CHAPTER EIGHT THEME: Where it all began

“The Blackwood Academy—a place where Elites connect to Elites, and the rich get richer.”

♣️ ETHAN ♣️

The Blackwoods were in the room, and I knew at this point that their connection with the Al Khaleds ran deeper than anyone expected. Something sinister lurked beneath the surface.

“Be alert. You can’t afford to come back without lucrative information,” Salvatore’s words echoed in my mind as I took a sip from my wine glass. The hall was filled with members of the exclusive club, all with calculating eyes and dirty minds to match.

I could feel Marlene’s gaze on me the entire time. Somehow, the girl knew how to insert herself into my business. It was beginning to feel like she enjoyed seeing the annoyance on my face whenever we met.

“Stay calm. Do not interact much with the rich folks at this party. Either they’re there to set someone up or network for higher opportunities,” Vincent’s words returned to my mind, and I stayed calm.

The party began, and true to my research, the Al Khaleds were extremely powerful. The patriarch had a polygamous household, but only Rasheed and Jamila were publicly recognized.

I was quietly observing when I nearly bumped into someone. I was fast enough to protect her from falling. She pulled her hand from mine immediately.

“You should be careful. Men aren’t allowed to touch women they aren’t married to,” her faint voice reached my ears.

It was Jamila, the girl in the hijab always around Marlene. Her cheeks blushed as she recognized me.

“You’re the new guy, Ethan,” she muttered.

“I didn’t know I was that popular,” I replied, making her struggle to find her words.

“Why does everyone have their eyes on us?” I asked. She froze.

“Women in my family are not allowed to speak with men, especially at parties like this, where rumors fly faster than the wind. Stay out of trouble, new guy,” she said politely.

“You should do the same, Miss—” I trailed off.

“Jamila Al Khaled,” she replied, walking away.

I turned and found Marlene watching me—a clear reminder that she was keeping tabs. I returned her stare. Our eyes fought for dominance, each testing who would give up first.

Mr. Al Khaled spoke about his family legacy and plans to extend the bond of union through their children. A major announcement was scheduled for a few months later.

I left the party shortly after Rasheed exited. I was tailing him, and he had no idea.

“Sahil, please, listen to me…” Rasheed whispered to another man.

“I cannot stay in a relationship where you are ashamed to make us public. Where you would rather die than admit you fell for the same gender,” the other man said.

I froze. A gay heir in such a religious family was explosive news. I stayed back, signaling our men who recorded everything. Rasheed kissed Sahil’s forehead, pulling him close.

As I turned to leave, I ran into Marlene.

“Sh!t,” I cursed under my breath. “Molly… Marlene, whatever your name is, it’s clear you don’t know where to draw the line. Not even after I warned you—” I threatened, stepping closer.

“I don’t know what you mean. I came out to see Rasheed,” she replied, eyes calculating.

“No. You have your eyes on me because something tells you I’m up to no good,” I said.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she tried to walk away.

“Etha… n. Don’t touch me! My brothers and parents are on the other floor—you know better than to touch me in a room full of Blackwood men!” she threatened. I raised my hands in mock surrender.

She tried to walk away, but I cornered her, pressing her back against the wall. “Get this into your thick skull, Marlene: I do not give a damn about you or the Blackwood guys downstairs. Stay out of my way, or I’ll burn you,” I threatened, tightening my grip on her arm.

She smelled of vanilla and fresh roses.

“Adios, spitfire,” I mocked, letting go. She looked everywhere but at me as I returned to the hall, hands in my pockets like nothing had happened.

⸻

♠️ MARLENE ♠️

He’s crazy.

Ethan La Rosa is crazy, and nothing anyone says will change my mind. He threatened me, cornered me, and spoke straight to my face without sugar-coating a word. He was walking bad news.

“Are you okay, Amorina? You look like you saw a ghost,” Mom said in Spanish, kissing both my cheeks.

“It’s not the party, Mother,” I muttered.

“Your period showed up?” she asked.

“No, it’s not that. I look flustered, but it’s not that,” I whispered.

“Are you pregnant, Amorina?” Mom asked, shocked.

“Jesus! No!” I exclaimed.

“She can’t be pregnant…” Caspian muttered. The others laughed.

“Caspian, your baby sister isn’t infertile! Don’t make it sound like she can’t have kids!” Mom scolded.

“You know what I mean, Mother,” he replied.

“Marlene is to remain pure until the arrangement takes place. She knows her duty,” he added. I looked away, stunned, unshed tears forming. I hated the arrangement with Rasheed. Always had, always would.

Dad was quiet the entire time—unusual for him.

“Marlene,” Thane called after we arrived at the estate. Everyone else went inside, but I stayed outside with my calmest brother.

“Thane,” I muttered, and he studied me.

“I want to talk about something important,” he said. The last time we had a serious conversation was about Sean Beckett, whom he had disapproved of.

“I’m guessing you’re worried about my romantic life since Sean and I broke up. But it’s dead as our ancestors, so you have nothing to worry about,” I said, smiling. Thane didn’t smile.

“I’m not a child, Marlene. I watch you closely, especially at school. Stay away from bad boys. I’m sure you know who I mean,” he said calmly, and I felt embarrassed.

“I think you’re mistaken. That guy doesn’t even look at me like that. I’m just curious…” I trailed off.

“You should stop. We don’t want Dad or Caspian coming to you themselves. It wouldn’t end well,” he said and walked away.

I exhaled deeply as I headed to my room and got a call from Hans.

“Hey, handsome,” I waved as he appeared on camera, sweat rolling down his forehead. They were in the field for team workouts.

“I miss you, Hans. When will you be back from Manchester?” I asked. He chuckled.

“You’re so single—that’s why you miss me like I’m your oxygen,” he mocked. I laughed.

That night, as I peeled off my dress for a shower, my mind replayed the hallway scene. Ethan’s closeness, firm voice, and aura intrigued me in the craziest way.

“I hate you, Ethan. I hate… you!”