CHAPTER 19: WELCOME HOME

I am already at the airport. In less than an hour and for the very first time, I would be leaving this unfortunately memorable place that never an inch became a home for me, but a hollowed cage. The feeling was monumental and tremendously grand. I couldn’t help myself to smile genuinely at the thought and feel light inside and out knowing that I am just inches away from my real world.


Although it saddened me that I have to be away from Michelle for quite some time, deep inside the bottom of my heart I am doing this not merely for myself, but most especially for her sake and for her bright future. We talked earlier and I explained to her why I had to be away. With her highly advanced mental disposition, she understood me right from the very start. She even wishes me for a safe trip and even kisses me several times for good luck.


I am extremely exhilarated. These wonderful changes in my life immensely made my spirit soar high in the clouds and elated me to the fullest. I am thrilled not just with the idea of a new life, but to live in this new life.


The trip was quite long, but the invigorating and revitalizing feeling never died down nor left my system a bit. As I came near to my destination, the sensation took me at the edge of my seat with utmost anticipation. As I was instructed by my real father’s corporate lawyer, I headed out towards the arrival area with high expectations. She said that someone would pick me up and would wait for me, a certain Mr. Louis would take me to Hunt’s mansion where everyone would be expecting my arrival.


True to her words, I immediately saw a hale and hearty man in his sleek black coat and tie holding a placard with my name written on it the minute I set foot outside the arrival area. The middle aged man hastily walked towards me, bowed his head courteously before greeting warmly.


“Welcome to New York City, Miss Hunt. I am Steward Louis, your father’s personal chauffeur. Please allow me to take your luggage from you” He uttered with finesse and utmost respect as he diligently took from me my luggage before continuing. “This way please, Miss Hunt, your service awaits you.”


I followed his way as my head went in circles at the new title he used to address me. I had to accustomed myself with my brand new identity and lifestyle. I am aware that this comes with the total package of my changes and I must adhere to it with all heart and mind.


My eyes literally socked out from its socket the moment Mr. Louis stopped at the side of a handsomely made and highly stunning vehicle that exuded opulence from every angle. Its sleek and elongated body did make a statement, which leaves me in awe. Never in my life have I rode a limousine ever before, this was yet again a first for me.


“Is this my service?” I asked with disbelief and astonishment that Mr. Louis simply answered back with a gentle nod and a warm smile.


He opened the back door for me to climb in. I was slightly taken aback with the respect and treatment he was giving me, but I reminded myself that these were all part of the transfiguration and I must accept everything wholeheartedly. He gently closed the door the minute I settled in. If my eye sockets protrude at the handsome vehicle’s exterior, I was lost for words with the interior of it.


The rear cabin is separated from the chauffeur’s area by a glass partition. The seats were upholstered with the finest leather and the whole rear was adorned with gold-speckled granite inlays. It also has a retractable roof if one desires for an open-air experience, a mini-bar, a refrigerator and a champagne-cooler. The entire space screams with luxury and sophistication that I never dreamed I would ever experience in this lifetime. This level of luxury must definitely come with a hefty price tag that is more than enough to supply a month-long food to our entire community.


As the trip to the mansion began, my eyes were busily marveling at the sights I am seeing outside. Although the glass windows were heavily tinted, I could still see the magnificent outdoors as we went. Everything was surreal and I am loving every minute of it. It was indeed a dream coming to life for someone like me.


“We are about to enter the Hunt’s Mansion, Miss Hunt. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to your humble home” He informed me the minute the vehicle halted in front of a majestic gate. The gate alone was crafted with ornate ironwork and large marbles that screams regal charm. The vehicle rolled down the moment the sturdy iron fences gave way.



There was nothing humble about what’s ahead of me. The opulent mansion exudes luxury and grandeur at every turn. This was definitely and without a shadow of a doubt a true architectural marvel, which was designed to impress and provide the utmost comfort. The facade itself boasted a regal appearance with its towering columns and highly intricate stonework. The expansive grounds feature highly manicured gardens, sparkling fountains on both sides, and a long winding driveway that leads to the grand entrance. The numerous balconies offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.


I was completely in awe, definitely more awestruck than being seated in this elegant limousine. My eyes couldn’t give credence to what it was beholding. I only see such a remarkable landscape in magazines and I never foresee something this grand to be my home.


After a while, the handsome vehicle stopped and Mr. Louis alighted from his seat. Just like how he addressed me and had treated me earlier, he consistently repeated his actions with reverence as he welcomed me to the majestic mansion where he pertained as my humble home. I slowly alighted the vehicle still in disbelief and was greeted in unison by numbers of uniformed servants all aligned meticulously on both sides, as if they were human walls to a passageway.


“Welcome home, Miss Hunt,” Everyone cheered as I stood in front of the enormous fortress.


I hold sight of each and everyone with regards. All were in their properly dressed uniforms and stood their grounds beaming with sincere jovial expressions. As I looked ahead of me, I saw a man sitting on a wheelchair with uniformed medical personnel at his back, together with a middle aged woman at his left and a distinguished man around his 50s at his right. All four of them were looking straight at me with smiles on their faces. I was ushered by Mr. Louis as he carried my luggage towards the front porch. We were just a few inches away from whoever was waiting in front when the distinguished man at the right wing spoke.


“Greetings, Miss Hunt! Let me do the honor of introducing to you the esteemed individuals ahead of you. I am Gregory McConner, the head steward and butler of Hunt Mansion. If you would be needing anything with regards to this household, I am your man in charge. This elite woman at the other side is the highly sought-after and world-renowned master of her field, Attorney Natasha Sparks, who is the Corporate Lawyer of Hunt’s Global Corporation and Mr. Hunt’s ever-trusted personal Attorney. Miss Nicole Christensen wasn’t around as of the moment to welcome you, Miss Hunt, but she is Mr. Hunt’s indoor Adviser and private assistant at home. The eminent gentleman at the back is Mr. Hunt’s personal aide and physician, Doctor Lewis White. And last but definitely not the least, the man beside me was none other than your father, Mr. Alexander Gerard Hunt. I would no longer further introduce you with Mr. Hunt, Miss Hunt, I believe he would be much honored to let himself be known to you on his own.


I focused my eyes solely on the man at the center. I don’t know what had gotten into me, but something was deeply scorched inside my heart that made my eyes moistened with unexplainable tears that were all at bay. I was shaking all over as I stared steadily at him, who was all smiles at me and whose eyes were shedding with obvious tears of joy and unwavering compassion.


“Welcome home, Penelope. Welcome back to where you truly belong, my daughter.”