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 76: Reconciliation or Revenge?
The sound of my stepmother's voice sent a shiver down my spine. It had been years since I'd seen her face or heard the fake sweetness in her tone. But standing before me now, I couldn't help but feel something I hadn't expected: a sense of curiosity.
"Emilia," she said again, her voice trembling with an edge of desperation. She glanced at Lydia briefly before focusing her gaze entirely on me. "I… I need to talk to you. Please."
My half-sister, sitting across from me, stiffened at the sight of our stepmother, but said nothing. The tension was palpable—thick enough to slice through the still air of the café. Lydia's fingers clenched around her teacup, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't speak either, but the look she gave our stepmother said everything.
"Don't be foolish, Lydia," I said softly, my voice almost a whisper. "She's here for me, not for you."