Chapter one
Ava
I stepped out of the train, enjoying the fresh air around me. I had been traveling for over 6 hours, a journey which would have been way shorter by plane. But I'm scared of heights, so that was a no-go for me.
I hailed a cab and gave the address to the mansion, which used to be home until that dreadful day, which happened to be my seventh birthday. The driver looked at me and it didn't take a genius to figure out why. I couldn't blame him. I didn't look like someone who would go to the Patel mansion. I bet even the maids were more fashionable than me.
But I rather save my hard-earned money and endure the looks. I mean it isn't like I am naked. Although I do not have the latest fashionable dresses I at least have something to cover my nakedness.
The drive was quite long and like all other times I entered a car, I had to close my eyes and count continuously until I arrived at my destination. It could end at 100, 200, or a thousand, but it didn't matter, just as long as it kept my mind off the terror of being in a car.
“Miss, miss, we're here”. I heard a voice which was most probably the driver's. I snapped my eyes open and he gave me a really weird look. Great Ava, he thinks you're crazy too.
I hurried out of the cab and looked to see the gate and driveway into the mansion. Yes, cabs aren't allowed in.
The driver removed my luggage from the trunk which only happened to be two duffel bags and a small box. I had very few dresses but since I was a book lover, I had quite several books.
I paid the man and I think he was more than happy to leave the entrance to such an intimidating place, or maybe the weird and crazy girl going to the intimidating Patel mansion. Drive away man, run for your life.
Now I was in a dilemma; how do I carry my stuff in?? Do I go twice? But the driveway's quite long and that would be too tedious. Okay, do I risk going in and sending some maids?? But what if they refuse to help me?? I mean my mother dearest revoked all my power in this house.
I was so stuck in my internal argument that I even forgot that I needed to figure out how to get past security. That led me to another internal argument.
I was brought out of my thoughts by the sound of a car. Oops, I was blocking the entrance. I quickly pushed my luggage to the side and gave an apologetic smile to the driver. Wait a second, what type of car is this?? It's so plain and simple.
Don't judge me, I am just wondering who exactly it is that can come into the Patel mansion with such a car. Knowing my mother, she would let hell freeze over before allowing such a car park in her house.
The car door opened and out stepped the most handsome man I'd ever seen. He was an Adonis walking in the flesh. He had thick dark hair and a sharp jawline that could probably slice my hand. He had a smooth face made him way hotter. Up close, I could see that his eye color was a beautiful green. All I could think was Wow!!! And why the hell is such a handsome man approaching me??
“Hi there, do you need help?” He asked and I almost fainted from the deep sound coming from his larynx.
“Uh,” I stammered out like the i***t I am.
“You're so pretty”
Wait!! What?? God, please, I hope that was in my mind, I hope I didn't say it out loud.
“Thank you, Miss, although I prefer attractive,” he said with a small teasing smile.
Oh s**t, that means I said it out loud. I wanted to hide my face. I wish God had made a way for people like me to hide our faces inside our bodies whenever we embarrass ourselves in front of hot, attractive men like Adonis.
“Anyways, I'm Liam Ross; nice to meet you,” he said, extending his beautiful hands for a handshake.
Quick question, will it be considered a problem if I kiss the back of his hand?? I mean, women can do that too, right?
Ok, stop being a creep, Ava, and introduce yourself.
“I'm Ava, Ava Patel” I blurted out quickly so as not to go back into miss embarrassment mode.
I saw a look of surprise and then recognition pass in his eyes before he gave me a small smile. What was that?
“So, do you need any help?” He asked again.
“Nah, I'm good. I'll be fine, thanks for asking”. Oh, Ava, you're so polite.
“Okay,,,,,” he drawled. “Are you sure you'll be fine? Those look heavy,” he said again, pointing at my bags.
“Yeah, I'm fine really. I can handle it. I'm a very strong woman,” I replied, showing off my non-existent strong arm muscles.
An amused look crossed his face before he finally gave the nod and said, “Okay, Ava, see you later.”
Did I tell you how my name sounds coming from his mouth, I've never loved my name as much as now.
I waved goodbye and watched as he walked into his car and drove in, the security opening the gate for him like he was a regular guest.
Oh, Ava, you're a big fool; how did you forget about the security? How will you get in now? You should have just gone with the Adonis. I'm an i***t.
Fortunately, God was on my side as I saw an older security man who knew me before I left home. Mr Betram was a very kind and jovial person and I was glad to see him still looking strong and healthy.
I quickly went closer, and when he saw me, he hugged me like I was a long-lost daughter. He quickly ordered the other security guys to take ‘Miss Patel's’ bags inside and they rushed like their legs were on fire. I told you this name has power when used by the right people.
I walked up to the huge mansion with Bertram by my side. Telling me how much I'd been missed. Although I knew only a few people here had missed me.