Chapter 1: Introduction
The house stood there, long and luxurious. It sat like an industrial age art piece—beautiful and cold—under the thin layer of mist that enveloped the quiet, genteel neighborhood. Both envious and curious, I admired the house as I walked up to its imposing double doors.
The door chime transported a rich, ringing sound that reverberated throughout the house. I took a deep breath, checking my reflection in the door's polished surface as footsteps approached.
My nervous excitement settled as I smiled, my curiosity and anticipation mixing to create a magnetic energy in the air. The door swung open.
"Welcome." Johnathan greeted me with a roguish grin, eyes focused intensely on me. "Come in, come in."
He wore a white button-up shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong, tanned forearms, and a pair of fitted black slacks. I was captivated.
"Hey," I stammered, closing my mouth and collect myself.