Chapter 5: Dinner With the Blackwoods

Elara had never owned a dress as elegant as the one hanging in the wardrobe. She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as the soft fabric flowed around her body. The deep emerald color made her eyes appear brighter, and the delicate silver embroidery along the neckline gave the gown a quiet elegance. It was beautiful. Too beautiful. It didn’t feel like something that belonged to her. She smoothed the fabric nervously.

Dinner with the Blackwood family. Her heart tightened at the thought. If Selena suspected anything, tonight would likely be the moment she tried to expose her. Elara took a deep breath. You can do this.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Mrs. Blackwood?” The voice belonged to Bernard, the butler.

“Yes?”

“Dinner is ready.”

Her stomach twisted slightly. “I’ll be down in a moment.” She grabbed a final glance at the mirror before leaving the room.

The dining room was enormous. A long polished table stretched across the center, illuminated by a grand chandelier that sparkled like falling stars. Elara paused at the doorway. Victor Blackwood sat at the head of the table, calmly reading something on his tablet. Selena was already seated, swirling a glass of wine slowly. Adrian stood near the window, speaking quietly on his phone.

The moment Elara entered, all three of them looked up. Adrian ended his call immediately. For a brief moment, his eyes lingered on her. Something warm flickered there.

“You look beautiful,” he said simply.

The compliment caught her off guard. “Thank you.”

Selena leaned back in her chair, watching the exchange with clear interest. “Well,” she said lightly, “this dinner just became more entertaining.”

Victor set his tablet aside.

“Sit, Elara.” She blinked. The name slipped out so naturally that she almost missed it. But Adrian noticed. His eyes briefly flicked toward his father. A silent understanding passed between them. Victor gestured to the chair beside Adrian. Elara walked forward slowly and sat down.

Dinner began almost immediately. Servants placed elegant plates of food before them. The silence at the table felt heavy.

Selena broke it first. “So,” she said casually, “tell us about yourself.”

Elara looked up. “What would you like to know?”

Selena smiled faintly. “Everything.”

Adrian calmly cut into his steak. “Selena.”

“What?” she replied innocently. “I’m getting to know my sister-in-law.”

Victor watched quietly. Observing. Analyzing. Elara realized this dinner was more than just a meal. It was a test.

“I grew up in the city,” she said calmly.

Selena rested her chin on her hand. “Yes, but that’s obvious.”

Elara forced a polite smile. “I helped my family run a café.”

Selena’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “A café?” Her tone carried surprise.

“Yes.”

“That’s interesting.”

Elara couldn’t tell if she meant it or if she was quietly mocking her. Victor spoke next.

“Hard work builds character.” His voice was calm and firm.

Selena shrugged slightly. “I’m just surprised my brother married someone so… normal.”

Adrian finally looked up. “And what exactly is wrong with normal?”

Selena’s smile sharpened. “Nothing.” She leaned back slightly. “It’s just unexpected.”

Elara focused on her food, trying to remain calm.

Then Selena asked another question. “So how did you and Adrian meet?”

Elara froze. The lie sat on the edge of her tongue. But before she could speak—

Adrian answered. “At a charity event.”

Elara blinked. Selena tilted her head. “Really?”

“Yes.” Adrian continued eating casually.

“She spilled champagne on me.” Elara stared at him. That definitely hadn’t happened. But he continued calmly. “And instead of apologizing, she told me expensive suits shouldn’t be worn in crowded rooms.”

Victor chuckled quietly. Selena watched both of them carefully.

“Bold.”

“That’s what I thought,” Adrian replied.

Elara slowly relaxed. He was protecting her. Selena wasn’t convinced yet though. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“You seem different tonight.”

Elara looked at her. “Different how?”

“Quieter.”

“That’s because I’m surrounded by strangers.”

Selena smiled. “Family.”

Elara met her gaze calmly. “Family takes time.”

Victor nodded approvingly. “A wise answer.”

Selena’s smile faded slightly. She clearly hadn’t expected Elara to respond so confidently. Dinner continued, but the tension remained.

Halfway through the meal, Victor suddenly spoke again. “Elara.”

“Yes?”

“You understand the responsibilities that come with marrying into this family?”

Her chest tightened. “I do.”

“Do you?” His gaze was intense. “We protect our reputation. Our power. Our alliances.”

Elara nodded slowly. “I understand.”

Victor studied her for a long moment. Then he leaned back. “Good.”

Selena suddenly laughed softly. “This is fascinating.”

Adrian looked at her sharply. “What is?”

“You two are acting like this marriage is real.”

The room went silent. Elara felt her pulse quicken. Selena swirled her wine slowly. “I mean, come on.” Her eyes locked onto Elara. “Everyone knows this wedding was arranged.”

Adrian’s voice turned cold. “That’s enough.”

But Selena ignored him again. She leaned forward slightly. “And yet…” Her gaze sharpened. “…something about tonight feels like a performance.”

Elara forced herself to stay calm. “What do you mean?”

Selena’s smile returned slowly. “I mean…” She paused dramatically. “…I feel like someone at this table is pretending.” The words hung heavily in the air. Elara’s heart pounded loudly in her chest. Was this it? Was Selena about to reveal everything?

But Victor suddenly stood up. “That’s enough for tonight.”

Selena looked surprised. “Father—”

“Dinner is over.” His voice allowed no argument.

Servants quickly began clearing the table. Victor turned to Elara. “Welcome to the Blackwood family.” Then he walked out. Selena remained seated, watching Elara carefully. After a moment, she stood too. As she passed Elara, she leaned down and whispered softly. “Secrets have a way of revealing themselves.” Then she walked away. The room felt quiet again.

Elara exhaled slowly. “That was terrifying.”

Adrian chuckled quietly. “You handled it well.”

“She knows something.”

“Probably.”

“That doesn’t worry you?” Adrian stood up and offered her his hand. “Not yet.”

She looked at him. “Why?”

His eyes held hers steadily. “Because,” he said quietly, “for the first time in a long time…” His fingers closed gently around hers. “…I’m enjoying the game.”

Elara wasn’t sure if that comforted her or scared her more. But one thing was becoming clear. This marriage was no longer just about survival. It was turning into something far more complicated. And far more dangerous.