Blackwoods dont break
372 Words
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Episode 7 – The Blackwoods Don’t Break
The Blackwood estate loomed on the edge of Long Island—where legacy lived, but love rarely did.
Inside the grand dining room, the table was set for three.
Only two were seated.
Caroline Blackwood, elegant in pearls and silence, stirred her tea with grace and irritation. “Late again,” she said without looking up. “He’s becoming just like his father.”
Across from her, Edward Blackwood, a man built from steel and status, kept reading the Financial Times. “At least he’s not throwing money at that tech nonsense like his cousins. He’s focused. Smart.”
Caroline frowned. “Focused on a woman, if the tabloids are true. That… Zara Cruz.”
Edward lowered the paper. “The PR woman? He hired her. Why does that matter?”
“She’s everywhere,” Caroline said sharply. “And now so is he. Smiling. Laughing. She’s changing him.”
Edward’s face hardened. “No one changes a Blackwood. Not for long.”
A silence stretched between them—the kind only old wounds can carry.
“She reminds me of Daniel,” Caroline said softly.
Edward’s eyes darkened. “Don’t.”
But the name had already slipped into the room like a ghost. Daniel Blackwood—the son they lost. Ethan’s older brother. The one who smiled too much, dreamed too loud, and left too soon.
“He still blames himself,” Caroline whispered.
“He should’ve moved on by now,” Edward snapped. “It’s been ten years.”
Before Caroline could answer, the front doors opened. Footsteps echoed through the marble hall.
Ethan Blackwood entered, dressed in black, his jaw sharp with tension.
“You’re late,” Edward said.
Ethan didn’t flinch. “Traffic.”
Caroline walked over to kiss his cheek. “You look tired.”
“Work,” Ethan replied. But the truth was heavier than that. Zara’s laugh still echoed in his mind. Her eyes. Her fire.
Edward stood. “Don’t let this girl distract you from your name. Your duty.”
Ethan met his father’s eyes with quiet steel. “I’m not distracted.”
“Then what are you?” Edward asked.
Ethan’s silence was answer enough.
- Writer
