جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 7

Aaron Blackwood learned one rule early in life: when his grandfather summoned him, he came—no questions asked. The old man never repeated himself. Standing beside the sweeping glass windows of the Blackwood estate study, Aaron watched the city shimmer far below. The air smelled faintly of aged leather and premium cigars—Edward Blackwood's unmistakable domain. "Sit," his grandfather commanded. Aaron obeyed. Edward leaned back, the weight of decades of influence resting comfortably on his shoulders. "You're thirty-two," the old man said calmly. "It's time you married." Aaron hesitated. Marriage had never been on his radar. His life was already planned—taking over the empire, growing the business globally, safeguarding the family legacy. A wife didn't fit into that blueprint. "I'm busy running your company," he replied evenly. "Our company," Edward corrected. Silence stretched between them. Then Edward sli

The Blackwood mansion was enormous. Almost overwhelming. Elara realized that the moment she stepped inside. The marble floors shimmered beneath the chandelier lights, the ceilings soared high above, and the silence echoed through the hallways like an empty cathedral. This was meant to be her new home. Yet she felt more like a guest than a resident. Or an intruder. The staff had shown her to the master suite hours earlier. The sheer size of the room reminded her of her childhood home. But Aaron hadn't come upstairs. Not after the reception. Not after the guests left. Not even after midnight. Elara sat on the edge of the bed, the soft glow of a lamp surrounding her, still wearing the silk robe the housekeeper had given her. Maybe he was busy. Maybe this was normal. After all, they were strangers forced into a marriage. She shouldn't expect too much. Still…

The Blackwood driver gently opened the car door for her. Elara stepped out cautiously. The shopping district was so different from places she usually visited. Tall glass storefronts displayed designer clothing, jewelry sparkled softly, and luxury cars lined the street. Everything appeared expensive. Everything seemed overwhelming. Elara instinctively clutched her handbag a bit tighter. She still felt uncomfortable carrying the black card Edward had given her. It sat in her wallet like something she wasn't supposed to touch. Still… he had insisted. Go out today. So she went. Inside the first boutique, the sales assistants greeted her kindly. But their eyes lingered a moment too long. Their smiles felt a little forced. "Welcome, ma'am." "Please let us know if you need anything." Elara nodded gently and moved between the clothing racks. The dresses were beautiful. Elegant fabrics. Soft colors. But most of them didn't seem to fit

Aaron didn’t stay long. After a brief, unreadable glance between him and Maya, he gave a short nod to Elara and walked past them without a word. Typical. Maya watched him disappear down the hallway before turning slowly back to Elara. “…I don’t like him.” Elara sighed softly. “Maya—” “No,” Maya cut in, dropping back onto the couch. “I’m serious. That man has the emotional range of a wall.” Elara couldn’t help it—she laughed. “Be nice.” “I am being nice,” Maya replied dryly. “If I weren’t, I’d have said worse.” Elara shook her head, but the smile lingered. Maya leaned forward suddenly. “Get up.” Elara blinked. “What?” “Get. Up.” “Maya, what are you—” “We’re going out.” Elara froze. “…No.” “Yes.” “No,” Elara repeated more firmly. “I already tried that. It didn’t go well.” Maya waved her off. “I saw the pictures.” “Exactly.” “And?” Maya challenged. Elara stared at her. “And it was humiliating.” Maya leaned back, studying her carefu