(Continued chapter11)
March 16th dawned bright and crisp, the sun streaming through the windows of Blackwood Manor. Sofia woke with a start, a familiar knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She had been dreaming of her family, a vivid and painful dream that left her feeling more alone than ever. She had been so caught up in the world of Blackwood Manor, in the routines of caring for Lily and the constant presence of Ryan's brooding figure, that she had almost forgotten the weight of her own family's struggles.
She rose from bed and went to the window, gazing out at the manicured gardens and the vast expanse of the Blackwood estate. The world outside seemed so serene, so peaceful, so far removed from the turmoil that raged within her. She longed for the simple comforts of her own home, for the familiar scent of her mother's baking, for the warmth of her father's embrace. But she knew that she was trapped, bound by her commitment to Ryan and Lily.
She went downstairs to prepare breakfast, her movements automatic, her mind preoccupied. Ryan was still asleep, his door closed, his presence a constant reminder of the distance.
with a coldness that chilled her to the bone. He treated her with a detached politeness, as if she were a mere servant, a necessary evil in his life.
The Blackwoods, however, were a different story. They had taken a liking to Lily, showering her with affection and attention. They had even begun to involve Sofia in their conversations, their questions probing, their gazes scrutinizing. They had expressed their concern about Lily's future, about the influence of a "simple country girl" on their granddaughter's upbringing. They had hinted at plans to take Lily back to Canada, to enroll her in a prestigious school, to ensure that her future was in the hands of those who could provide her with the best possible education and social connections.
Sofia knew that the Blackwoods were planning something, that they were plotting to remove Lily from her care. She could see the disapproval in their eyes, the subtle disdain in their tone. They were a formidable force, a family of wealth and power, and they were determined to protect their legacy, their bloodline.