Chapter 3 – The First Meeting
1087 Words
It was oppressive to drive to Blackwood Estate.
With her arms crossed over her chest, Aria sat rigidly in the rear of the sleek black Rolls-Royce. Behind them, the city gradually vanished as the tall towers gave way to a lonely, private road that led to his world, a world she didn't want to be a part of.
Anger and fear mixed to wrench her gut.
She was going to meet Kieran Blackwood today.
The guy who had her now.
A guy who coerced her into signing this contract without even bothering to meet her.
As the automobile drew closer to the estate's enormous iron gates, which were secured by advanced technology, her fingers pressed into the fabric of her clothing. Without a sound, the gates opened to show a vast, contemporary fortress—a home composed of steel, glass, and icy, inhospitable accuracy.
It was amazing.
Nevertheless, it didn't feel at all like home.
The vehicle came to a halt in front of the door. Dark and ominous, the doors loomed ahead.
Aria took a deep breath. It's this.
The driver opened her door and got out first. "Miss Lancaster."
No.
Blackwood, Mrs.
She shuddered at the title.
Her heels clicked on the smooth stone driveway as she walked outside, lifting her chin. It was hard to see inside due to the intense glints of light from the afternoon sun reflecting off the glass windows.
There was stillness for a minute.
The doors then flew open.
He was also present.
Blackwood, Kieran.
Wearing an all-black suit with the jacket unzipped just enough to give him an air of easy dominance, he stood at the doorway.
He had massive shoulders, a sharp, chiseled face that may have been in a sculpture, and a height that was intimidatingly towering.
But she remained still because of his gaze.
Icy gray. Getting pierced. Unreadable.
He remained silent.
Didn't grin.
Did not provide a helping hand.
He just gazed at her.
Aria sensed a change in the atmosphere between them during that one, oppressive instant.
The conflict had started in silence.
Refusing to be the first to turn away, she forced herself to meet his gaze.
He would be very disappointed if he anticipated obedience.
At last, he said something.
"You're running late."
The remarks were composed and calm. However, underlying them was a subdued authority that infuriated her.
Aria's forehead raised. Additionally, you neglected to meet your fiancée before the announcement of your engagement. I would say that we are even.
He made a small line with his lips.
An almost imperceptible gleam of laughter swept over his face and then vanished completely.
He turned and marched inside without saying another word.
Aria's mouth clenched.
Was this the way things were going to be?
Alright.
She wasn't here to win his approval.
She followed him in, lifting her chin.
The guy who owned the estate was as chilly as the interior.
Luxuriance without warmth: floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an immaculate landscape, crisp marble flooring, and vaulted ceilings.
This building exuded dominance and power in every way.
And seclusion.
Aria had anticipated being greeted by employees, maybe even a cleaner. However, nobody was present.
Kieran was the only one standing in the middle of the enormous living area, staring at her with that enraged expressionless face.
He pointed to the staircase. "The second floor is where your room is located."
Not in our space.
She felt her tummy tighten.
Naturally.
On paper, she was his wife and nothing more.
Even though she didn't want to live in the same room as him, the knowledge that he had already put up a wall between them made her heartache.
Aria crossed her arms. That's all, then? No introductory remarks? Nothing like "make yourself at home"?
Kieran let out a deep breath as if her presence had already worn him out. "Your purpose is not to feel at ease. You are here to fulfill your role. If you follow the instructions, everything will proceed easily.
Aria moved ahead slowly. "What if I don't?"
Something evil flickered across his eyes. After that, things become challenging. Furthermore, I dislike difficulty.
Even though her heart was racing, she kept her terror from him.
Does he want power? Give him a chance.
Her lips twisted into a slow sneer. "I've never been able to follow directions well."
He tightened his jaw.
He broke his composed exterior for the first time.
Excellent.
Tell him she wouldn't be easily broken.
Kieran poured himself a drink and walked over to a tiny bar. The room was filled with the soft clatter of glass against glass.
In a silky yet aloof voice, he said, "You already know the rules." "You'll be my wife in public for a year. Together, we'll go to events. You will act appropriately, speak when called upon, and smile when anticipated.
Aria folded her arms. "And in private?"
After taking a sip of his beverage, he looked her in the eye.
"Behind closed doors, you don't bother me."
She wasn't prepared for the impact of the remarks.
Whatever the reason, she had expected him to at least act—to put some effort into their arrangement.
However, he had already made his decisions.
To him, she was only a contractual obligation.
Aria stifled a giggle. "You know, before revealing their true selves, most husbands pretend for a short time."
Kieran's head c****d slightly. "Most wives aren't compelled to marry to protect their father's reputation."
She stopped.
He spoke harshly. Unforgiving.
Aria's fingernails sank into her hands.
He wanted her to feel helpless as much as obedient.
She raised her chin. "One year," she said in a firm voice. "After that, we part ways."
For too long, his eyes were fixed on her. Then he remarked, with icy certainty—
"I only need a year."
A weird sensation took hold of her chest.
Why only a year?
He was keeping something from her.
There was something more than the contract in this marriage.
But she would learn.
Kieran Blackwood would later regret ever pressuring her to do this.
Long after Kieran had left her alone, the tension between them persisted.
Aria paced her new bedroom, suddenly confronted by the truth of her circumstances.
She was stuck.
A prisoner in a cage made of gold.
She balled her fingers into fists.
No.
She refused to pretend to be the submissive wife.
She refused to be broken by him.
Kieran Blackwood was going to get into a fight if he wanted one.
- Writer
