CHAPTER SEVEN
906 Words
Aria evaded Kael's attempts to confront her, unsure of her emotions.
But Kael wouldn't be deterred.
He stormed into his mother's chambers, his anger boiling.
"Mother, stop manipulating Aria," he demanded. "Leave her be."
Vivian's eyes narrowed.
"Kael, dear, you're being foolish," she said.
But Kael stood firm.
"I won't let you hurt her," he warned.
And you too,lady Victoria you are just a family friend you have no say in our family matters so stop influencing my mother or messing with Aria or I would have to stop you from coming here
Unbeknownst to them, Aria overheard the conversation.
Her heart swelled with emotion.
Kael was defending her.
As she turned to leave, Kael spotted her.
He strode towards her, his eyes burning.
"Aria," he whispered, grasping her hand.
He led her to her room, shutting the door.
"The curse brought us together," he said, his voice low.
"But I want you to know... I'm ready to love you."
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"For what reason?" she asked.
Kael's gaze locked onto hers.
"Because I feel something," he said. "Something real."
Aria's defenses crumbled.
"Kael—"
He silenced her with a gentle kiss.
"I don't care about the curse," he whispered.
"I care about you."
Aria's heart soared.
Aria's apology caught Kael off guard.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was overwhelmed."
Kael's expression softened.
"No need to apologize," he said, embracing her. "I understand."
Their love, once withering, now flourished.
But Kael's confrontation with his mother and Vivian had an unintended consequence.
Lady Victoria seethed with anger.
"That insolent girl," she spat. "She thinks she can control my son?"
Vivian's eyes gleamed with malice.
"We'll use her, Mother," she said. "Then discard her."
Lady Victoria nodded.
"Once she produces an heir and breaks the curse, she's useless to us."
Vivian smiled.
"I'll ensure she knows her place."
Meanwhile, Aria and Kael's love blossomed.
Their stolen glances and whispers ignited a fire.
But amidst the happiness, Aria sensed darkness lurking.
Aria's joy was tempered by an unsettling feeling.
She sensed darkness lurking within Blackwood Manor.
Specifically, within herself.
"Aria, what's wrong?" Kael asked, noticing her unease.
"I don't know," she admitted. "I feel... lost."
Kael's concern deepened.
"You're not alone," he whispered. "We face this together."
But Aria's doubts persisted.
Was she truly capable of breaking the curse?
Or would she succumb to its darkness?
As she pondered, a faint whisper echoed in her mind.
"You' are just a baby machine and you would be discarded after procuring a heir"
Aria shivered.
Later that day, Lila, Kael's sister, approached Aria with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Aria! I'm hosting a dinner party tonight, and I'd love for you to join us."
Aria hesitated, feeling out of place.
"Thank you, Lila, but I don't have anything suitable to wear."
Lila waved her hand dismissively.
"Nonsense! Let's get you ready."
Before Aria could protest, Lila whisked her away to an exclusive salon.
Stylists swarmed around Aria, transforming her:
Hair styled to perfection
Nails polished to elegance
Lashes lengthened for drama
Wardrobe revamped with designer gowns
Aria's eyes widened as she gazed at her reflection.
"Lila, this is too much," Aria protested.
Lila smiled.
"Don't worry, my brother will cover the expenses. You deserve this, as the new Blackwood bride."
Later that evening
Aria descended the stairs, her sparkling pink gown shimmering under the chandelier's glow.
The room fell silent.
Kael's jaw dropped, his eyes locked onto Aria's transformed beauty.
Lila beamed with pride, her handiwork stunning.
Lady Victoria and Vivian exchanged displeased glances, their faces tinged with disdain.
Despite acknowledging Aria's beauty, they remained unmoved.
Vivian's voice dripped with venom:
"Looks can be deceiving."
Lady Victoria nodded in agreement:
"Indeed."
But Kael saw only Aria.
He strode towards her, his eyes burning with adoration.
"You look breathtaking," he whispered.
Aria's cheeks flushed.
Lila smiled triumphantly.
"Perfect timing," Lila said. "Our guests are arriving."
As the dinner party unfolded, Aria's radiance captivated the attendees.
As the main course was served, the conversation turned tense.
Vivian targeted Aria: "Tell us, dear, what's your family's legacy?"
Aria replied calmly: "My family values love and hard work."
Lady Victoria snorted: "How quaint."
Lila intervened: "Mother, please."
Kael added: "Aria's character is what truly matters."
Vivian sneered: "Character? You mean her ability to produce an heir?"
Aria's eyes flashed anger.
Just then, the door swung open.
A tall, handsome stranger entered.
"Sorry to interrupt," he said, "but I couldn't help noticing the lovely Aria Blackwood."
Aria's eyes widened.
"Alexander," she whispered.
Kael's grip on Aria's hand tightened.
"Who are you and how did you gain entrance?" Kael demanded.
Alexander smiled.
"Aria's past... and perhaps her future, and a man as fine as myself doesn't have much trouble getting into the party"Here's the continuation:
Alexander's gaze locked onto Aria's, sparks flying between them.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Who are you?" Kael repeated.
Alexander smiled.
"Aria's childhood sweetheart. We were inseparable until... circumstances tore us apart."
Aria's face paled.
"Alexander, I thought you were—"
"Dead?" Alexander finished. "No, love. I've been searching for you."
Vivian's interest piqued.
"Ah, a prior claim," Vivian purred. "How intriguing."
Lady Victoria's eyes gleamed.
"Tell us, Alexander, what makes you think Aria's still yours?"
Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Aria's heart belongs to me. And I'll fight for it."
Kael's grip on Aria's hand tightened.
"Aria's mine now," Kael growled.
Aria's eyes darted between the two men.
- Writer
