Chapter 4: Mrs. Blackwood
755 Words
The moment Raine signed the contract, her world began to spin. Damien wasted no time; within hours, she found herself whisked away to a sprawling estate outside the city. The Blackwood mansion was as intimidating as its owner—an architectural marvel with towering gates, expansive gardens, and a looming air of secrecy.
“Welcome to your new home,” Damien said as they stepped inside.
Raine’s breath hitched. The interior was a blend of luxury and cold perfection: marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and walls adorned with priceless art. Yet, for all its beauty, it felt eerily empty.
“This doesn’t feel like a home,” she muttered.
Damien glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “It’s what you make of it.”
Before she could respond, a woman in a tailored uniform appeared. “Mrs. Blackwood,” she greeted warmly. “I’m Margaret, the head housekeeper. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Margaret,” Raine said, her voice uncertain.
As Margaret disappeared, Damien turned to her. “You’ll find everything you need in the master bedroom. Tomorrow, we’ll host a small gathering to announce our marriage.”
Raine’s stomach sank. “We’re already announcing it? Don’t you think that’s a bit… fast?”
“We don’t have the luxury of time,” Damien replied curtly. “Appearances are everything in my world.”
Raine wanted to argue but decided against it. Instead, she followed him upstairs to a massive suite that was clearly designed for two people.
“This will be your room as well,” Damien said, his tone leaving no room for discussion.
“You mean our room?” she clarified, feeling her cheeks heat up.
Damien smirked but didn’t answer directly. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”
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The next day, Raine found herself in a whirlwind of preparations. A team of stylists arrived to transform her for the party, fussing over her hair, makeup, and dress. As she sat in the vanity chair, Lila called, her voice filled with excitement.
“Are you seriously married to Damien Blackwood now?” Lila asked, practically screaming into the phone.
“It’s complicated,” Raine said, keeping her voice low.
“Girl, complicated or not, you hit the jackpot. Just remember me when you’re drowning in diamonds and designer shoes.”
Raine laughed nervously, but her mind wandered to Damien’s cryptic warnings.
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That evening, the mansion came alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. Guests in designer outfits filled the grand ballroom, their conversations laced with curiosity about Damien’s mysterious new wife.
Raine felt like a fish out of water as Damien guided her through the crowd, his hand resting possessively on her back. Every now and then, he introduced her to someone important—a business partner, a politician, or a socialite.
“She’s stunning,” one woman gushed, her eyes scanning Raine’s designer gown. “You’re a lucky man, Damien.”
“I’m well aware,” Damien replied smoothly, his gaze never leaving Raine.
But the evening wasn’t without tension. Raine noticed the lingering stares of several guests, their whispers barely concealed.
“Why do I feel like I’m being watched?” she asked Damien quietly.
“Because you are,” he said, his tone dark. “Not everyone here is a friend. Some of them are waiting for us to slip.”
Before she could press him for details, a tall man approached them. His sharp suit and confident demeanor matched Damien’s, but there was something sinister about the way he smiled.
“Damien,” the man greeted, his tone dripping with mockery. “You didn’t tell me you’d gotten married.”
“Victor,” Damien replied, his voice icy. “I didn’t think it concerned you.”
Victor’s gaze shifted to Raine, his smile widening. “And you must be the lovely Mrs. Blackwood. Tell me, did you know what you were getting into when you said ‘I do’?”
Raine stiffened, but Damien’s grip on her arm tightened. “That’s enough, Victor,” he said sharply.
Victor chuckled, raising his glass in mock surrender. “Enjoy the honeymoon phase while it lasts.”
As Victor walked away, Raine leaned closer to Damien. “Who was that?”
“My father,” Damien said quietly, his jaw clenched.
Raine’s heart sank. If Victor was any indication of the danger Damien had hinted at, she was beginning to realize just how deep she had gotten herself.
- Writer
