CHAPTER FOUR
840 Words
After the witches words,she left the mansion leaving the blackwoods and Aria hanging in a clouds of feeling and silence.
Vivian Blackwood spoke up, her voice laced with condescension.
"Aria, you should be eternally grateful for this opportunity. Considering your...humble background and poverty-stricken state, this is a lifeline. You'll never find a better offer."
Edward Blackwood's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing at Vivian.
"Vivian, that was uncalled for," he whispered, his voice low and disapproving.
Vivian's gaze flicked to Edward, her eyebrows rising.
"What? I'm simply stating the truth."
Edward's jaw clenched.
"Not in that tone, you're not. Aria deserves respect."
Kael's sister, Lila, intervened, her voice soft.
"Aria, we truly want to help. You deserve happiness, and we can provide it. Our family's resources are vast. Your father will be released, and his name will be cleared."
Vivian shot Edward a glance, her eyes flashing with annoyance, but remained silent.
The Blackwood family filed out of the room, leaving Kael and Aria alone once more.
"Days passed after her father's return,she couldn't bring herself to tell him what ensued at the blackwood's mansion so her father thought her pleas must have moved the blackwoods"
Aria walked up the path to her small cottage, lost in thought. The weight of Kael's proposal still lingered.
As she entered, she was surprised to see Kael and his father, Edward, sitting with her father in the living room.
Their serious expressions made her heart skip a beat.
"...and once the marriage is finalized, your daughter will be well taken care of, and your name will be cleared," Edward said, his voice firm.
Aria's father nodded thoughtfully, his eyes locked onto Edward.
Kael's gaze shifted to Aria, his eyes softening.
Aria's presence was acknowledged with a nod from Edward and a gentle smile from Kael.
She felt a flutter in her chest.
"What's going on?" Aria asked, trying to sound calm.
Her father gestured for her to sit.
"Kael and his father were discussing...your proposal," he said gently.
Aria's cheeks flushed.
Edward stood.
"We've discussed everything. Your father understands the arrangement."
Aria's eyes met Kael's, searching for answers
Aria remained quiet, her eyes fixed on the floor, as the Blackwoods finalized their discussion with her father.
Edward and Kael exchanged nods with her father and departed, leaving an uncomfortable silence.
Aria's father broke the silence, his voice gentle.
"Aria, I know everything now. Kael's proposal, the conditions...I understand."
He took her hands, his eyes filled with concern.
"Sweetheart, I want you to know that your happiness is all that matters. Don't sacrifice your freedom for me."
His voice trembled.
"I'd rather rot in prison than see you trapped and miserable in the Blackwood mansion."
Aria's eyes welled up with tears.
"Make a wise decision, carefully. Consider your heart, your future. Whatever choice you make, I'll support you."
He pulled her into a warm embrace.
"You're my everything, Aria. Your happiness is my freedom."
Aria hugged him back, feeling a mix of relief and guilt.
The next day, Aria steeled herself and approached her father.
"Father, I've made my decision. I'll accept Kael's proposal."
Her father's expression turned serious.
"Are you certain, Aria? You know what you're getting into?"
Aria nodded.
"I've thought it through. I'll ensure my freedom, your well-being, and our relationship remains unchanged."
Her father's eyes softened.
"I trust you, Aria. Do what makes you happy."
With his blessing, Aria headed to the Blackwood mansion.
In the grand study, Edward, Kael, Lila, Vivian, and Lady Victoria awaited her.
"I accept Kael's proposal," Aria announced, her voice steady.
Edward beamed.
"Excellent! We'll finalize arrangements."
Kael's smile warmed her heart.
"But," Aria continued, "on certain conditions."
Vivian raised an eyebrow.
"Conditions?"
Aria stood firm.
"I won't be forced into anything against my will. I'll have my freedom, visit my father whenever I please, and ensure his well-being. Kael and I will take time to get to know each other."
Lila nodded enthusiastically.
"That's reasonable."
Edward nodded.
"Agreed."
Kael's eyes locked onto Aria's.
"I promise, Aria. Your terms are fair."
Vivian snorted.
"A gold digger, that's all she is."
Lady Victoria's gaze dripped disdain.
"A poverty-stricken girl seeking fortune."
Aria's resolve strengthened.
"I'm not here for wealth or status," she said calmly. "I'm here for my father's freedom and a chance at happiness."
Kael's hand brushed against hers, a silent reassurance.
Vivian's snide remark hung in the air, but Kael swiftly intervened.
"Mother, Lady Victoria, that's enough," Kael said firmly.
His eyes narrowed.
"We've searched for years to break the curse. Aria's agreed to help us. Show some gratitude."
Lady Victoria's expression soured.
"Gratitude? She's a nobody, a—"
Kael's voice cut her off.
"Aria's the key to our salvation. Don't forget it."
Vivian's gaze dropped, her lips pursed.
Edward intervened, his voice calm.
"Let's focus on the future. Aria's agreed to our proposal. We must ensure her comfort and happiness."
Lila smiled warmly.
"Welcome to the family, Aria. We'll make this work."
Aria's tension eased slightly.
Kael's eyes met hers, filled with reassurance.
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