FORDDEN AFFAIR

CHAPTER2

As we finally arrived at the Caldwell estate, I felt a sense of awe wash over me. The sprawling property was a masterpiece of timeless elegance, its grandeur evident in every detail. The majestic main house stood tall, its stone and ivy façade exuding a sense of history and power. The winding driveway, lined with ancient oaks, led us to the entrance, where intricate woodwork and large arched windows spoke of a bygone era of craft skills.

As we stepped out of the car, the meticulously maintained gardens and vast manicured lawns came into view, with vibrant flowerbeds and elegantly trimmed hedges framing the pathway. A sparkling fountain at the center of the circular drive added a touch of serenity to the estate's imposing presence.

Upon entering the grand foyer, I felt a sense of wonder. High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and rich mahogany paneling created a warm and inviting atmosphere, while polished marble floors reflected the opulence of the surroundings. Grand staircases swept upwards, their intricately carved banisters gleaming in the light.

Each room was a testament to the estate's rich history, from the library's floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with leather-bound volumes to the plush drawing rooms with grand fireplaces. Every corner seemed to whisper stories of the past, of a legacy carefully preserved through generations.

But today, dressed in mourning black, I felt out of place in this world of luxury. A maid, still in her crisp black uniform, took my luggage. I had nothing to my name, and the grandeur of the Caldwell estate made me feel like a little bird.

Edward led me through the familiar corridors, his confident stride echoing off the walls. We reached his office, a room that had elegance and authority with its dark wood furnishings. "Please, Emily, take a seat," he gestured, his eyes still filled with those sympathies that I hated.

I did not want anyone's pity, it made me feel belittled.

As I settled into the plush chair, the air in the room felt heavy with unspoken words. Edward paused, collecting his thoughts before speaking in a gentle but firm tone, "I need to discuss something important with you."

I nodded, my eyes cast downward, my mind still reeling from the loss of my parents. The pain was still raw, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was there, in this grand office, discussing something "important" when my world had just been shattered. "Okay…" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Edward's eyes searched mine as he asked, "You know my son, William?" I nodded again, my thoughts drifting to the numerous rumors and whispers about William's reckless behavior.

Edward continued, his tone measured, "He's been known to...pursue many women." So? Should that be my business? I frowned but didn't say my thoughts out loud.

"Of course, I mean...who hasn't?" I replied.

William Caldwell, crimson pack man w***e. He sleeps with everything that has a v****a. However, in school, I used to daydream about having him as mine. I don't mind him touching me with his hand, womanizer or not he is the hottest man in all of Crimson Pack. The most handsome man in Crimson High School and my long-time crush.

But at this very moment, it was the least relevant matter in my head.

Edward's eyes narrowed slightly as if he had entered my head and seen my thoughts. "You like him, right?" Edward asked, his gaze piercing through my emotions.

Blushing, I nodded, "I mean… he is William.”

"Good," Edward said with a sense of purpose. "Then you shall marry him, be his wife, and bear his children." The directive hit me like a sudden storm, and I struggled to process the words. "What... Really?" I asked, surprised etched all over my face.

"Yes, really," Edward confirmed, his tone measured as he delivered the unexpected news.

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. "This can't be because of my current situation, right?" I asked, trying to clarify.

Edward's expression turned somber, and he reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a letter. "Your father gave this to me a month ago," he said, his voice low and serious. "It was as if he knew...what would happen to him." I felt a pang of regret and guilt for not checking in on my parents more often.

As I ripped open the letter, I gasped, recognizing my father's handwriting. "Bumblebee," the letter began, "I know you are reading this because I am probably dead." Tears sprang to my eyes as I read on. "I begged the alpha to send this to you. But in case I die...my money, your mother's money, would be in your name. I had promised your hand to the alpha's son." My heart raced as I read the words, shock, grief, and anger all mixed at once inside of me.

"Daddy had done bad things," the letter continued. "Really bad ones and I am glad I had lived to see you turn seventeen. But this is my limit, my little bumblebee. I am sorry. I am sorry. But go ahead and live a happy life. Daddy will protect you alright, from heaven." I couldn't hold back my tears anymore, and I let out a loud cry, sobbing uncontrollably. "Daddy! Why…why…” I wailed, catarrh streaming down my nose. Edward's expression softened, and he handed me a handkerchief, but I just shook my head.

He knew. He f*****g knew but he didn't prepare me. He didn't tell me. He was killed, but he knew. And I knew nothing.

He did it to protect me. Oh, goddess.

The tears didn't stop even when I arrived in my room. They still didn't stop.