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 30: Unwelcome Visitors
The morning light was just beginning to filter through the tall, grand windows when I heard voices in the entryway. Sharp, familiar voices that sliced through the quiet air and sent a chill up my spine. I knew those voices. I'd grown up under their sneering reprimands, their thinly veiled scorn. My stepmother and half-sister.
I descended the grand staircase slowly, each step heavy with a mix of dread and annoyance. They looked up at me as I reached the bottom step, their faces barely concealed with fake smiles.
"Emilia," my stepmother cooed, her voice dripping with a sweetness that felt as real as her porcelain smile. "You're looking… comfortable here."
Her words were as barbed as ever. "I am," I replied, my voice steadier than I expected. "To what do I owe this surprise visit?"