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 44: A Test of Trust
The study felt too quiet, the kind of silence that made every creak of the old mansion feel like a shout. I sat in the armchair by the fire, my fingers nervously twisting the edge of my sleeve. Damien stood by the desk, his expression guarded as he sifted through the papers we had collected over the last few days.
I couldn't focus on the documents anymore. My stepmother's words had taken root in my mind, winding their way through every moment of stillness.
"Damien doesn't love you, Emilia. He's just like the rest of them—using you for his own gain."
And then there was her parting shot, insinuating my mother's supposed affair might have been more than just gossip.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on in that head of yours, or do I have to guess?" Damien's voice broke through my spiral of thoughts.
I looked up at him, his dark eyes locked on mine. There was concern there, but also frustration.