The taxi slowed stopped in front of his mansion, and I quietly stepped out, clutching my small purse to my chest. The weather was pretty bad! I just hope it wouldn’t rain as I had to go back as well
The moment I paid the fare and dismissed the taxi, the clouds above finally started to pour.
Raindrops started to fall as the wind was cold.
I stood still for a second, blinking up at the sky as if it was punishing me from the heavens.
But I was determined and didn’t turn back.
I crossed my arms tightly over myself and started walking toward the gate.
But as I got closer, I noticed that the mansion was dark and Lucien’s wasn’t there!
Fuck! What should I do now? I was stuck! I couldn’t even call the taxi to go back home!
I was already soaked. My hair was sticking to my face and my clothes were damp, clinging to my skin, but I didn’t have the time to care.
I needed to hide myself somewhere but I couldn’t enter the gates without Lucien or the guards letting me in.
I hesitated, then started pacing slowly back and forth near the gate, unsure of what to do. I probably looked suspicious, wandering alone in the rain in front of a closed-off mansion like a thief.
It didn’t take long before the security guard stepped out of his post and approached, holding up a black umbrella.
"Miss?" he called cautiously. "Can I help you with something?"
I looked up, brushing wet strands of hair out of my face.
"Mister... I’m here to see Lucien," I said softly, my voice barely audible in the rain. "Could you please tell me when he’ll be back?"
The guard frowned and squinted at me for a second, as if trying to see who was I! And soon, his expression changed.
"Aren’t... aren’t you Miss Lan?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "You’re here alone? At this hour? Is everything okay?"
He glanced down at his watch.
I didn’t know what to say. I just stood there, shivering slightly, rain dripping from the ends of my sleeves.
"Please come in, Miss," the guard said gently, holding the umbrella above us as I followed behind him. "You’ll catch a cold standing in the rain like that. I’ll give you something warm to have."
His kindness surprised me. Most people in this world weren’t this considerate anymore with someone like me but what I didn’t notice that it was because of Lucien.
I followed him to the small guard station near the side gate, where a dim light flickered above the door. It was warmer than the outside, at least. He motioned for me to sit on the little bench while he stepped inside.
"I’m sorry," he added, "but the mansion is locked. I would’ve let you in, but even the staff aren’t around tonight. Master informed me earlier that he wouldn’t be having dinner at home. He said he’d be late."
"Oh," I murmured, feeling disappointment and embarrassment. "How late?"
"I’m not sure," he said, shaking his head. "He didn’t mention the time."
He handed me a clean towel.
"Here, please dry yourself. I’ll make you a cup of coffee to warm you up."
"Thank you," I replied, holding the towel cautiously.
I appreciated his gesture. But I gently declined the coffee with a polite shake of my head.
"I’m alright," I added quickly. "Thank you... but I don’t drink coffee."
The truth was, I didn’t have good experience accepting drinks from strangers.
I didn’t know him. And my past had taught me one thing very... Never let your guard down. Especially not with kind people.
Even the towel made me uneasy. I dabbed at my arms and shoulders carefully, making sure it didn’t get too close to my nose. I didn’t want to accidentally inhale any scent or substance. It was stupid. But I couldn’t help it.
I didn’t want to be here anymore. If Lucien wasn’t home, then what was the point?
I quietly took out my phone and tried to book a taxi—but none were available in the area.
"Are you looking for a taxi, Miss?" the guard asked as he noticed my frown.
"Yes," I nodded. "If Lucien isn’t here... then I’d rather go back home."
"You can wait here if you want," the guard offered kindly, motioning toward the small room behind him.
I appreciated it but I couldn’t bring myself to stay.
It wasn’t about Mr. guard, it’s just that I was being wary against a stranger.
I gave him a soft smile and gently shook my head. "It’s alright," I said quietly. "But... if you don’t mind, could I wait inside? In the porch area maybe? I’d feel more comfortable there."
The guard looked a little confused, like he didn’t get why I’d choose to wait outside in the cold instead of staying somewhere warm. But after thinking for a moment, he nodded.
"Sure," he said slowly. "Though... it would be better if you waited here. It’s still drizzling, and the wind’s is pretty cold."
"It’s alright," I repeated in a firm and gentle tone. "I want to see him the moment he arrives."
The guard hesitated for another second, then finally stepped aside and pressed the gate button. The metal doors groaned and parted, slowly.
I walked in, careful not to let the towel slip from my shoulders.
I hadn’t returned it...I was cold; however, my clothes had become so damp they clung to my skin.
And I didn’t want to expose myself.
So I wrapped the towel tighter around me, holding it together as I made my to the porch.
I waited and waited for over an hour, walking and pacing but there was still no news of him, so I squat down in front of the main door and hid my face in my knees.
"Come back soon, Lucien!"