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Chapter Two

Author: Ogaedu
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-29 18:59:36

‎The Blackwood mansion was quiet when the car arrived.

‎Grace stepped out slowly and looked at the house in front of her. It was large, modern, and cold. Glass, steel, and stone. Nothing warm. Nothing welcoming. It looked exactly like the man who owned it.

‎Nathaniel walked ahead, already loosening his tie. “You’ll have your own room,” he said without turning around. “The staff has been informed. If you need anything, speak to the housekeeper. She reports to my assistant, not me.”

‎Grace followed him inside. The marble floor reflected the ceiling lights. Every step echoed.

‎“I won’t interfere with your routine,” she said. “You won’t notice my presence.”

‎“That’s ideal,” Nathaniel replied.

‎They stopped in the living room. A large space opened around them, filled with carefully chosen furniture that looked expensive but untouched.

‎Nathaniel turned to face her. “We should establish expectations clearly from the start.”

‎Grace met his eyes. “Go on.”

‎“This marriage is a formality. There will be no emotional involvement. No personal questions. No unnecessary contact.” He paused. “And no surprises.”

‎Grace nodded. “I agree.”

‎For a brief moment, Nathaniel felt something was off. Her agreement came too easily. There was no disappointment in her eyes, no hidden hope.

‎Most women would have tried to negotiate.

‎She did not.

‎He dismissed the thought.

‎A middle-aged woman approached quietly. “Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m Lydia, the housekeeper. I’ll show Mrs. Blackwood to her room.”

‎Grace followed Lydia upstairs.

‎The room prepared for her was large and clean, with neutral colors and simple furniture. A guest room in everything but name.

‎“This will be yours,” Lydia said gently. “If you need anything, just let me know.”

‎“Thank you,” Grace replied.

‎When the door closed, Grace stood alone.

‎She placed her bag on the bed and slowly sat down.

‎This was not the first unfamiliar room she had slept in. Not even the tenth. She had learned how to survive anywhere.

‎She walked to the window and looked out at the garden below.

‎Five years ago, she had imagined a home like this.

‎Not this one.

‎Not with him.

‎A knock sounded on the door.

‎Grace opened it to find Nathaniel standing there, his expression unreadable.

‎“There’s a public dinner tomorrow night,” he said. “Board members and investors. You’ll need to attend.”

‎“I’ll be ready,” she replied.

‎He hesitated. “The media will be watching closely. They’ll want to know who you are.”

‎Grace looked at him calmly. “What do you want them to know?”

‎“That you’re my wife,” he said. “Nothing else.”

‎She nodded. “That’s enough.”

‎Nathaniel studied her for a moment longer. He couldn’t tell if she was hiding something or if she truly did not care.

‎“Good night,” he said finally.

‎“Good night,” Grace replied.

‎The door closed.

‎Grace sat back on the bed and exhaled slowly.

‎She remembered another night.

‎A narrow bed. Cold sheets. A ceiling stained with cracks. She had held her stomach then, praying silently, hoping someone would listen.

‎No one did.

‎She lay down now, staring at the ceiling again, but this time there was no fear.

‎Only patience.

‎The next morning, Grace woke early.

‎She dressed simply and went downstairs. The kitchen staff looked surprised to see her so soon. She smiled politely and poured herself a cup of tea.

‎Nathaniel entered minutes later, already on a phone call.

‎“Yes,” he said. “Finalize the merger documents. I’ll review them tonight.”

‎He ended the call and noticed Grace sitting at the table.

‎“You don’t have to eat with me,” he said.

‎“I know,” Grace replied. “I just prefer mornings quiet.”

‎He nodded and poured himself coffee.

‎Silence settled between them.

‎Nathaniel broke it. “What did you do before this?”

‎Grace lifted her eyes. “You mean before the marriage?”

‎“Yes.”

‎“I worked in finance,” she said calmly.

‎He raised an eyebrow. “That wasn’t in your file.”

‎“I kept a low profile.”

‎He accepted the answer without pressing further.

‎Another mistake.

‎Later that evening, Grace stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress. It was modest, elegant, and understated. Nothing that would draw unnecessary attention.

‎Nathaniel waited downstairs.

‎When she entered the room, he looked up.

‎For the first time, he paused.

‎“You look appropriate,” he said.

‎Grace smiled faintly. “That’s a compliment from you.”

‎He did not respond.

‎At the dinner, eyes followed them everywhere. Grace remained quiet, polite, and observant. She listened more than she spoke.

‎Nathaniel noticed how easily she fit beside him. How naturally she handled conversations. How investors nodded approvingly.

‎“She’s impressive,” someone whispered.

‎Nathaniel heard it.

‎He looked at Grace again, truly looked this time.

‎She was not pretending.

‎And for reasons he could not explain, unease settled in his chest.

‎Grace met his gaze briefly, then looked away.

‎He still didn’t recognize her.

‎But the past was closer than he thought.

‎And it was no longer willing to stay silent

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