MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter Eight: Being A True Blackwood

April’s POV

After Doctor Jason finished examining me, he sat down beside my bed, his expression concerned. "Mrs. Blackwood, I think you're experiencing a stress-related illness, likely due to your adjustments to married life. I'm going to prescribe some medication to help you relax, and I want you to get plenty of rest, alright?"

He glanced at his phone, noticing the missed calls. "Your husband must be worried sick. I'll just give him a quick call to update him on your condition."

Doctor Jason dialed Marcus's number and spoke with him for a while, reassuring him about my condition. After they finished talking, he turned to me and smiled. "I'll be leaving now. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, and get plenty of rest. You'll be back on your feet in no time."

“Thank you doctor Jason,” I replied gratefully.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Blackwood," Doctor Jason answered with a warm smile. "Take care of yourself and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I'll check in on you later today."

After Doctor Jason left, I mustered up the strength to stand and make my way to the room’s dinette, where Lucy had set out a delicious meal. To my surprise, my appetite was unaffected by my illness, and I devoured the prepared sandwiches, soup and fruits with relish.

Just as I finished eating, I heard a knock at the door. I knew instantly who it was - Julian, come to gloat over my misfortune. Marcus had gone to the office, leaving me vulnerable to her taunts.

I steeled myself, sitting up straight and preparing for her entrance. I would not let her see my weakness. I would not give her the satisfaction.

Julian sauntered into the room, a mocking smile spreading across her face. "Mrs. Blackwood," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I thought you were stronger than this. One little kiss between Marcus and me, and you're laid up in bed?"

I held my tongue and my rising temper. Sticks and stones, after all.

She laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Maybe one day, I'll invite you to watch us make love. Marcus is… exceptional in that department," the vile temptress remarked snidely, running her tongue over her lips. "Hmm, yes… very exceptional indeed."

Again, I steeled my resolve to control my rising fury. I felt my hands almost tearing my nightgown with how tightly I grasped it. It was a good thing, my fingers were hidden beneath my blanket, away from her prying eyes.

Julian's eyes glinted with malice as she continued. "I just dropped by to see how my rival is doing. And I'm off to see Marcus now. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you - he personally asked me to meet him at the office to discuss how to get rid of you." Her laughter echoed through the room as she bowed mockingly. "See you later, Mrs. Blackwood. Enjoy your… recovery." With that, she turned and sashayed out of the room, leaving me seething with anger and agony.

A single tear escaped my eye as soon as Julian left, but I hastily wiped it away, fueled by determination. I will not shed tears for Marcus or anyone else.

Just then, another knock at the door broke the silence. I wondered who it could be, feeling a surge of irritation. Can't they just leave me alone?

"Come in," I called out, my intense annoyance ringing in my voice.

Lucy entered, curtsying slightly. "Mistress, you have a visitor waiting in one of the guest’s quarters."

My curiosity was instantly on alert. "Who is it?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.

Lucy just kept silent before excusing herself, possibly because my visitor did not introduce herself to our maid. This caused me to wonder: Who was this mysterious guest? And what did she want? A shiver ran down my spine as I thought, Oh Lord, please don't let this be another of Marcus's mistresses.

+++

Julian’s POV

I beamed with excitement as I took a cab Marcus's office. This was my dream unfolding before my eyes. I'd known about Marcus's wealthy family long before we met, and I'd set my sights on him. It wasn't difficult to make him fall for me, but getting him to propose or introduce me to his family had proven to be a challenge.

That was until his father summoned him back home. I'd cleverly manipulated the situation to make Marcus think we couldn't live apart, and now that little fool April thought she could steal him away from me? Please. Marcus was mine, and he would always be mine. I said to myself, with a smile, confident with my carefully crafted plan.

"Miss Julian, you can wait for him here," a slim, light brown-haired middle-aged lady in a stewardess-looking outfit smilingly said, as she gestured to the visitor's lounge.

I raised an eyebrow. "What's your role here?" I asked, eyeing her up and down.

The lady was taken aback. "I'm his secretary, Lydia," she replied.

I smirked. "And you think it's wise to ask me to wait in the visitor's office? Do you want to be fired?"

Miss Lydia's eyes widened in fear as she ushered me into Marcus's private office. "I'll get you some tea right away," she stammered.

I smiled, pleased with the effect I'd had on her. This was the way I liked it – his people scared enough to serve me.

+++

April’s POV

I slowly made my way to the visitor's quarter, dressed comfortably and ready to face whoever was waiting for me. As I entered the room, I was struck by the elegance of the elderly lady seated before me. Her refined features, impeccable style, and regal demeanor all screamed "royalty." She was surrounded by no less than five maids, who were attentively waiting on her.

"Good morning, Madame," I said, smiling, feeling an unexpected sense of calm wash over me.

The lady stood up slowly, her movements gracious and deliberate. "First of all, Mrs. Blackwood, you don't greet anyone by their title," she said with a warm smile. "I am Jessica, and I am here to be your mentor."

My eyes widened in surprise. "My mentor?" I repeated.

Jessica nodded. "Yes, I'm here to teach you how to be Mrs. Blackwood, in the truest sense of the word."

"Okay," I agreed, still overcome. "No one informed me about this."

Jessica smiled warmly. "First of all, congratulations on your marriage. I can see why Reginald chose you - you're beautiful and special."

She looked at me with kind eyes, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

"To be a true Blackwood, it requires a lot of knowledge, patience, and poise," she continued. "And I'm here to guide you through it all. I'll teach you everything you need to know to fulfill your role as Mrs. Blackwood."

Marcus’ POV

I rubbed my tired eyes, having spent the day jumping from one meeting to another. I hoped my mother had followed through on her promise to send Jessica to visit April. My wife needed every bit of guidance and support to navigate our complex family dynamics and high social status.

I wanted April to be strong and confident, aware of her rights and privileges as my better half. Julian's toxic behavior will not be tolerated. After all, I needed April to be prepared for the challenges ahead, not emotionally-tortured by my jealous ex-girlfriend!

I beckoned Raphael over, signing for him to discreetly investigate. "Is Julian waiting in the visitor’s lounge?" I asked, knowing all too well how manipulative she could be.

Raphael nodded confidently. "Yes, sir. She's been waiting for some time."

After the meeting, I excused myself and headed to my executive office which was recently upgraded by our company’s new interior designer, hoping to unwind for a bit before meeting with Julian. But as I entered the suite-like room, I was taken aback by the sight of Julian sitting in the chair reserved for me.

My annoyance flared, and I felt a surge of irritation at her audacity. What was she thinking, making herself at home in my office?

As I gazed at Julian, her smile twisting into a manipulative grin, my affection for her curdled into hatred. How had I ever fallen for her charms?

I forced a smile, hiding my true feelings. "I want you to leave the house, Julian. For April's sake, I don't want my father to know about you and also to make it easier to divorce April when it is time.

Julian's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her face. "Are you sure about that, Marcus? Or are you just saying this to appease me?"

I maintained my facade, my voice dripping with false sincerity. "No, baby. I want you all to myself. But I need my father to remain oblivious to our affair. I promise to give you anything you desire... anything at all, except Bothress Estate."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"As the lady of the house, it's essential you're well-versed in all aspects of the household and its operations. You'll be working closely with the staff, overseeing daily activities, and ensuring the smooth management of the estate.” Jessica continued as she took a sip of Earl Grey tea with lemon that the maids had served them. “As a Blackwood, you'll be responsible for upholding the family's reputation and legacy. This includes being accountable for every decision made and action taken within the household, as well as those affecting our affiliated properties and interests."

I nodded as I took a bite from the strawberry scone served to me on a dainty antique china platter. It was amazing how Jessica managed to discuss such vital matters with me while instructing me to mimic how to have tea like an aristocrat. She was quite efficient with her mentoring style and I was enjoying and appreciating our “training” so much that I hardly felt ill anymore.

.

"Remember, as the lady of the house, you must be fearless," Mrs. Jessica emphasized as she finished her drink and stood up. "Your position should never be threatened by anyone. Stand here, please," she instructed respectfully.

I walked closer to her. She circled around me several times, scrutinizing every detail of my body from head to toe.

"Jayson Designers will be perfect for you,” Jessica declared, her shortest maid scribbling down notes as she spoke. “We need to contact them at once for a new complete wardrobe fitted for your personal fashion outlines. Vivian will be your personal assistant, effective immediately,"

At her announcement, the most elegant-looking female of her five assistants stepped forward with a discreet smile. The dark-brown haired busty beauty immediately nodded towards me and I nodded back.

"Vivian, please ensure Mrs. Blackwood has everything she needs. Accompany her to all appointments and events, and handle any matters that require her attention."

Vivian curtsied graciously. "Yes, ma'am, Jessica. I promise to take good care of Mrs. Blackwood."