Bound by Fate

Bound by Fate episode 2

Episode 2: The Blackwood Mansion

Aria sat in silence as the luxury car pulled through the towering gates of the Blackwood estate. The mansion looked more like a palace than a home, surrounded by perfectly trimmed gardens and guarded by high iron fences.

"This is your new home," Ethan said without looking at her.

Aria folded her arms. "It's just a house."

Ethan smirked. "You'll get used to it."

The moment they stepped inside, dozens of servants lined up.

"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood."

Aria felt uncomfortable. She wasn't used to such luxury—or pretending to be someone's wife.

A graceful woman descended the grand staircase, dressed in an elegant black gown.

"Mother," Ethan greeted.

Victoria Blackwood looked Aria up and down before forcing a smile.

"So this is the Bennett girl."

"I have a name," Aria replied calmly.

Victoria's smile disappeared.

"I hope you understand that becoming a Blackwood is a privilege. Don't embarrass this family."

Before Aria could respond, Ethan interrupted.

"That's enough."

He led Aria upstairs to the master bedroom.

"This room is yours," he said.

"Ours?" she corrected.

"No." Ethan shook his head. "We'll sleep in separate rooms."

Aria sighed with relief.

"Good. I wouldn't want to share a room with someone who treats marriage like a business contract."

Ethan's expression hardened.

"It is a business contract."

He walked to the desk and placed a document in front of her.

"My rules."

Aria frowned.

"No entering my office without permission."

"No questioning my business."

"No pretending this marriage is real."

"And most importantly..." He looked directly into her eyes.

"Don't fall in love with me."

Aria laughed softly.

"Trust me, Mr. Blackwood. That's the last thing I would ever do."

For the first time, Ethan was caught off guard.

She wasn't afraid of him.

As Aria turned toward the window, neither of them noticed the figure watching from the hallway.

Someone had already decided that this marriage would never survive.

End of Episode 2...

Next Episode: A mysterious stranger arrives at the Blackwood mansion with shocking information about the arranged marriage, putting Aria and Ethan's fragile alliance to the test.