The Moreira Mansion looked like something out of a movie—grand, intimidating, and too perfect to be real. White walls stretched high against the sky, with tall pillars at the entrance and dark windows that gave nothing away. The black iron gate opened slowly as our car rolled in, revealing a wide driveway lined with trimmed hedges and roses that smelled too sweet to be innocent.

Even from the outside, I could tell this wasn’t just a home—it was a statement. Quiet, expensive, and completely untouchable.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion, its tires crunching softly against the gravel driveway.

My eyes immediately scanned the entirety of the estate

Men in black suits stood by the iron gates, armed to the teeth with guns in their arms and obvious knives strapped to their bodies . Security cameras blinked from every corner. Every pole, every tree and every wall.

Beside me, Mom was the complete opposite of tense.

She leaned slightly toward the open window, smiling as she waved at the gardener trimming the rose bushes along the edge of the stone path.

“Oh, your hydrangeas are stunning,” she said cheerfully with her usual sunny smile. “And those snapdragons! Did you use bone meal for the soil? The colors are so vibrant.”

The older man blinked, then gave a bashful nod. “Yes, Ma’am. It’s a family recipe.”

Her grin widened. “They’re gorgeous. Thank you for keeping this place beautiful. I’d like to come and take some lessons from you whenever you are free.”

The gardener cheerfully nodded.

I blinked at her in disbelief. How was she admiring flowers at a place that looked like a Bond villain’s lair?

The chauffeur opened the door, and Rafael stepped out first. The moment his foot touched the ground, the air shifted.

Servants dressed in black and white appeared on either side of the staircase like clockwork. They stood perfectly still, a line of quiet precision.

At the sight of Rafael and Melissa they all bowed down. The guards around raised their guns in salute.

I froze.

Crack! Crack!

Two sharp shots rang through the air.

My body jolted before I could stop it. My heart climbed straight into my throat.

Mom, like me, flinched slightly—but then to my utter shock, she let out a soft, melodic laugh.

“Of course,” she whispered, her hand fluttering lightly to her chest. “Gun salute.”

She turned toward me, eyes gentle. “It’s how they show respect for Rafael. I know it’s a bit… dramatic.”

“A bit?” I muttered, still recovering.

But she was already stepping forward.

Her heels clicked softly on the stone as she walked up the steps, her back straight, her head held high, that same light smile still on her lips. She wasn’t flaunting herself — she was simply… her. Absolutely lovely and beautiful.

As the staff bowed, Melissa paused, placing a hand delicately over her chest.

“Thank you,” she said warmly, addressing them all. “For your service, and this welcome. I am extremely grateful.”

A few of the older guards exchanged glances. One even cracked the barest hint of a smile. They were definitely surprised but my Mom had gotten their respect.

They’d obviously expected a trophy wife.

Instead, they got a queen.

I followed a step behind, still a little shaken. Mom reached back discreetly, offering her hand again.

I took it without thinking.

And just like that, despite the gunfire, the mansion, and the silent stares — I didn’t feel so alone. She was still there.

As the large mahogany doors opened wide it was like I had stepped into another world. If I was impressed by the outer structure then I was completely floored by the interior décor.

The grand foyer yawned open, swallowing me whole. A crystal chandelier hung above like a frozen explosion of stars—massive enough to kill someone if it ever fell. Probably imported. Probably priceless.

The living room, if you could call something that size a room, was layered in shades of deep wine mahogany, and muted gold. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the ocean light, diffused by sheer silk curtains. A grand white piano rested in one corner, untouched, too pristine to be played.

A deep chuckle brought me back to my senses and I realized my mom and I had been staring blankly with our mouths wide open at the sight of the house.

Rafael walked up to my mother’s side and took her hand leading her to the white piano where he set her on the seat. “ Mi amor this is your home now.”

A warm smile blossomed on my mother’s face. She held Rafael’s hand and turned to me with relief filling her eyes.

Home

Something she had longed to have for so many years. A world where we could finally be happy.

But I can't be happy in such a world. Through the corner of my eyes I noticed a figure standing on the top stair staring down at me with dangerous mischief. I thought I had escaped his hold but fate threw me right back at him and this time I won’t get away so easily.

Dinner began sharply by 7:30 pm, I rule I discovered when a servant knocked on my door by 7pm sharp to remind me.

By 7:45pm I was rushed to the dining room after getting lost more than 4 times.

I got dressed like I was attending a royal banquet—heels, curled hair, and a sleek black dress. Blame the Mafia movies. I expected a long dining table, with a formal setting.

But when I walked into the dining room, I froze.

Andrew was in a plain white T-shirt paired with some sweatpants, Rafael wore an open shirt over joggers, and Mom had her hair in a messy bun with cozy slippers on her feet. Casual. Completely casual. I looked like I was headed to a gala

Andrew’s smirk was instant as he gave me a quick once over

“Going for a party princess, why weren’t we invited?”

Melissa shot him a look. “Andrew, be nice.”

The way she said it—gentle but firm—made me blink. For a second, they really looked like mother and son. The familiarity between them was strange because I was sure that Andrew and her never met while I was in school. I had noticed that Andrew was distant with his dad but had a soft side for my mother.

I sat down awkwardly, painfully aware of every move I made. The air smelled of garlic and roasted meat, but I had no appetite.