Chapter 3: Meeting the Groom

“Don’t you think this is too soon, Francisco? Your daughter just came back home. Why are we inviting the Blackwoods already?” Carmela asked, her tone laced with worry. They were standing outside the mansion, waiting for their guests to arrive.

Francisco waved her concerns away dismissively. “I won’t be deceived again, Carmela. Besides, you know how important this is for us.”

“But—”

Carmela sighed, turning her attention to Aurora. She gently caressed her daughter’s arm, feeling a deep sense of pity. She knew Aurora had always wanted to be free.

“It’s okay, Mom. I’m fine,” Aurora said softly, forcing a smile. But her eyes betrayed her true feelings, revealing the storm brewing within.

A few moments later, three cars pulled up in front of the mansion. Aurora held her breath as several men stepped out. Then, from the second car, a man exited the passenger seat. He was different from the others—his commanding presence and the way he carried himself exuded authority. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, and his aura was impossible to ignore.

Francisco’s face lit up, and he quickly approached the man. “Mr. Blackwood! Welcome to our manor!”

The man removed his sunglasses and shook Francisco’s hand firmly. “Mr. Lancaster, the honor is mine.”

Francisco gestured toward Carmela and Aurora. “Come, let me introduce you to my lovely wife and daughter—Carmela and Aurora Lancaster.”

Carmela and Aurora approached as Francisco introduced them.

“Mr. Blackwood, it’s an honor to finally meet you in person,” Carmela said warmly.

Lucian Blackwood took Carmela’s hand and kissed it lightly. “The honor is mine, Mrs. Lancaster.” His gaze shifted to Aurora, studying her intently. “Ms. Lancaster.”

Aurora forced a polite smile. The man before her was undeniably striking—his presence alone could command a room. Many women would undoubtedly be captivated by him, and she might have been too, had her heart not been weighed down by anger and distrust.

“Mr. Blackwood,” Aurora said, bowing slightly.

Lucian took her hand and kissed it as well. Startled by the gesture, Aurora stiffened but managed to maintain her composure, offering him a faint smile in return.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Lancaster,” Lucian said, his intense gaze locking onto hers. The Lancaster heiress had intrigued him far more than he had anticipated.

“N-Nice to meet you too, Mr. Blackwood,” Aurora replied hesitantly.

Francisco clapped his hands together. “Enough with the formalities. Let’s head inside, shall we?”

Lucian released Aurora’s hand, nodding in agreement. The four of them entered the mansion and made their way to the dining room.

Dinner began uneventfully, with Francisco and Lucian engrossed in discussions about business. Aurora remained silent, though her eyes occasionally flicked toward Lucian. She couldn’t help but notice that he was watching her, too, from time to time. She tried to ignore it, but there was something unsettling about him. His aura was different—distinct from Ethan’s.

“So,” Francisco said, his voice cutting through the room. “Let’s get to the reason we’re all here.”

Aurora’s heart began to race. She knew exactly what her father meant.

Lucian smirked, his tone smooth and deliberate. “Indeed. I’m hoping for a favorable outcome.”

“Of course, Mr. Blackwood. You know you can trust me,” Francisco replied before turning his gaze to Aurora. “My daughter and I have already discussed this. She’s agreed to it.”

Aurora’s breath hitched as her father’s words hung in the air. He raised an eyebrow at her, signaling her to speak. Swallowing her anxiety, she nodded and met Lucian’s piercing gaze.

“Y-Yes, Mr. Blackwood. Don’t worry—I’ve agreed to the arrangement,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Carmela let out a quiet sigh. She could see the hesitation in her daughter’s eyes, but she felt powerless to intervene.

Lucian smirked, leaning back slightly in his chair. “Good. I trust there will be no obstacles to our union. While we’re talking about marriage, let me remind you that both our reputations are on the line.”

Aurora stiffened at his words. His tone carried an edge she couldn’t quite place, something that made her uneasy. There was more to this man than he let on—she could feel it.

“You don’t have to worry, Mr. Blackwood,” Aurora said, her tone unexpectedly firm. “I assure you this union will benefit both our families, and no one will dare oppose it.”

Lucian’s amusement deepened as he observed her newfound determination. “Excellent. In that case, let’s set a date for the wedding.”