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 26: Confronting the Brother
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I waited in the dimly lit study. Shadows from the flickering fireplace danced across the room, giving everything a dark, foreboding glow. It felt suffocating, like the walls themselves were closing in on me. Every instinct screamed that I shouldn't be here, meeting Victor—Damien's estranged brother. But curiosity, or perhaps defiance, held me rooted to the spot. I needed answers, even if they came from the lips of a man who'd spent years waging a silent war against his own blood.
A tall, slender figure slipped through the door, barely making a sound. Victor's presence was different from Damien's; where Damien carried a quiet, intense authority, Victor's energy was sharp, probing, like a knife testing for a weak spot. His eyes met mine, a shadow of a smirk hovering on his lips as if he already knew the answers to questions I hadn't even thought to ask.