Ivory was a little worried. She was going to the Blackwood Estate with her husband Lucien. She was feeling an unknown fear. The road was long and quiet. Maybe that was the reason why she was suspecting something was going wrong. She took a look at Lucien. He was really a center of attraction. She had seen how her so-called friends were jealous of her wedding kiss. Maybe they had imagined Lucien to be an old grouchy man, the owner of the Blackwood Estate. She started remembering her past while looking outside the window.
The Brine family has been involved in the jewelry business for generations. Her father, Scott Brine, and mother, Brittany Brine, wanted to take their business even further and expand its reach all over the world. Maybe that was their mistake. Her brother Aaron Brine and sister Celia Brine made a wrong deal and started sinking in debt. Although this is not known to the general public, they were in dire need of someone's financial help. In such a situation, poor Ivory came in handy. The daughter of one of their employees, a couple, became an orphan in an accident. They always looked at Ivory with sympathy. They never left any stone unturned to show that they were doing her a favor by bringing her up. No no. They never discriminated against her and never tortured her in any way. They gave her all the comforts but never gave her the feeling of a family. If there was ever a party in the house or guests came, she was made to stay in the room. She was not allowed to come out and meet anyone. It was widely publicized for her that she was very ill, so she was allowed to stay in the room. If anyone had a little more sympathy for her, it was her stepsister Celia. Celia always behaved well with her. Unlike others, she never had any different intentions.
Ivory recalled the rare evening when the Brine family invited her to join them for dinner. Normally, she dined in solitude, finding comfort in books and her loyal pet owl, a special species she had rescued during a trek. The family had reluctantly agreed to let her keep the owl, despite their initial disapproval.
As she descended to the dining room, Ivory felt like an outsider. Her embroidered top and short leggings drew disapproving glances from the family. She often wondered if she truly belonged with them or if her feelings of isolation were just a product of her childhood.
The opulent dining table groaned under the weight of numerous dishes, and the room shone with a warm, golden light. The Brine family reveled in their flashy, glittering lifestyle, always eager to showcase their wealth. Even in times of illness, they adorned themselves lavishly.
Scott instructed a servant to serve Ivory, and after a brief prayer, she began eating. Brittany broke the silence, her voice dripping with expectation. "Ivory, dear, you know we've raised you, so you have a duty to help the family, don't you?" Ivory nodded meekly, sensing what was coming.
Aaron spoke up, his tone laced with urgency. "Now that you're part of the family, there's no need to hide the truth. Our business has been struggling, and with the economic crisis looming, we need help." Scott cleared his throat, his words calculated. "The Blackwood family has been our partner for years. Their CEO, Lucian Blackwood, is willing to assist us, but he demands something in return – a union with our family."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Ivory. Scott continued, his voice firm. "We've chosen you, Ivory. You're 23, graduated, and ready for marriage. What future do you envision for yourself?" The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation and unspoken obligations.
Brittany's words, though spoken without malice, sent a chill down Ivory's spine. She felt a deep-seated resistance to the idea of marriage, and the suggestion that she was the chosen one sparked a sense of unease. Why her, and not Celia? The question lingered in her mind like a shadow.
Brittany seemed to sense Ivory's trepidation, her expression softening. "You see, Blackwood can be ruthless if his demands aren't met. This is a small price to pay." She paused, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Celia has her PhD to pursue at Oxford; marriage would mean sacrificing her dreams. The Blackwood family expects their daughters-in-law to be housewives, and you...well, you're already accustomed to that life."
Ivory's heart sank as Brittany's words painted a stark picture. "Remember, never cross Lucien or make him angry. Keep our secret safe – you're not our biological daughter. And don't get too close to him." The warning hung in the air like a specter. "It would be best if you provided an heir within the first year. That way, even if the truth comes out, it won't matter."
Ivory's eyes widened in shock. They were planning to deceive Lucien Blackwood, a man notorious for his disdain for deception. A pang of guilt pierced her heart; she was trapped, with no escape from this web of lies.
The sound of the horn shattered her reverie, and Ivory saw they had arrived at the Blackwood estate. The grand entrance, flanked by cars and gifts, loomed before her like a gateway to a new, uncertain life. The guard's brief glance and nod seemed to seal her fate as the iron gates swung open, ushering her into a future built on secrets and deception.