Locked With The Wrong Lockwood

Chapter No. 4

Calista Lockwood:-

As soon as the morning sun appeared through Lockwood’s windows, it did not brighten my mood at all. Artemis did what he had said he would do. A light touch on my shoulder followed by a kiss.

“Be strong,” he said softly and gave my lips a peck before closing the door.

All of a sudden, marriage became a reality and I was able to take a moment to feel it in every way. Peace at home was impossible after a sudden knock on my door occurred around nine o’clock.

While giving a polite bow, the maid entered and said, “Lady Lockwood, Senior Mr. Lockwood would like you to join him for breakfast.”

Lady Lockwood. Despite what Artemis explained the night before, the title sounded just as unfamiliar to me.

I quickly dressed and walked quickly behind the maid through the modern and impressive stairway. The mansion still looked intimidating. There was something special and hidden in every section of the house. All the portraits I came across seemed to convey judgment.

The only sounds in the dining room were from the cutlery. It was at that point that I noticed Senior Lockwood. Artemis’s father. My father-in-law was seated in the top chair at the dining table, looking strong just like his son.

He stopped what he was eating and used his eyes, very focused and visible through his silver-framed glasses. Regardless of his age, his tall and broad-shouldered physique made him look commanding. His impressive power came from having Lockwood ancestry.

As soon as I came in, he was swiftly surprised, saying, “I didn’t expect you to be so young. It is great to see some new family members joining the Lockwoods. Of course, Artemis was going to find forbidden things tempting."

I wasn’t sure whether the person meant to criticize or support me when saying that. Probably both.

“Sit, girl.” There was absolutely no hint of questioning in the way he spoke.

The staff served my fruit, eggs, and coffee on the table swiftly. Even though the atmosphere was not relaxed, everyone still greeted me respectfully. “Lady Lockwood”. Not Calista. Not like the girl ‘that girl’ is. Simply Lady Lockwood. The woman leading the Lockwood household.

Despite being nervous and out of my element, I sat on the chair and tried to keep good posture. When I saw Diana Lockwood enter the room, the air around us got cold, my ex-fiancé Nathan Lockwood’s mother, who always acted aloof toward me.

She is standing there in her sleek dark red dress, with her blonde hair high in a tight updo, her face showing restraint and authority. Artemis’s sister-in-law. Or she is an ex-sister-in-law because she is now a widow. I found the titles to be very confusing. I was making an effort to be nice until I realized her eyes were fixed on me in anger.

She walked toward the table with grace, similar to a cobra getting prepared to attack. "Goodness, you really get from one man to another so quickly!"

Diana performed that series of actions and took her seat, so that I saw her legs crossed and her eyes squinted as she looked at me.

"To be honest, Calista, I was always correct about you. Take a moment to examine who you are. After being dumped and rejected, you jumped on top of another Lockwood in an attempt to feel better. If playing tricks on my sweet son wasn’t enough, you had to try and fool his Uncle? That’s very disappointing. Have you no shame? Really? Or perhaps your preference is for older men, or is it mostly influenced by their success and wealth?”

I was still clear-minded when I blinked and spoke in a polite way.

"To be honest with you, Diana. Loyalty means a lot to me. A spot where he struggled to perform to the best of his ability. I wasn’t aware of how valuable I was until yesterday. I won't fall for low and leech standards like you and your scumbag son."

“How sweet it is,” she smiled as she leaned back, picking up her cup of coffee. “Already, you sound like you are ready to defend what you believe. It’s something that seems to go along with this title, isn’t it? Getting into the lifestyle of the Lockwood family must be very tiring. Isn't?"

I stopped paying attention to her and continued with my food so she didn’t get what she desired. Yet, what she said kept coming to my mind, all of it trying to sway my decision making.

Senior Lockwood did not speak, but gave a light smile.

“Please be careful not to push the needle in very deeply, Diana. Even though she is young, Calista is part of the Lockwood family. Anyone who doesn’t value its power usually faces its wrath. It is wise to get your breakfast done quietly and head out early to avoid giving Artemis the chance to hear you misbehaving toward his wife.”

Holding her arms close, Diana couldn’t help but laugh at the circumstance.

"Sure, Dad. Hopefully, she will be able to survive. All the pressures and duties expected of someone with the Lockwood name.”

While I was eating my toast and chewing, I tried to not think about her as she was behaving smugly. I could tell she thought I was worth less than dirt, but her opinion didn’t matter anymore because of Artemis’s advice or finally accepting what I had avoided for ages.

Artemis brings up good points. I am now part of the family and not just a guest. I am the Lady Lockwood. Artemis Lockwood’s wife. And Diana? Her time had already passed. Once I had my fork out of my mouth, I raised my head to stare her right in the eye.

With a quiet and smooth tone, I said, “Your reaction to me makes your interest in my actions seem out of the ordinary. Fearing that your liberties are at risk in some way. As if you are feeling threatened by me.”

Diana blinked. “Excuse me?”

I said you’re feeling threatened, Diana, because I was given the title you used to wear. Lady Lockwood. Isn’t that situation something that bothers you? The girl you often talked and insulted with your private, rich group is now sitting on the position that you believed you would always control as its queen." Her muscles in her jaw tightened.

“Diana, you are not part of the Lockwood family any longer,” I added with sharp words. "You have lost your husband and now you are a widow. Nothing more. Your only link to this family exists because you gave birth to a worthless son. Therefore, if you are planning to stay in this house, you must show me respect.”

I drew close, keeping my voice low and pure power in it. "And, if you can't, then I will make sure to kick you out of the Lockwood mansion, rip you out of your luxuries, before you can even blink and have a chance to place your feet on the marble."

SLAM.

She shot up from her chair, pressed her hands on the table, and glared at me angrily. “You insolent—!”

“Enough!” Senior Lockwood spoke in a bark of amusement as he rose just slightly, then sat down again with a wide smile. After that, he smiled and laughed out loud at me. “I sure didn’t expect that.”

He gazed at me as if I were one of a kind. "I have a good feeling about you. No wonder my brat son ended up picking the forbidden young blood as his wife. You’re feisty. Strong. You are strong-willed. Just the perfect match for my son."

Diana wasn’t able to hold back her anger; her mouth gaped in surprise.

I went back to my eggs with a calm look of royalty. I ate a few more bites, cleaned my mouth with the napkin, and said softly.

“Breakfast is very good today and so was your company, Sr. Lockwood. Thank you.” I thanked him when he smiled at me and tapped on my hand gently as a father would.

"Call me, Dad, my dear. You’re family now," he said with a smile, and I went still for a moment and smiled.

"Thank you, Dad." I thanked him. "Would you please excuse me, there are some other matters I need your assistance with for the day."

I had just got up from the table and turn to leave when I bump into none other than my ex-fiance, and the man I hate so much standing in front of me, with my bitchy sister who was grinning at me, and running her hand on her belly shamelessly.

"Calista...." Nathan had just opened his mouth to speak when I cut him off sharply with a death glare.

"It's Aunt Calista to you now, my dear nephew."