I stood outside the wedding hall, bidding farewell to the guest as they leave for their respective homes. I really was the talk of the day, today.
It was 8.30 pm already.
The last guests just left after congratulating me. I sighed thinking to myself 'I got married today to a mysterious man, my wedding was an embarrassment, and I couldn't even tell my best friend about it.' My thoughts were getting wild and my head felt like it was about to explode. Mr. Suit (the man in tailored suit) as I decided to call him for now, walked towards me. "It's time Ma'am, we should leave too." I nodded, pulling myself together. I pushed the tears that was about to fall out of my eyes back. "I'll go get the car." he said and I nodded. "Wait, I... I haven't packed my things yet." I said remembering how everything was rushed earlier. "An assistant will be sent tomorrow to get them for you." he replied and walked away. A few minutes later, The car pulled up slowly, smooth and quiet, like it owned the road. It was a long, black luxury car with a clean, shining body that reflected the light around it.
The doors were wide and heavy, opening with a soft, controlled movement. Inside, the seats were made of soft leather, perfectly arranged and untouched. The air felt cool and calm, carrying a light, expensive scent.
Everything about the car spoke of wealth and class without trying too hard. It didn't need any extra design to stand out. It was simple, but powerful.
The ride to the mansion was quiet, leaving room for my mind to go wild with thoughts again. 'What happens from here?' 'Is this a chance to a new life?' 'Will it be better than my life with the Hitlers?' 'Or worst.' I was still I head well a voice pulled me back to the real world. "....Crew, Mrs. Crew!" Mr. Suit called out. "Sorry, what'd you say?" I asked. "We're here." he replied and I nodded. Wait... Did he say Mrs. Crew?
I can't believe I became Mrs. Crew overnight. The ride to the Mansion was a 40 minutes ride from the hall. Mr. Suit came down from the car over to my side and opened the door for me.
I stepped down, my feet touching the ground gently. The car drove away, leaving me standing there alone.
I looked up and froze.
In front of me was a big, beautiful mansion. The walls were clean and bright, and the windows shined in the sunlight. A wide path led to the large front doors, and tall pillars stood at the entrance.
The garden around the house was neat and full of flowers. Everything looked calm and perfect.
I took a small breath, feeling surprised. I had never seen a place like this before.
I walked towards the entrance.
I was welcomed by a man probably in his late 40s or early 50s. He stood tall with a calm and serious look on his face. His posture was straight, and his movements were smooth and controlled. His hair was neatly kept, and his expression showed quiet confidence and discipline.
He wore a clean, well-fitted black suit that sat perfectly on his body. Under it was a crisp white shirt with a black tie. His black shoes were polished and shiny. Everything about his outfit was neat, simple, and very professional.
"Welcome Mrs. Crew. My name is Benson Williams, your Butler. You can call me Benson." he introduced himself. "This is Rosa, she'll be your personal maid from today. If you need anything, you can call her attention immediately." He said pointing to a middle aged brunette likely in her 40s. She wore a neat dark blue dress that reached her knees. The dress was well-fitted but comfortable, with short sleeves and a clean white collar. A small white apron was tied around her waist, and her hair was packed neatly. She looked simple, clean, and professional. She looked at me and nodded with a warm smile and I smiled back.
"This are the house maids they take care of every chores in the house. You can look around later and if you find anything not to your liking, you can assign them to change it." He continued pointing to four girls by his right, thier uniform was a dark blue shirt and matching trousers. The clothes were loose so they could move easily while working. They wore flat shoes and a simple apron to protect her clothes. Everything about their outfit was made for comfort and daily work. "And these are the Kitchen crew, they'll be taking care of your daily meals from now on." he said pointing to the workers by his left. The cooks wore a dark blue long-sleeved top with matching trousers. A large apron was tied in front to keep them clean while cooking. They also wore a head cover to keep their hair in place. Their uniform looked simple, tidy, and ready for the kitchen.
"Welcome Mrs. Crew." they greeted In unison with a polite gesture. "Thank you." I replied.
"Mrs. Rosa will show you to your room." Benson concluded. He nodded politely and walked away, the other workers followed behind him going back to their respective posts. "Let's get you out of that dress." Mrs. Rosa said holding my hand. "Thanks Mrs. Rosa." I thanked her. "Oh please just call me Rosa." She smiled leading me to my room.
We went up the stairs, to the first floor and stopped in front of a door.
The door opened quietly and we walked in, revealing a large and beautiful room.
The space was wide and calm, with soft light coming in through tall windows covered by long curtains. In the center of the room stood a big bed, neatly made with smooth sheets and soft pillows. It looked warm and comfortable, like it was waiting for them.
On each side of the bed were small tables with simple lamps that gave off a gentle glow. A soft rug covered the floor, making every step feel light and quiet. There was also a small sitting area with two chairs and a table, perfect for quiet moments.
Everything in the room was clean, simple, and peaceful.
"Would you like to take a shower or dinner first?" I was about answering but my stomach growled beating me to it. I smiled nervously. Rosa chuckled lightly. " Dinner it is. But Let's get you out of this dress first." She said helping me out of the suffocating dress. She directed me towards a door at the other end of the room. "After you." Rosa said with a gesture asking me to go in first.
I pushed the door open and stepped into the walk-in closet and she walked in after me, my footsteps soft against the smooth floor.
The space was bigger than I expected almost like a small room on its own. Warm lights lined the ceiling, casting a gentle glow over everything. I paused for a moment, taking it all in.
To my right, rows of clothes filled the space. Women clothes. Dresses hung neatly, arranged by color, from soft pastels to deep, rich shades. Shoes were lined up below, each pair placed carefully like they had their own spot. Shelves held bags, jewelry, and other accessories, all organized into sections. Everything looked perfect, like it had been planned down to the smallest detail. "Mr. Crew made sure everything was ready before your arrival. If anything doesn't sute your taste, please let me know and it'd be changed immediately." Rosa said.
I turned to the left.That side was empty.
The racks stood bare, with only a few hangers spaced apart. The shelves had nothing on them, no shoes, no boxes, no sign that anyone had ever used that space. It felt quiet… almost waiting.
I slowly looked back at my side, the full side.
And then back at the empty one. "Why is that side empty?" I asked. "It's temporary, pending when your things will arrive." Rosa replied. "Aren't I and Mr. Crew supposed to be sharing a room?" I asked again Knowing fully well what the answer would be. "Mr. Crew doesn't like sharing private spaces, he stays in a different room." She replied.
A strange feeling settled in my chest as I stood there. What was I expecting? After all I wasn't the original bride. Am sure Mr. Crew must have found out about the bride switch already.
A feeling I new too well began to surface again. A feeling I hated so much but couldn't helping feeling that way. The feeling of rejection, abandonment, loneliness. I needed a Hot bath to calm me down a bit. I turned towards Rosa. "I changed my mind. I'd like a hot bath first before dinner." She nodded.
Rosa stepped quietly to the immediate left side of the closet, where a smooth door blended almost perfectly with the wall. I hadn't even noticed it before.
She reached out and turned the handle gently. The door opened without a sound.
Soft, warm light spilled out, revealing a wide, luxurious bathroom connected directly to the closet. The air inside felt fresh and clean. Marble floors stretched across the space, shining under the lights, and a large bathtub sat at the center, its surface smooth and untouched.
To one side, a glass shower stood tall, clear and spotless. Opposite it was a long counter with two sinks, each with bright mirrors above them. Everything was arranged neatly, from the folded towels to the small, expensive-looking bottles lined up in order.
The toilet area was set slightly apart, still within the same space but giving a sense of privacy.
Rosa stepped back slightly, holding the door open for me.
And for a moment, I just stood there, staring.
It wasn't just a bathroom.
It felt like another world hidden behind a simple door.