Chapter 5 Welcome To The Knight Estate
Jessica's POV
I stared through the tinted car window as towering black iron gates slowly opened before us. The gates alone were larger than the apartment building where Brenda lived. The car rolled forward in complete silence. On both sides of the driveway stood perfectly trimmed gardens, marble fountains, and rows of ancient cherry trees.
I couldn't stop myself. “... You actually live here?”
But Alexander didn't even glance away from the tablet in his hand. “Is there a problem?”
I laughed softly. “No, I'm just wondering if i accidentally married a prince instead of a business man.”
The corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly. “I have been called worse.”
As the car finally stopped in front of an enormous white villa, several servants were already waiting outside.
The driver opened the door, Alexander stepped out first, I followed. Immediately every servant bowed. “Welcome home, young master.”
Alexander acknowledged them with a nod. As a middle aged woman stepped forward, her posture straight, expression respectful. She wore a black dress with a white apron, her gray hair neatly tied into a bun.
Her sharp eyes immediately landed on me. “And this is…”
“My wife,”Alexander answered without delay, hand in his pant pocket. Then i noticed the servants exchange quick glances. Their surprise lasted barely a second before they bowed again. “Welcome home, Mrs Knight.”
The title felt strangely heavy, but i forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”
The housekeeper stepped closer. “My name is Caridadi, I oversee the household. If you need anything, simply tell me.”
“I appreciate it.” I said with a smile.
Alexander walked toward the entrance. “Take her luggages to my room.”
I froze. “Your room?” Then i hurried after him. “Wait.”
Alexander stopped walking. I cleared my throat after hesitating for a second.“I think…I'd prefer a separate room.”
There was silence,as the air shifted between us, even the servants looked nervous. Alexander slowly turned around. “A separate room?” his voice low and lethal.
“Yes. This marriage is contractual,” i replied.
“So what?”he asked.
“We agreed not to interfere with each other's personal lives, remember?”I said.
His dark eyes settled on mine. “And sleeping in the same room automatically means interference?.”
I nodded, “I believe boundaries are important.”
For several seconds neither of us spoke, before finally he nodded once. “Fine.” He looked toward Caridadi. “Prepare the guest room beside mine.”
“Yes, young master,” Caridadi replied.
I let out a quiet breath I didn't realize i was holding. “Thank you.”
“I didn't do it for you,” he said.
“No?,” my eyes widening.
“I did it because i dislike unnecessary arguments.”he replied.
I smiled, “I will take the victory anyway.”
And for the first time, Alexander actually looked amused. But it disappeared almost instantly. “Follow Caridadi.”
I entered the guest room, the room was larger than Jerry's entire house. A king sized bed, floor to ceiling windows, fresh flowers, walk-in closet, private balcony.
Everything looked elegant without trying too hard.
I slowly placed my luggages on the floor. And sat at the edge of the bed. “What have i gotten myself into?”
A knock interrupted my thoughts. Caridadi entered carrying tea. “I thought you might like something warm.”
I smiled, geniuely. “Thank you.”
Caridadi hesitated before speaking. “You are the first woman young master has ever brought home.”
I nearly laughed. “Really?”
She nodded. “The staffs believed he would never marry.” I looked toward the doorway Alexander had disappeared through. “So did I.”
Caridadi smiled politely. “Dinner will be served at seven.”
After she left, my phone immediately rang. Brenda. I answered.
“Tell me you are alive.”
“ Yes, I'm alive,” I replied.
“Good. Where are you?,” she asked.
“I'm at Alexander's house.”
“House?” she asked again.
I laughed. “No…villa.”
“And how bad is it?”
“It's so big that i could probably get lost before finding the kitchen,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Brenda laughed. “That is not funny,” I said.
“It wasn't supposed to be.” Brenda became serious again. “Jessica…”
“Hmm?”, I mumbled.
“Are you scared?,” she asked.
Then i looked around the luxurious room. “A little.”
“Then why are you pretending to be brave?”
I closed my eyes. “Because if I start being afraid now…I will lose before the game even begins.”
Brenda became quiet. “Just promise me one thing.”
“What?”, I asked.
“Don't lose yourself while trying to get revenge,” she said, voice laced with concern.
I looked down at the wedding ring sparkling on my finger. “I won't.”
After hanging up, I walked toward the balcony.Kyoto glittered beneath the evening sky. And I know by now, that Jerry would be celebrating his victory with his lover.
And probably believing I have lost everything, not knowing I had just walked into the most powerful family in the city. But this was only the beginning. A knock sounded at my door. Caridadi’s voice came from outside. “Madam, dinner is ready.”
I took one last look at the city, then whispered to myself. “Jerry, enjoy your victory while it lasts.”
As I opened the door, I knew waiting downstairs wasn't just dinner. It was the first step into Alexander Knight's world.
