Chapter 182
Chapter 182
Entering the place where she once lived, Sophia fell deep into her thoughts. I was born in the suburbs of Riverdale. Later on, I was accepted into Riverdale High School. I had lived in Riverdale for eighteen years, but after Joe took me away, I’d never returned here.
I have too many things buried here…
Without realizing, the car came to a stop. The car door opened, and Nathan was the first to jump out of the car. His anti-skid lined boots made small footprints all over the snow-covered ground. Once he got out of the car, he immediately saw a grand house, and so his eyes popped wide open in surprise.
Sophia got out of the car behind Michael. He held her pink gloved-hand in his large warm palm. With her small hand in his, he took a couple of steps forward.
Similarly, Sophia immediately saw the grand house in front of her. She scanned her surroundings, and she realized that she was standing near a bus station. The bus station was named after this large mansion—Harper’s Mansion. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
“Isn’t this the Harpers’ house?”
The Harper’s Mansion was extremely recognizable because it had an elegant and classic Cethosian garden. It preserved its style from two hundred years ago. Although the mansion had been constantly renovated and had expanded over the years, its architecture style had never changed. The main architecture structure of the building maintained its appearance from when it was built, and so it could be considered as a cultural relic.
Why is he taking me here to the Harper’s Mansion for no good reason?
Upon seeing the Harper’s Mansion, Sophia recalled some bad memories. Once upon a time, when I was out of options and came to the Harpers for help, Richard refused to see me. I couldn’t even enter the mansion. They beat me up before tossing me out.
At that time, if Richard had been willing to trust me, even a little, my life might have changed.
However, if Richard had been willing to help me at that time, I might not have been able to meet Michael.
Maybe the first half of my life was painful and full of suffering because I was gathering my luck to meet Michael.
Michael stood behind her, and he suddenly patted her shoulder. “The Harpers sold the Harper’s Mansion to get Kayla out of jail. It belongs to you now.”
Sophia stared at him in utter shock.
They actually sold the Harper’s Mansion? But this isn’t any ordinary mansion! It’s almost like a folk garden or even a cultural relic. It has exceptional research value, and this has always been the pride of the Harper Family! They put this above their lives, so how could they possibly sell it off so easily? But if Michael said it, the credibility is 100%. After all, he is the person who bought Ido’s Imperial Diamond Ring casually. Does that mean that the Harper’s Mansion belongs to me now?
Michael held onto her small hand while speaking to her, “Let’s go and have a look inside. The snow scenery inside is wonderful.”
They walked into the courtyard of the Harper’s Mansion. Sophia was still in a daze, and she just couldn’t digest the reality.
The majority of Harper’s Mansion was constructed based on classical styles—whitewashed walls topped with grey roof tiles and red fences. The Harper Family had been in the construction business for generations. Their ancestors were Cethosian merchants, and so their accommodation preserved a strong influence of the ancient style. There were miniature hills and streams in the garden, accompanied with countless trees and flowers that made up the garden architecture. There were pavilions, terraces,
open halls, miniature bridges, and streams too. There were seven to eight courtyards in total, and each had its unique poetic charm.
Michael led Sophia through several archways and parlors. They enjoyed the scenery inside while strolling in the mansion. Although it was already winter, the scenery looked even better here. The snow was dazzling white, and it gave off an inexplicable feel against the white walls and grey roof tiles.
Sophia was already feeling much calmer revisiting the Harper’s Mansion. I recall my first time coming here. Richard brought me over, and I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights while simultaneously feeling out of place. I kept making mistakes, and everybody mocked me and laughed at me. It was also during that time that I realized the gap between Richard and me.
In school, he was a straight-A student, and so was I. We wore the same uniforms, and we had the same textbooks. The only difference we had were our scores.
However, outside school, he was the eldest son of Riverdale’s well known Harper Family, whereas I was a nobody.
The Harper’s Mansion had everything in it; even Michael clucked his tongue as he was impressed by the architecture. The Harpers are skillful in construction. I wonder how many generations put in effort for this garden. Well, I’ve decided to forgive the Harpers for 10 minutes for the sake of this garden.
The family of three strolled around the place as though they were having fun in a park. Nathan found this fascinating. He had been living in an old castle abroad since he was a child, but the castle had a European style. Therefore, this was this first time looking at a building with such an antique design. Furthermore, it was different from the ancient Imperial Palace nearby their house, and so he couldn’t help but wander around the mansion.
Hale and Gary followed them from behind. Hale was holding an SLR camera to take photos for them.
After wandering around a few gardens, they already took more than a hundred pictures.
Sophia was holding onto her SLR camera as well. She realized that she was talented in taking photos because each shot seemed even better than the one before.
In the end, they arrived at the building the Harpers used to stay in. It was a restored Western building. However, it didn’t feel out of place when put together with the other buildings within the mansion. On the contrary, it gave off a unique style.
The Harper Family had shifted away in a rush. The garden was now filled with Michael’s subordinates, who were busy cleaning and checking the inventory.
Sophia stood at the best viewpoint within the Harper’s Mansion, where one could observe the entire mansion by opening the windows. This was once Kayla’s room.
From that angle, the Harper’s Mansion had a completely different look. In fact, it seemed like a piece of jade that people just wouldn’t forget after taking a glance.
Why did Michael buy such a large place?
Doesn’t he have enough houses? He has a Villa No.1 and Villa No.8 in The Imperial. Aren’t those enough for him?
“Dear, why did you buy this place?”
Michael was feeling warm from all the walking, and so he took off his scarf. “No specific purpose. It just looks nice,” he answered.
Sophia was rendered speechless. However, it is undeniable that the gardens are exceptionally beautiful…
Then, Michael added, “This is your mansion now. You can do whatever you want with it.”
Such an aggressive billionaire!
The price of this mansion must be higher than Ido’s Imperial Diamond Ring. The important thing is that with such a large mansion and space, it has immeasurable value for collection and research. It’s a good idea to keep it while its value grows.
“Rent it out! 1 million per year!” Sophia decided abruptly.
Michael lovingly caressed her head, which was covered with a furry cap. He responded to her, “Sure. I’ll get a tenant for you.”
Michael’s social circle consisted of the rich and powerful. Therefore, it wasn’t an uphill task to contact someone who could afford to rent the place.
Sophia was blushing slightly, and she seemed slightly embarrassed. I have been married to Michael for such a long time, but I haven’t slept with him. He has given me a house and a ring. I’ll have a guilty conscience if I continue to refrain from sleeping with him.
I think it’s best to sleep with him as soon as possible even though he likes to have relations with men…
She thought of Joel, Harry, and Daniel. She thought of the large group of gay friends Michael had queueing up in front of her, and her eyes became dull again.
I suddenly feel so cheap. I can’t believe I can accept a man like that!