Bright and uncomfortably silent dawned the morning after our uncomfortable introduction to the Blackwood household. The vast apartment seemed stifling in its quiet; every click of my heels echoed loudly as I walked across the clean room.
Noah had already departed, and his absence matched his icy demeanour, so I was not shocked. He had not spoken much after yesterday night's supper, therefore leaving more questions than answers.
"I don't trust you," Eleanor said stayed in my head like a splinter. Trying to ignore the recollection, I tightened my jaw. Though her approval was not needed, her presence hung over me like a rain cloud.
I scarcely tasted the coffee I poured into a cup as I gazed out at the shimmering metropolitan cityscape. My new reality weight rested firmly on my chest. This was a cage not a relationship.
I was startled out of my reverie by the penthouse intercom beep. I went gently, half-expecting Noah's clipped voice on the other side.
Rather, a woman's voice poured through, silky and somewhat patronising. Isla Harper? Here I am to speak on behalf of the Blackwood family.
My gut spun. What currently?
Minutes later, I opened the door to see a perfect white suit-dressed statuesque blonde. She radiated authority and control, her keen blue eyes evaluating me with measured curiosity.
She said, "Hello, Isla," reaching out a nicely groomed hand. Verdict Lake is Veronica. I speak for the financial and legal interests of the Blackwoods.
I paused then gave her a hand. Her grin missed her eyes; her hold was strong.
"What might I do for Ms. Lake?" Keeping a courteous but sceptical tone, I inquired.
Her heels tapping hard on the marble floor, she entered without waiting for an invitation. "This is not a social call. Here we are gonna go over your contractual responsibilities.
My heart dropped.
Veronica wasted little time dragging a sleek black folder from her collection onto the kitchen island.
As you are aware, your marriage to Noah is more than simply a personal decision. For the Blackwood family, it has major financial and reputation ramifications, she said, her voice icy but professional.
Try to hide my unease by folding my arms. "I'm aware."
"then you should also be aware that any departure from the accepted conditions will have repercussions. The Blackwoods won't allow difficulties; they have spent dearly in maintaining their image."
Her comments were caustic, cutting through whatever fantasies I may have had about independence.
"Complexities?" I repeated, my voice slanted with rebellion.
Veronica's grin tightened. "Infidelity, public arguments, and any behaviour that might be seen as betraying confidence. Think of this as a polite reminder to keep in queue.
My chest started to hurt with rage. You cannot threaten some obligation here.
Her eyes become sharp. No, but you can be replaced. Keep it into consideration.
Veronica went with the same suddenness that she had come, leaving a trail of frigid tension behind her. When Noah entered through the door, his demeanour was inscrutable as usual, so I hardly had time to digest the chat.
You're back early, I remarked, trying to keep my tone objective.
His keen eyes turned first to me then to the still- Sitting folder on the counter He went over to get it with a grimace. "What's this?," asks
Unable to control the venom in my voice, I yelled, "Your family's way of reminding me that I'm a pawn in their game."
His jaw closed. "Veronis was here?"
"Didn't you forward her?"?
"No," he answered with a harsh tone. She lacks power to approach you without my knowledge.
His words hardly helped to cool the flames blazing in my chest. She did, indeed. She also made it really plain where I fit in this configuration.
Noah threw the folder down on the counter, and the apartment echoed with the sound. She crossed too far. I will take care of it.
But his contemptuous attitude simply stoked my wrath. "That is it? You are going to handle it? Noah, this is our life we are discussing.
His eye turned sharply and relentlessly to meet mine. You consented to it as well. You knew this was what it was.
I hesitated at the coldness in his words, but I would not back down. "I accepted a partnership—not to be treated like a piece of property."
Between us, the tension buzzed, neither of us ready to back down.
"You want to address being treated like property?" Noah fired back, his voice low and lethal. You came signed up for this. You understood just what that involved.
"I signed up not to be threatened by your family's attorney!," I turned around and shot back.
His face clouded, a muscle in his jaw clicking. "Do you suppose I find this easy? Do you suppose I like this charade?
Then why do you do it? I begged, approaching closely. "Why go through all this if it's so intolerable?"
His mask slid for a minute, and I saw something fragile and raw under the surface. But just as fast it vanished.
He said, "You wouldn't understand," moving away.
I challenged, my voice quieter now, "Try me."
His shoulders tightened as he paused. "Because it's the only way I could guard what's mine."
His comments had a lot of unsaid significance and lingered strongly in the air.
For a little while, neither of us talked as the weight of our struggle pressed down on us. At last Noah turned back to me, his face gentler but no less guarded.
Quietly, he continued, "I'll make sure Veronica doesn't bother you again."
I nodded, my resentment seething but not raging over here. "Thanks."
His eye stayed on me for a bit more before he turned and left me alone with my thoughts.
Looking out at the city skyline that evening, I couldn't get rid of the impression that this struggle had barely touched the surface of the strife developing between us. Noah was a guy of secrets, and I started to see that whatever he was guarding may wipe us both out.