Amara entered the grand dining room, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. The long table was already set, with an array of luxurious dishes arranged with perfect precision. The weight of unfamiliar surroundings pressed down on her, but she was composed, her every movement deliberate and graceful.
As she took her seat, Henry Blackwell, sitting at the head of the table, glanced toward the butler. "Call Alden," he ordered firmly. The butler nodded and quickly left the room to fetch Alden.
Henry, sitting beside her, leaned slightly toward her. "That's your third brother," he said, his voice calm but filled with subtle amusement.
Amara looked up from her seat, curious. "How many brothers do I have?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral. She hadn't known much about the Blackwell family, and now that her mother had married Henry Blackwell, she was eager to learn more.
"Seven," Henry replied, his gaze steady. "And yes, they're all older than you."
"Seven?" Amara repeated, the number startling her. "And all of them are Blackwells?"
Henry chuckled softly. "Yes, all of them."
Amara couldn't help but wonder about her own family dynamic. Seven brothers. She was still absorbing the sheer scale of it all.
A moment later, the sound of footsteps echoed from the grand staircase. Alden Blackwell, the third son, descended into the room with an air of indifference. His long brown hair framed his sharp features, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the room before briefly meeting her gaze. But he quickly looked away, as if she were of no consequence.
Diana, her mother, smiled warmly as she introduced him. "This is Alden Blackwell, your third brother. He's a renowned pianist."
Amara felt a flicker of recognition. "I know him," she admitted. "I've seen some of his performances online."
Alden merely nodded, his expression impassive. He took a seat at the far end of the table, still barely acknowledging her presence.
The meal proceeded, and though Amara felt a bit out of place, she maintained her composure. She had been trained in formal etiquette, and despite the intricacies of the Blackwell family's customs, she fit in seamlessly, observing Henry and Diana, and following their cues.
The tension at the table was palpable, though. Alden, aloof and distant, didn't engage in the conversation. Amara, feeling the weight of his cold demeanor, remained silent, focusing on her meal.
When the plates were cleared, Henry spoke, his voice firm. "Alden," he began, "your sister has joined this family. It's your duty to welcome her properly."
Alden's gaze flickered toward Amara briefly. "Welcome," he said, his tone cool, almost dismissive.
Henry wasn't satisfied with his response. "You will accompany her into town this afternoon. Show her around," he ordered.
Alden's jaw tightened. "I'm busy," he replied coldly.
"You will make time," Henry retorted, his voice sharp. "You're a Blackwell. You will act like one."
With a defiant look, Alden stood abruptly and left the room, his footsteps echoing through the hall.
Elias gave Amara a reassuring smile. "Don't mind him," he said softly. "He's difficult, but he'll come around."
Later that afternoon, Diana led Amara to the bathroom, where Amara received a message from her former employer. It wasn't a simple message; it was from the organization she had once been undercover for—an urgent task, a new lead. Her personal life was about to take a turn. She had hoped to keep things quiet, but the life she had once lived was never far from reach.
She took a deep breath and replied to the message, the weight of her double life pressing against her chest.
When Henry noticed Amara's distracted demeanor, he spoke gently. "The banquet tonight is for you, Amara. Your mother and I have been planning it for weeks. It would mean so much to us if you attended."
Amara hesitated. She had hoped to avoid being the center of attention, to keep a low profile in this complicated family. "I'll attend the banquet," she agreed finally, her voice steady. "But I won't stay here permanently. I still prefer living on my own."
Diana's face faltered for a moment, but she nodded. "We'll take it one step at a time, darling."
Amara returned to her thoughts, the task from her old employer lingering in her mind. She had a mission to complete—and it seemed like the past wasn't ready to let go just yet.