FREEDOM WAS THE LIE

CHAPTER 7: LINES ARE DRAWN

Evening had slowly reached the Blackwood home.The Blackwood dining hall was already set for dinner, a long table polished under warm golden lights. But no one was there for a peaceful meal. They were there for a family war dressed as dinner.

Everything prepared for a family dinner that rarely stayed peaceful.

Dominic sat relaxed, watching everything like it was entertainment. Adrian was quieter, but his eyes were sharp, following every move. Isabella leaned slightly back in her chair, clearly already bored.

And at the center of it all—Ethan stood proudly with the woman beside him.

“This is my wife,” Ethan announced. “We’re officially married.”

A brief silence followed.

Then Xavier let out a slight chuckle.Not loud. Not forced. Just enough to cut through the moment.

He leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression calm. “That’s your big move?”

Dominic immediately laughed under his breath. Adrian smirked faintly, shaking his head. Even Isabella raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “What’s so funny?” Dominic leaned forward slightly. “You really brought her here like this is a business deal announcement.”

Isabella added dryly, “At least make it look strategic next time.”

Ethan’s expression darkened. He turned slightly toward his wife.“Leave us,” he said flatly. “This is business.”

She hesitated for a second, then quietly stepped away from the table.

The moment she was gone, Ethan’s attention snapped back to Xavier.

“You’re all acting like I’m a joke,” he said coldly.

Xavier met his gaze without blinking. Calm. Controlled. “You did that yourself,” Xavier replied simply.

A faint tension moved across the table.

Ethan leaned forward slightly. “At least I’m making moves. Building alliances. Securing my position.”

Dominic let out a short laugh. “That’s what you call it?” Ethan ignored him and focused on Xavier. “You sit there acting untouchable,” Ethan said, voice sharper now. “But you haven’t secured anything properly. No real move. No real commitment.”

A pause.

Then Ethan’s lips curved slightly. “Or are you just weak?”

Silence dropped instantly.

Even Dominic stopped laughing. Isabella straightened slightly. Adrian’s expression hardened.

All eyes shifted to Xavier.

But Xavier didn’t react right away. He just looked at Ethan. Calm. Unbothered. Like the word hadn’t even reached him properly.

Then he leaned forward slightly, resting his forearm on the table. “If you think marriage is a strategy,” Xavier said quietly, “then you’ve already misunderstood the game.”

The air tightened immediately.

“ Yes, I commend your consistency in getting a wife, but you know they are rituals guiding the whole arrangement. You of all people should understand this, So yes, your strategy failed Ethan..and badly.”

Dominic's face immediately lightened up “ So brother, no one can just bring any stranger, but they are rules and rituals that are meant to protect the young lad. It's obvious this girl doesn't know anything about this family, and mother won't permit a stranger into our family, you have to be in love, so it will sell. Your pretence would be exposed.’

Because this wasn’t a family dinner anymore.

The argument at the Blackwood table was still hanging in the air when the doors opened.

Mrs. Andrea stepped in.

She took one look at the scene—half-finished sentences, tense expressions, and cold silence building between her children.

“Children,” she said firmly, “I thought we were having dinner.” Her gaze sharpened.

“Now shut up.”

The room went quiet instantly.

Even Ethan straightened slightly. Dominic leaned back, no longer amused. Isabella folded her arms, watching carefully.

Adrian stood up and calmly pulled out a chair. “Mother, sit please,” he said respectfully.

Mrs. Andrea took her seat, her expression still firm.

For a moment, no one spoke. Then she looked around the table. “Now,” she said slowly,

“Someone tell me what this unnecessary noise is about.”

Silence.

Ethan exhaled slightly, already stepping away from the situation. “It’s nothing important,” he said flatly. “Just family talk.”

Without waiting for a response, he pushed his chair back and stood.

“I’m done here.”

And just like that, he left the table. The atmosphere shifted again—quieter now, but still tense.

Mrs. Andrea’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Unbelievable,” she muttered.

She turned her gaze across the remaining children. “All of you, leave my presence.”

Everyone immediately obeyed.

Dominic stood first. Adrian followed. Isabella paused briefly, then glanced at Xavier.

“See me shortly,” Mrs. Andrea said to her. “I have news for you.”

Isabella gave a small nod. “Yes, Mother.”

A brief, knowing look passed between them—quiet,meaningful.

Then she left.

Soon, only two remained in the room.

Xavier. And Mrs. Andrea.

The silence between them wasn’t empty. It was formed with years of understanding, distance, and control that neither of them ever fully admitted.

As the eldest, Mrs. Andrea had authority—but with Xavier, it was different.

He didn’t respond to authority. He acknowledged it… only when he chose to.