The soft chime of a grandfather clock echoed faintly through the grand Valverde mansion as Arden followed the household staff to the guest room. The faint aroma of polished wood and lavender lingered in the air, blending with the distant sound of footsteps on marble floors and the subtle rustle of curtains stirred by a breeze. Each step seemed to amplify the mansion’s grandeur, making Arden feel as though he had stepped into a world entirely removed from his mountain life. Lucia had instructed them to ensure Arden was comfortable before dinner, and though he carried himself with quiet confidence, a flicker of unease, unfamiliar and unwelcome, stirred within him. This opulent environment, so alien to his life in the mountains, felt both exhilarating and intimidating. He couldn't help but take everything in—from the polished marble floors to the glimmering chandeliers, each detail a testament to the Valverde family's wealth and influence.
When they reached the guest room, Aya, one of the maids, opened the heavy wooden door, revealing a space that took Arden's breath away. The room was nothing short of spectacular, designed to reflect the elegance and wealth of the Valverde family. The bed, framed in intricately carved Narra wood, was draped with silk sheets that shimmered faintly under the soft glow of the chandelier. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning panoramic view of Cebu City’s twinkling lights, stretching out like a sea of stars.
Arden stepped inside; his movements careful as though he feared disturbing the perfection of the room. His fingers traced the smooth surface of a polished marble dresser, and his reflection in a gilded mirror caught his eye. He looked almost out of place in such an opulent setting, his rugged features and simple attire standing in stark contrast to the refined surroundings. A wave of self-doubt washed over him. Was he truly worthy of this experience? Did he belong in this world of privilege and luxury?
Aya gestured toward a neatly folded set of clothes placed on the sofa. The ensemble consisted of a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, and a dark blazer, all made from fine fabrics that exuded understated elegance. The material seemed soft and light, with a subtle sheen that hinted at its high quality. “Sir, your clothes are ready. You may also use the shower if you’d like to freshen up,” she said with a polite bow.
“Thank you,” Arden replied, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of apprehension. His gaze lingered on the folded clothes before he turned to explore the adjoining bathroom. The sight left him momentarily stunned.
The bathroom was just as luxurious as the bedroom, with glossy tiles that shimmered under the soft glow of recessed lighting, a rainfall showerhead that gleamed like polished silver, and chrome fixtures so pristine they seemed untouched. Neatly arranged toiletries in elegant glass bottles lined the marble countertop, their faint scents of lavender and citrus blending harmoniously. A soft, ambient light illuminated the large mirror that spanned one wall, adding to the serene and opulent atmosphere. Arden stepped inside cautiously, his eyes scanning every detail. He ran a hand over the cold marble countertop, a silent question forming in his mind: how did one even begin to use such a luxurious space?
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His attention shifted to the faucet. Tentatively, he turned it on, jumping back slightly as a torrent of water gushed out. A grin spread across his face, but it was quickly replaced by a thoughtful frown. This was power, raw and untamed, harnessed and controlled. Unlike the river back home, where the water followed its own course, here, it obeyed the slightest touch, a stark reminder of the difference between the natural world and the man-made.
The shower was another revelation. As he twisted the handle, warm water cascaded from above like a gentle rain. Arden closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him. The warmth eased the tension in his muscles, and he found himself marveling at the soap and shampoo. Reading the labels aloud, he joked, "Lavender-scented body wash... What’s wrong with good ol’ mountain herbs?" But a part of him wondered, was there truly something wrong? Perhaps there was room for both the simplicity of nature and the sophistication of civilization.
After his shower, Arden dried off with a towel, taking a moment to appreciate the softness of the fabric. "Lolo, you'd say I've gone soft already," he chuckled, shaking his head. Dressed in the crisp white shirt and tailored trousers left for him, Arden paused before the mirror. His usually unruly hair was now neatly combed, and the refined clothes added an unexpected elegance to his rugged appearance. He looked different, undeniably so. But did he feel different? He studied his reflection, searching for a familiar spark, a reminder of the man he was beneath the polished surface.
He stepped out of the room; his confidence subtly bolstered by the transformation. The maids waiting in the hallway gasped softly when they saw him, their eyes widening in awe. Aya’s hands flew to her mouth, her cheeks flushed as she exchanged a quick, astonished glance with the others. One whispered in hushed excitement, “He looks like he stepped out of a magazine,” while another murmured, “I didn’t know someone so rugged could look so refined.” Aya, unable to stop herself, blurted out, “Sir Arden, you look… breathtaking.”
Arden smiled modestly, gesturing to his clothes. “I think the credit goes to these. They’re a bit more refined than what I’m used to.”
Aya and the others exchanged giggles, one of them adding, “It’s not just the clothes, Sir. You have this… natural charm that shines through even in this… well, this finery.”
Arden chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "If you say so." As he followed the staff toward the dining hall, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of duality. This life, this world, was a stark contrast to the one he knew, yet there was a part of him, a core of resilience and adaptability, that was eager to embrace the unknown. He walked with a newfound sense of purpose, determined to navigate this unfamiliar terrain with grace and an unwavering sense of self.