THE FIRST TRAP
780 Words
The drive back to Blackwood Mansion was unusually quiet.Amelia stared out of the window as the city lights blurred past. Ethan was awake. His surgery had been successful. For the first time in days, she felt as though she could finally breathe.Beside her, Damien remained focused on the road ahead, his expression unreadable.
You’ve been quiet,” he said.Amelia smiled faintly.I’m just relieved Ethan is getting better.
He’ll make a full recovery.She turned to him.You sound very certain I only hire the best.Despite herself, Amelia laughed softly.
Do you always answer like a businessman?
Damien glanced at her, the corner of his lips lifting almost imperceptibly.It’s the only language I’ve ever been good at.For a brief moment, the silence between them felt… comfortable.The moment they entered the mansion, Mrs. Hughes hurried toward them.Mr. Blackwood, your grandmother is waiting in the family lounge.
Damien nodded.I’ll be there.
As Amelia turned to head upstairs, Sophia’s voice stopped her.
Not so fast.”
Amelia looked back.
Sophia walked over carrying a neatly wrapped gift box.A warm smile spread across her face.It was the first time Amelia had seen her smile.I owe you an apology, Sophia said.
“I judged you too quickly.”
Amelia blinked in surprise.
“You… did?”
“I did.”
Sophia held out the gift.
“I’d like us to start over.”
Mrs. Hughes looked pleasantly surprised.That’s very thoughtful, Miss Sophia.
Amelia hesitated before accepting the box.
“Thank you.”
Sophia’s smile widened.I hope you like it.She turned and walked away.The moment she disappeared around the corner, the smile vanished from her face.Instead, she pulled out her phone.It’s done,she whispered.Inside her room, Amelia carefully unwrapped the gift.It was a breathtaking emerald-green evening gown.Its delicate embroidery shimmered beneath the light.A small handwritten note slipped onto the floor.Wear this to tomorrow night’s family dinner.
Sophia
Amelia smiled to herself.
Maybe…
Maybe Sophia was trying to change.She had no idea she had just walked into a trap.
The following evening…Blackwood Mansion hosted one of its most important annual charity galas.Business leaders, politicians, celebrities and influential families filled the grand ballroom.Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while a live orchestra played softly in the background.Mrs. Hughes helped Amelia into the emerald gown.“You look beautiful,” she said sincerely.Amelia stared at her reflection.She barely recognized herself.As she descended the grand staircase, conversations throughout the ballroom faded.Every eye turned toward her.Damien looked up.For a moment…He forgot the conversation he was having.She looked breathtaking.His grandmother noticed the expression on his face and quietly smiled to herself.Perhaps fate had its own plans after all.Damien walked toward Amelia.
“You look…”
He paused.
“…beautiful.”
A blush crept onto Amelia’s cheeks.
“Thank you.”
Just as Damien offered her his arm—A loud ripping sound echoed through the ballroom.
Riiip!
Amelia froze.
Gasps filled the room.
The elegant gown suddenly tore from her shoulder all the way down her side, exposing far more than she intended.She instinctively covered herself as cameras flashed wildly.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Was that dress defective?
How embarrassing…
“Did she do that on purpose?
Tears of humiliation filled Amelia’s eyes.
Before anyone could say another word, Damien removed his tuxedo jacket and gently wrapped it around her shoulders.
His gaze swept across the room like a blade.If I see one more camera pointed at her…His voice was deadly calm.
every photo taken tonight will become the last photograph your company ever profits from.”
The photographers immediately lowered their cameras.The ballroom fell silent.
Damien placed a reassuring hand on Amelia’s back.
“Come with me.”
As they walked away together, Sophia watched from across the room, hiding a satisfied smile behind her champagne glass.
But she didn’t notice one person watching her.
Grandmother Blackwood.
The older woman’s sharp eyes shifted from Sophia… to the torn dress… then back again.
For the first time that evening, suspicion crossed her face.
Maybe…
The enemy wasn’t outside the Blackwood family after all.
Upstairs, inside Damien’s private study, Amelia finally broke down.
“I’m sorry,” she sobbed.
“I ruined your event.”
Damien closed the door behind them.
“You ruined nothing.”
“They were all laughing at me.”
“They were laughing because someone wanted them to.”Amelia looked up.
“What do you mean?”
Damien walked to the torn gown lying on the sofa.Carefully, he examined the seam.
His expression darkened.
“This dress…”
He looked straight into Amelia’s eyes.
“…was cut before you ever put it on.”
Amelia’s breath caught.Someone hadn’t wanted to embarrass her.Someone had planned it.And they had come frighteningly close to succeeding.
- Writer
