The Substitute Heiress

My New Home

Chapter 12: My New Home

Cassandra

Mr. Renfield had insisted that Warrick and I live in the family mansion. It was a tradition, according to him, that the heir and his wife remain in the main house. Despite my discomfort with the idea, I didn’t have many options. Mr. Renfield's insistence was one of the conditions for receiving his financial support. And although he didn't know it, that was the only reason I accepted that condition.

When we arrived at the Renfield mansion, the magnitude of what my new life would be became immediately apparent. The mansion was imposing, a majestic stone structure with white columns and meticulously maintained gardens that extended across the property. As we passed through the wrought-iron gates, I felt a knot in my stomach. This was real.

The last time I was here, I didn’t take much time to observe in detail.

Warrick helped me out of the car, and I found myself under the curious gaze of the staff lined up at the main entrance. There were gardeners, cleaning staff, cooks, and a butler who looked like he had stepped out of an old novel. They all watched me with a mix of respect and curiosity.

“Welcome to your new home, Cassandra,” Warrick said softly, barely audible to the others.

I nodded, trying to show a confidence I didn’t feel. “Thank you,” I replied, striving to maintain a smile.

The butler, a tall and thin man with a serious expression, stepped forward. “Mrs. Renfield, it is an honor to have you here. My name is James, and I will be at your service for anything you need.”

“Thank you, James,” I responded, trying to sound confident.

He led us inside, and although Warrick knew the mansion like the back of his hand, he accompanied me as James showed me the rooms. Each space was more impressive than the last. There was a main hall with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, a library filled with ancient books, and a formal dining room that could accommodate dozens of guests. The kitchen was a chef's dream, with modern appliances and marble countertops. I realized that I was entering a completely different world than the one I was used to. Despite my parents' house being almost as large as this one, it hadn't received many renovations, it was more stuck in the past, and to me, it was beautiful just as it was. I had a particular taste for the old.

Finally, we reached our room. It was enormous, decorated in soft tones of beige and gold, with a king-sized bed in the center, covered with silk bedding. There was a balcony overlooking the back garden, offering an impressive view of the mansion's grounds. "I hope you find the room to your liking," James said before discreetly withdrawing.

I stood in the doorway, looking around.

"It's... impressive," I admitted, feeling a mix of awe and fear. Warrick nodded.

"Yes, it is."

We settled into the room in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I knew this was our life now, and I had to find a way to adapt to it.

Dinner that night was a formal event, very different from anything I had experienced before. The dining room was illuminated by chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with portraits of the Renfield ancestors. Mr. Renfield, an imposing man with an air of authority, awaited us at the head of the table.

"Welcome home, children," he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I hope your stay at the hotel was pleasant."

"Yes, Father. It was wonderful," Warrick replied, taking a seat beside me.

Mr. Renfield turned his attention to me.

"Cassandra, how are you adjusting to your new life?"

"I’m... adjusting, Mr. Renfield. Everything is very new to me, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it soon," I responded, striving to sound confident.

The dinner proceeded with tense conversation. Mr. Renfield didn’t stop asking uncomfortable questions about our married life and future children. "So, when can we expect to hear news about a grandchild?" he asked with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

I choked on my drink, and Warrick shot me a warning look before responding.

"Father, we just got married. Let’s give it some time." "I understand, I understand. But remember, it’s important for the continuity of the family legacy," he said, not taking his eyes off us.

The pressure was palpable, and I knew Warrick felt it too. I tried to stay calm, but each question felt like another weight on my shoulders.

The dinner ended tensely, with Mr. Renfield constantly reminds us of our "responsibilities" as the new Renfield couple. When we finally retreated to our room, I felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. The weight of the Renfield family’s expectations was overwhelming, and I had only been in the mansion for one day.

Warrick and I walked silently down the hallway until we reached our room. Once inside, the tension between us was palpable. Warrick removed his suit jacket and carefully hung it on the coat rack.

"It’s a very big place," I said, trying to break the ice while observing the enormous room we shared. "Yes, it is," Warrick replied without looking at me. "It’s a tradition for the heir to live here, in the main house." He explained the same thing as his father; I shrugged.

I walked to the balcony, seeking some fresh air. The night was clear and quiet, and the garden stretched into the darkness, illuminated by the moonlight. Warrick approached and leaned on the railing next to me.

"You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to, Cass," he said suddenly, surprising me with his softer tone. "You could have your own room." "No, that would only raise suspicions," I replied matter-of-factly, giving him a sideways glance. "And your father... he would notice."

He nodded silently, and for a moment, we both looked at the garden without saying anything. The distance between us was more than physical; it was an invisible barrier of distrust and resentment.

"Why did you agree to all this, Warrick?" I finally asked, breaking the silence. "Why did you want this marriage?"

"For the same reasons as you, I suppose," he replied with some doubt. "For me. For the expectations. Because there was no other choice."

Of course, only for him and his damn ego, why do I even ask when I already know the answer?

But in the end, he was right. We were both trapped in this arrangement for reasons beyond our control. "And you?" he asked, turning to look at me. "Why did you agree?" He knew, he knew very well.

"Because I need to protect my family," I said. "And because I didn’t want to see them fall."

Warrick nodded, his expression softening a bit.

“It won't be easy, Cass. But... let’s try to make the best of this.”

“Yes, let’s try,” I replied, though deep down, I wasn’t sure how we would make this work.

We retreated to the bedroom, and while Warrick changed in the dressing room, I took off my dress and slipped into a silk nightgown beside the bed. I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a mix of emotions. All of this seemed surreal.

Warrick emerged from the dressing room, dressed only in pajama pants. His bare torso was well-defined, and for a few seconds, I couldn’t help but stare at his sculpted abs.

“It’s a great room,” he said, sitting on the bed. “I guess we’ll have to get used to sharing it.”

“I guess so,” I replied, sitting on the other side of the bed. The bed was large enough for both of us to have our own space, but the proximity still felt strange.

We slid under the sheets, each maintaining a respectful distance from the other. We turned off the lights, leaving only a dim lamp on the nightstand.

“Goodnight, Cass,” Warrick said in the darkness.

“Goodnight, Warrick,” I responded, closing my eyes and hoping sleep would come quickly.