My Assassin

Chapter 2

Sam Heughan as Maxwell Crawford

The next morning I get up early to meet Mom. I drive the range rover, which I hate, all the way back to the home I grew up in.

Hallo Mansion, as we all call it.

As soon as I pull up to the big, golden front gate, they open. Mom must've told security to watch out for me.

This house really is a marvel. All the trees and beautiful flowers that line the driveway, almost half a mile, to the massive, marble water fountain.

The home is a modern, mediterranean style home. It has a beautiful arc entryway, stucco siding, and tile roofing.

Twelve bedrooms, fifteen baths, two kitchens. There are also two pools, tennis and basketball courts, and a twenty car garage.

My dad always tells me that I will inherit this place one day. I really don't want it. I am not a flashy person and this place is too big. What will Max and I do with twelve bedrooms?

No doubt play hide and seek. It makes no sense for me to own this place.

My grandfather's parents were the ones that built it. Of course, Hallo Mansion was one fourth its size back then. Grandma and Grandpa added to it, and so did Mom.

Grandma told me she would never be offended if I sold the house when it was passed on to me. Grandpa always argued back. He would rather I open up an orphanage and take care of the less fortunate.

My great-grandparents actually met in an orphanage. It was a beautiful story. One, my Grandpa would repeat every year during the holidays.

Mom and her chauffeur walk out of the front door to greet me.

I jump out of my car. "Morning, mom!" I wave at her. I have a smile on my face but it doesn't reach my eyes.

I've been dreading this day all week. I love my mom dearly but her personality isn't like mine. Her obsession with the finer things in life makes me nauseous.

Always has been.

Mom walks towards me, her arms are outstretched. I look at her rather tight, long sleeves, black and white dress.

Is she going to church?

It's paired with her favorite pearl necklace and black, platform pumps.

She smiles as she scans me from head to toe.

Of course, she's doing that. Mom will never be caught walking down Rodeo Drive with someone wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

Not even her own daughter.

I would be sent home immediately to change. It's happened once or twice.

Everything I'm wearing, Mom had a hand in purchasing. I make sure of it. That way she can't complain at all.

A white, Alaia, button up shirt with simple, gray shorts. Hot pink Louboutins and a matching purse. I topped it with a vintage, gray, Chanel scarf. Looking down at myself, I begin to scratch my neck annoyed.