Madam, we are at your service!" they greeted Bernard and Viona, bowing respectfully in unison.
The servants, in their uniform attire, wore long trousers, regardless of gender.
Viona's gaze swept across the Mansion, taking in an interior that felt like a blend of medieval castle aesthetics fused with contemporary times.
It was stunning to behold, immaculate and tidy.
It appeared as though the Mansion was routinely cleaned, maintaining a gleaming and dust-free environment.
Bernard escorted Viona up a broad staircase to the upper floor, Viona noting the plush red velvet carpeting that adorned the steps.
Bernard opened a door that, based on its elaborate carvings, seemed to be the main bedroom of the Mansion.
And indeed, Viona's assumption was correct – the room was vast, as expansive as the living room in the Antonius family residence.
A super king-size bed sat majestically in the center of the room, its masculine hues softened by the addition of muted cream colors.
This truly was a luxurious castle-inspired Mansion, and Viona felt as if she were dreaming that she would reside in such a place.
Bernard accepted two suitcases from his assistant, closed the bedroom door once more, then proceeded to bring the luggage inside.
He walked towards a nearby door by the dressing table, which turned out to be a walk-in closet.
Meanwhile, Viona stood still at her spot, feeling as though she was still in a dream. She could hardly believe that Bernard owned this castle-like Mansion, knowing him as a quiet, loner who didn't work.
Still, for reasons unknown, Viona found herself attracted to Bernard; she didn't view him as a helpless failure.
Yet now, Viona felt a nervous anticipation around Bernard, a sense of awkwardness and apprehension.
This was because Bernard's presence felt dominant, authoritative, and powerful.
"Why are you just standing there, am I that frightening to you?" Bernard asked, emerging from the walk-in closet and approaching the statue-like Viona.
"No...no, it's not that, I just can't believe it, is this truly our home?" Viona instinctively stepped back as Bernard moved closer to her.
Bernard stopped in his tracks, displeased with Viona's change of demeanor.
Different than when at her father's house, her behavior seemed altered after leaving her father's mansion.
"It seems like you are not pleased!" Bernard remarked bluntly, clearly disappointed by Viona's reaction.
"That's... that's not it. I'm just surprised," Viona stammered, gesticulating rapidly from side to side.
"Then why do you seem afraid of me?" Bernard countered, closing in on Viona.
Viona felt compelled to stand her ground, not wanting to be misunderstood by Bernard.
The distance between them narrowed until Bernard was standing before Viona, fixing her with an intense gaze that turned her cheeks rosy.
Thump! Throb! Pound!
Viona's heart raced under Bernard's intense scrutiny, her eyes averting because she couldn't bear to meet his gaze.
Bernard's hand reached out, gently turning her chin to direct her face back towards his gaze.
"Am I truly that fearsome?" Bernard asked gravely, his voice heavy with disappointment at Viona's avoidance.
To be continued...
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