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 82: The Proposal
The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting the sky in shades of amber and rose. I stood on the terrace, leaning against the stone railing, soaking in the tranquility. Below me, the gardens stretched out in their full autumn glory, the leaves a tapestry of gold and crimson. It was one of those rare, quiet moments where I could simply be.
Damien had been unusually secretive all day. Not in a suspicious way, but in the way he always was when he had some grand idea brewing. He'd been in and out of the house, on calls and whispering instructions to Sophie and Lucas, who both seemed annoyingly in on whatever he was planning.
Now, as the crisp evening air wrapped around me, I felt him before I saw him. The faint sound of his footsteps on the stone, the familiar warmth of his presence.
"Thought I'd find you here," Damien said, his voice carrying that deep, steady cadence that always made me feel safe.