Sarah's POV
The rain continued its relentless assault against the windows as I sat in the library, trying to make sense of the day. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting long shadows across the room. A book lay open in my lap, its pages unread as my thoughts spiraled.
The Blackwoods were a complicated family, their secrets as vast and impenetrable as the mansion they lived in. Eleanor's words lingered in my mind, a subtle warning wrapped in a veil of kindness. We Blackwoods protect our own.
But what did that mean for me?
I was pulled from my thoughts by the creak of the library door. I looked up to see Eren entering, his expression tight.
"There you are," he said, his voice softer than usual. "I was looking for you."
I closed the book and placed it on the side table. "I needed some quiet."
Eren nodded, stepping closer. His tie was loosened, and he looked more tired than I'd ever seen him. He took the seat across from me, his hands resting on his knees as he leaned forward.
"My parents can be... intense," he said after a moment.
"That's one word for it," I replied, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.
Eren sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know this hasn't been easy for you. They're difficult, even with me."
I studied him, searching for cracks in his calm facade. "Eren, what aren't you telling me?"
His eyes flicked to the fire, avoiding my gaze. "What do you mean?"
"Your family," I said, leaning forward. "There's something... off. Your parents, Axel—this whole house. It feels like I'm being drawn into something I don't understand."
Eren's jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might tell me the truth. But then he shook his head, forcing a smile.
"You're overthinking," he said, his voice gentle but dismissive. "My family has its quirks, but we're not hiding anything."
I didn't believe him, but I knew better than to push.
Eren pulled me against his chest and held me close, kissing me, touching me while making me temporarily forget about the looming secrets around me.
Axel's POV
The sound of Eren reached me as I passed the library. I paused, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Eren and Sarah were inside, their voices low and intimate. Eren's hand hot against Sarah's waist.
Jealousy coiled in my chest, sharp and hot. I pressed my hand against the door, considering my options. Barging in would raise too many questions, but walking away felt like conceding defeat.
Instead, I stepped back, leaning against the wall in the shadows. I listened as their conversation shifted to lighter topics—books, travels, mundane things that somehow seemed precious when Sarah spoke of them.
She deserved better than this life. Better than Eren's lies and our family's suffocating control.
I waited until their voices faded and the door opened. Eren exited first, his gaze on the phone as he walked past me without noticing. Sarah followed moments later, her expression troubled.
"Sarah," I said softly, stepping out of the shadows.
She stopped, her eyes widening slightly. "Axel?"
"I came here because couldn't sleep."I lied smoothly
She nodded, her posture stiff. "Neither could I."
For a moment, we stood in silence, the tension between us heavy.
"You look... troubled," I said, my voice laced with concern.
"It's nothing," she replied quickly.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "You don't have to lie to me, Sarah. I can see it in your eyes. This place—it's not what you thought it would be, is it?"
Her lips parted as if to respond, but she hesitated, her gaze flicking to the floor.
"I'm fine Axel," she said finally, her tone unconvincing.
I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. She flinched slightly at the contact but didn't pull away.
"You deserve more than this," I said, my voice soft but firm. "You deserve a life where you're free to be yourself."
Her eyes snapped to mine, a mix of surprise and confusion in their depths.
"Axel—"
"I mean it," I interrupted, my hand falling back to my side. "If you ever feel trapped, if you ever need someone to talk to... I'm here."
She swallowed hard, her expression unreadable. "Thank you," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Before I could say more, she turned and walked away, her steps quick and deliberate. I watched her go, the ache in my chest deepening.
Eren's POV
I poured myself a glass of scotch, the burn of the alcohol doing little to dull the unease in my chest. Sarah was growing suspicious—it was only a matter of time before she started asking questions I couldn't answer.
Axel was another problem entirely. His presence around Sarah was becoming more frequent, and the way he looked at her... it made my skin crawl.
"Trouble in paradise?"
I turned to see my mother entering the study, her sharp eyes glinting in the dim light. She closed the door behind her, crossing the room with the grace of a predator.
"What do you want, Mother?" I asked, taking another sip of my drink.
Eleanor smirked, settling into the chair across from me. "Must I want something to visit my son?"
"You're always working an angle," I said bluntly.
Her smile widened. "Fair enough. I wanted to see how you're handling things. Marriage, the family business, Axel..."
"I'm managing," I said curtly.
"Are you?" she asked, tilting her head. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like things are slipping out of your control."
I bristled, setting my glass down with more force than necessary. "I have everything under control."
Eleanor leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "You'd better. Because if you don't, there will be consequences. For you. For Sarah."
Her words sent a chill down my spine, but I refused to let her see it.
Sarah's POV
I didn't go straight to bed after leaving Axel. Instead, I wandered the halls again, my thoughts racing. Axel's words had struck a chord, though I wasn't sure why.
I found myself in the garden, the rain having slowed to a drizzle. The cool air was a welcome relief from the suffocating atmosphere inside.
I wrapped my arms around myself, staring up at the stormy sky. For the first time since arriving at the mansion, I felt a sliver of peace.
But it didn't last.
A figure emerged from the shadows, and my heart leapt into my throat.
"Who's there?" I called, my voice trembling.
"It's just me," Victor said, stepping into the light.
I exhaled sharply, trying to calm my racing heart. "You scared me."
Victor chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "My apologies. I often walk the grounds at night. It helps me think."
I nodded, unsure of what to say.
"You're adjusting well," he said, his tone neutral.
"I'm trying," I replied carefully.
Victor studied me for a moment, his gaze sharp. "Good. Weakness has no place here."
"I understand," I said, though I wasn't sure I did.
Victor nodded, his expression unreadable. "Remember that."
With that, he turned and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving me alone in the garden.