The Unseen Heiress
As the illegitimate daughter in a household that scorns her, Emilia has learned to endure a life of cruel whispers and cold glares. But her fate takes an unexpected turn when her spoiled half-sister disappears on the eve of her arranged marriage. The family forces Emilia to wed the rumored crippled and disfigured groom in her sister's place—an ominous task they hope will rid them of her for good. Yet, when Emilia meets her new husband, Damien Blackwood, she is stunned. This mysterious man is neither crippled nor disfigured. Instead, he’s handsome, powerful, and hiding secrets as dark as her own. With the Blackwood family’s treacherous history looming over them, Emilia realizes she has entered a world far more dangerous than her own home—a world where alliances are built on lies and love can turn into a weapon. As she delves deeper, Emilia uncovers shocking secrets that link her family’s downfall to Damien’s ruthless kin. Now, torn between the man she’s come to trust and the whispers of betrayal around every corner, Emilia must decide: will she seek revenge on those who’ve wronged her or fight alongside Damien to claim her rightful legacy? In a game where love, power, and loyalty are tested, Emilia must face her past to shape her future… even if it means risking her life.
Chapter 27: Secrets Unraveled
The room felt colder than usual as I stood there, staring at Damien across the wide expanse of his study. The crackling firelight did little to warm the air between us. He was watching me with that calm, calculating expression, one I was beginning to understand was his mask—his armor against the world, maybe even against himself. I'd come here, ready to confront him, prepared to demand answers, but now, with him in front of me, the words tangled in my throat.
He finally broke the silence. "What did Victor say to you?" His voice was low, controlled, yet I sensed something uneasy beneath it, a flicker of worry I didn't often see in him.
I let out a breath, my anger flaring up again as I thought about Victor's smug words. "He told me I was part of some… scheme," I said, my voice wavering. "That you married me because I was vulnerable. Convenient." I swallowed, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Is that true, Damien?"