Chapter 17 Dear Diary Yes, everything is surprising, a mess and I don't like it. I miss the children, I miss Kenya. My life is changing again and I don't need it. I take a deep breath in and exhale, nice and slow. This reality is going to take a hell of a lot to get used to. Not only am I no longer in Kenya, but my step-sister lives in a mansion with a billionaire? With Sebastian? A friend of Dave? This is not happening. Fuck it! But can I do something about I'm not sure how quickly Christie expects me to adjust to having servants who will make me sandwiches in the middle of the night. Not that I'm not accustomed to wealth, but I'm a self sufficient woman. I don't need a servant to do anything for me. Surely she recognizes that this drastic adjustment will take some time to sink in? This 180-degree turn in my lifestyle is nearly too much to bear: the change in climate; the contrasting culture; the transition from third to first world; Sebastian's home; the engagement; the luxury automobile; and the servants… It is all enough to give anyone whiplash. Did my sister not realize I am fresh from a one-year volunteer program? To forget something? To forget my life? My past and my heart ache? A program that exposed me to people experiencing destitution, hopelessness, and devastation. How did she think I would react to such opulence back home? When we step into the mansion's foyer, the first thing I notice is the polished ceramic tiled floor and the huge, crystal chandelier hanging above our heads. Then there are the two flights of beautiful white spiral staircases, one for each wing of the mansion, and the three white pillars that meet the high arched ceiling laced with gold. A luxurious infinity pool adorned with a flowing waterfall leads to a well maintained gorgeous garden fit for royalty through transparent glass doors between the two staircases. "Isn't it marvelous!" Christie exclaims, doing a kind of twirl on her feet. Her movement surprised me. She is like a whole different person. I never thought she would be enamored by wealth, but evidently, I was wrong. Entering the mansion has transported me into a different realm. A realm that could not be more dissimilar to my tiny bedroom at the orphanage. With such thoughts still racing through my head, my sister proceeds to give me a tour of the place. "And here is the kitchen… Sebastian only has the highest appliances. But you don't have to worry about using any of them. The servants take care of all our meals," she states, a posh tone creeping into her voice. I am speechless. I never have to make my own meals again? Seriously? Christie moves us on, directing me back to the foyer and up the spiral staircase on the left. After we head down a long corridor into the west wing, she stops by one of the many doors lining the passageway. "And now for your bedroom. We decorated it just for you. I know you like black and white photos, so I asked the interior designer to pick out a few prints for the walls," she says as she twists the brass, antique-styled handle. And a new wardrobe. We enter, and she points out the opulent California king bed, antique dresser, walk-in closet, en-suite, and sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony. This is utterly absurd. Is this a huge mess? I take a deadpan look around the room. "Isn't it lovely, Lil? You are welcome to come out here and read. Or even have your breakfast brought," sister continues, opening the balcony doors and walking us out to a breathtaking view of the gardens. In "America's Favorite Ex-Husband" by CrushReel, follow the journey of an aspiring writer whose life takes a dramatic turn after rescuing a rising Hollywood starlet. A decade later, Daniel finds himself as America’s beloved ex-husband to a prominent figure. This modern drama delves into themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of a writer's mansion. Through compelling character dynamics and unexpected twists, the narrative unfolds with a blend of intrigue and emotional depth. As Daniel navigates his newfound role in the limelight, the story explores the price of fame and the intricacies of personal identity in a world driven by public perception. With a seamless fusion of writerly insight and mansion-set drama, this ongoing series captivates audiences with its unique exploration of modern-day complexities. What sets "America's Favorite Ex-Husband" apart is its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of personal growth, societal expectations, and the pursuit of authenticity. Readers are drawn into a world where fame and reality collide, leaving them questioning the true nature of success and fulfillment. Dive into this captivating narrative available to read online at CrushReel for a riveting exploration of love, ambition, and the allure of stardom.