"Leaving Olyndria was never my choice. With my entire family gone, returning to our town or our home is no longer an option. I'll have to completely abandon the life I had here," Cassander murmured to himself as he gazed out of the bus window.
"There's no point in crying, Cas. I have to keep living. They've discovered our existence, and now I must carry on, continue the bloodline," Cassander thought to himself as he continued to look out the window. While lost in his thoughts, someone tapped him on the shoulder – it was the bus driver.
"Sir, we've reached Brusellia. This is our final stop," the driver informed Cassander, as he turned away from him.
"Oh, yes, thank you, sir!" Cassander responded. He rose from his seat and glanced around at the passengers, but they had all already disembarked. Cassander swiftly grabbed his backpack and made his way toward the bus door.
As he stepped off the bus and walked towards the terminal exit, he heard someone shouting his name from a distance. "Cassander! Cassander!" the voice called out.
Cassander gazed at the man from a distance and then realized it was his Uncle Jamie. Waving his hand, he started running toward him. As he approached, Cassander couldn't help but notice a small, bright-eyed child with a mop of chestnut brown hair, his baby cousin Ian, who was holding Uncle Jamie's hand.
Upon reaching his uncle, he sat down and affectionately ruffled Ian's hair. "Is this Ian, Uncle? Wow! I still remember he was just an infant the last time I saw him."
"Yes, Cas. Time truly does fly," Jamie said, attempting a laugh but then rubbing the back of his head.
Cassander then embraced Ian and introduced himself, saying, "Hey, Ian. I'm your cousin. It's great to see you!"
Ian simply nodded and warmly hugged Cassander in return.
"Shall we go?" Jamie asked, glancing at Cassander.
"Yeah, sure," Cassander replied, holding Ian's small hand. "Let's get moving, Ian."
As Jamie drove his black automatic Honda car, he remained silent, suppressing his emotions for Cassander's sake. The car ride was filled with complete silence. Jamie occasionally stole glances at Cassander through the rearview mirror but refrained from asking anything for the time being. Jamie was the only brother of Lexus, Cassander's father. After a long hour of travel, they finally arrived at their destination.
Cassander remained lost in thought until he noticed the condominium's facade—a mosaic of floor-to-ceiling windows and polished steel, reflecting the city's vibrant energy. As he gazed at the bustling streets below, filled with a constant stream of people and cars, he observed the city's vitality. The air resounded with the sounds of traffic, sirens, and distant conversations, a stark contrast to the serene and peaceful town of Olyndria he had once called home. This adjustment was a significant change for him.
Jamie parked the car outside "Zappy," the name of the condominium. He couldn't help but notice Cassander's astonishment, a clear reaction to the bustling city life after coming from a quieter province. Jamie attempted to bring Cassander back to the present. "Cas, we've arrived. Let's go."
Cassander swiftly acknowledged Jamie and responded, "Yes, of course, Uncle."
They made their way to the condominium's automatic entry door after Jamie entered the password "1230" into the nearby keypad. After Jamie swiped his orange card on a sensor positioned above the elevator's floor selection keypad, the elevator itself selected the floor they needed to reach, almost as if it knew where they were headed.
"I understand this might be new for you, Cas. It's okay; you don't need to feel overwhelmed. After some time living here, you'll become accustomed to it. Honestly, the mansion in Olyndria was more of a hassle for me, you know? That's why I decided to relocate to an urban city," Jamie said, turning away from Cas with a smirk.
"Yeah, I know. Dad already told me about it. I totally understand." Cas replied, offering a faint smile.
They soon arrived on the 5th floor, with Ian still holding Cas's warm hand. Walking down the dimly lit hallway, the lights activated automatically as they stepped on the floor. They eventually stopped at room 505, where Jamie entered his password "5482" on the keypad beside the door.
Jamie opened the heavy, ornate door, swinging it wide to their home, and warmly said, "Welcome home, Cas!" Upon seeing their house, Ian immediately released Cas's hand and excitedly ran toward his room.
"Thanks, Uncle," Cas replied with a smile as he stepped into the elegant condominium. He was immediately captivated by its sophisticated black-and-white theme. In the living room, a big 55-inch LG Smart TV was positioned in front of the white leather sofas, adorned with black-and-white art. Expansive glass doors opened to a balcony overlooking the bustling city below. In the kitchen, a modern marvel awaited, featuring sleek white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a marble-top island that glistened under the pendant lights. The three bedrooms continued the theme, each with its unique take on black-and-white decor, while the bathrooms offered a luxurious retreat with white marble countertops and striking black fixtures. This condominium was a harmonious blend of style and comfort, a true urban sanctuary.
"You can share a room with Westley," Jamie said as he opened the bedroom door. Cassander quickly noticed that the surface was a smooth expanse of pristine white, providing a clean and elegant backdrop. The door's handle and hardware, in stark contrast, were sleek and black, offering a bold visual focal point. The handle, a modernist rectangle, added a touch of sophistication, while the black hinges provided a subtle yet effective contrast against the white canvas. A seamless blend of form and function, the bedroom door embodied the condo's overall theme of timeless elegance.
As Cassander entered the bedroom, he was enveloped by the understated elegance of the black and white theme. Two beds, adorned with crisp white linens and black accents, occupied opposite corners of the room. The headboards, upholstered in black leather, added a touch of luxury against the pristine white walls. Between the beds, a sleek black bedside table held a minimalist lamp and a few carefully chosen books. Along one wall, a set of black bookshelves showcased a thoughtfully curated collection, with their monochromatic spines lending an air of sophistication.
Near the corner, a discreet door led to a modern comfort room, maintaining the same black-and-white motif with white marble countertops and black fixtures. The room was bathed in ample natural light, filtered through white curtains with subtle black patterns, creating a gentle contrast against the polished wooden floor. The overall effect was a harmonious blend of comfort and style, a serene retreat in the heart of the bustling city.
"Westley is currently at school, and he'll probably be home at 4 sharp. If you need anything else, just let me know, all right? I'm just a few steps away from you, Cas." Jamie tapped Cassander's shoulder and smiled.
"Thanks, Uncle! I appreciate it," Cassander replied with gratitude in his eyes. As Jamie turned away, he gently closed the door, and walked towards his master bedroom. Cassander also made his way to his new bed on the left side of the room, slowly laying down.
"It has been a very long and hard day," he muttered to himself as he placed his arm over his eyes, slowly closing them, and drifting off to sleep.
YOU ARE READING
Romance With My Nemesis
FantasyAthena, a highly ambitious student who consistently ranked first in her class from elementary school to college. Her life takes a big twist as she sees her carefully laid plans disrupted when Cassander enters her world. Athena had spent five years p...
