His silent obsession

FIRST DAY IN THE BLACKWOOD

CHAPTER 2

True to his word the driver came to pick her up in the night.her mother and sister hadn't stopped crying since Lucien left,but Arielle knew she had no control over it.She had to be his maid if she wanted to keep her family safe.

She had already lost her father and she couldn't bear to see any harm come to her family.

Tears streamed down her face as she said goodbye while carrying her tattered sack along with her outside where the driver is seated and waiting patiently for her in the car.

She entered the car after saying her final goodbye,her heart heavy with uncertainty knowing she didn't know when she would see them again.

The driver started the engine and within moments, they were on the road to the mansion.

The ride to the mansion was smooth but boring; only Arielle's silent sob could be heard at the back of the car, while the driver glanced at her occasionally, his face portraying no emotion.

As the mansion came into view Arielle's heart hammered against her ribs.The estate beyond looks magnificent and intimidating. She could hardly believe that a place like this existed so different from the small crumbling house in the slum she has grown up in.

Every brick,every window,every detail screams wealth. The gate alone was enormous, made of black iron with intricate designs. Arielle's finger tightened against her sack. She felt so small and insignificant standing before all this luxury.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a tall man that seemed to be in his early fifties called out in a formal tone “Miss Arielle?”

Yes she replied her voice barely above a whisper.

Follow me he said gesturing towards the massive door that seems to radiate wealth

The door creaked open revealing a grand hallway illuminated by chandeliers.that was when she swallowed hard. she had entered the BLACKWOOD mansion and there was no going back.

Every step she took echoed against the marble floor,reminding her of how out of place she was.The walls are lined up with expensive looking paintings she couldn't even begin to understand.

Her fingers clutched her sack slightly as her eyes roamed around the hall.everything here was so clean so precise and so intentional.

Finally they stepped in front of a huge set of doors.the man knocked once and a familiar deep voice called, “Enter”.

Arielle stepped in with a shaky breath and the butler excused himself.

There he was seated behind a desk.dark hair piercing eyes and an aura of authority that seems to dominate the room.he looks up as she enters his gaze sharp and peering.

Welcome Arielle he said “I trust your journey was comfortable?”he asked

She nodded quickly. Yes, sir.

Lucien eye lingered on her for a moment, studying her expression, her heart raced.This was real she is in the blackwood mansion with Lucien-the man who had taken her away from everything familiar.

“You will work here as a maid,”he said. Your duty will be explained to you.

You will obey the rules of this house, and in return your family will remain unharmed.

Arielle nodded quickly.Yes sir I understand sir “I'll do anything”.

Make sure to keep to your words, Lucien replied,he stood and Arielle instinctively stepped back.upclose, his presence was even more domineering and overwhelming.he walked past her towards the door.you will be shown your room.

Rest tonight.Tomorrow,your work begins.He opened the door and motion to the butler “Take her to the servant quarters” “yes sir”

The butler took her to the servant quarters has instructed.they stopped at a narrow door at the end of the corridor.

‘This will be your room”said the butler,opening it.”Dinner will be served shortly”he added before leaving her alone.

She stepped into the room where she saw a small bed with a clean white sheets,a wooden table and a small wardrobe.It wasn't luxurious but to Arielle it felt strangely unreal-clean, quiet and safe.

She sat at the edge of the bed, pressing a hand to her chest trying to calm her racing heart.

She was no longer in the slum,No longer with her family,No longer free.This was her new reality.

And tomorrow,her life as Lucien Blackwood’s maid would truly begin.