chapter 5: Blackwood Mansion
509 Words
The black Rolls-Royce glided through a pair of towering iron gates.
Ava pressed her face lightly against the window.
Beyond the gates stretched acres of perfectly trimmed gardens, sparkling fountains, and rows of ancient oak trees leading to a magnificent white mansion.
It looked less like a home and more like a royal palace.
"This can't be real..." she whispered.
"It is," Ethan replied without looking up from the documents in his hand.
"It's your home now."
Those words sent a chill through her.
Her home?
No.
It was only a place she would stay for one year.
Nothing more.
The car stopped beneath a grand marble entrance supported by towering columns.
Before the driver could open the door, two long lines of servants stepped outside.
The butler bowed deeply.
"Welcome home, Mr. Blackwood."
Then everyone turned toward Ava.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Blackwood."
The title echoed through the entrance hall.
Mrs. Blackwood.
Ava forced a smile, though it felt unfamiliar.
Ethan stepped out first, then offered her his hand.
She hesitated before accepting it.
The moment they climbed the marble stairs together, a burst of camera flashes erupted outside the gates.
Reporters had already gathered.
"They're fast," Ethan muttered.
Without warning, he slipped his arm around Ava's waist.
She stiffened.
"What are you doing?"
"Playing our roles."
His voice remained calm.
"If we look uncomfortable, they'll ask questions."
Ava nodded and leaned slightly closer.
The photographers captured every moment.
To the world...
They looked like the perfect couple.
Inside the mansion, crystal chandeliers illuminated an enormous hall decorated with priceless paintings and elegant sculptures.
Ava turned slowly, unable to hide her amazement.
"You could get lost in here."
"I did."
She looked at Ethan.
"When I was a child."
It was the first personal thing he had ever told her.
Before she could reply, the sound of heels clicking against marble echoed through the hall.
An elegant woman descended the staircase.
She wore a dark emerald dress and a string of diamonds around her neck.
Every servant lowered their head.
"Miss Victoria," the butler said respectfully.
Victoria Hart stopped a few steps away from Ethan.
Her smile was graceful.
Until her eyes landed on Ava.
"So..."
She folded her arms.
"This is the woman you married."
Ava extended her hand politely.
"It's nice to meet you."
Victoria ignored the gesture.
Instead, she looked Ava up and down.
"I expected someone... more suitable."
The words stung.
Before Ava could respond, Ethan stepped between them.
"My wife doesn't need your approval."
For the first time, Victoria's smile disappeared.
She looked directly at Ethan.
"You've changed."
"No," Ethan replied.
"I've moved on."
Victoria's eyes flashed with anger.
She turned and walked away without another word.
As silence settled over the hall, the butler approached Ethan nervously.
"Sir..."
"The security team found someone hiding near the east garden."
Ethan's expression darkened.
"Who?"
The butler swallowed.
"They escaped before we could catch them."
Ava felt a knot form in her stomach.
Someone had already found Blackwood Mansion.
And they weren't there to offer congratulations.
- Writer
