Chapter 3
966words
The driver was an expressionless middle-aged man, impeccably dressed in a suit, professional in his demeanor. He took my luggage and opened the rear door for me without unnecessary conversation.
The interior was spacious, leather seats exuding luxury. After I sat down, I noticed a partition between the front and back seats. Complete privacy, and complete isolation.
The car smoothly left the city center, heading toward the suburbs. The scenery gradually changed from crowded high-rises to expansive green spaces and meticulously manicured lawns. This was the wealthy district, where each house resembled a small castle.
But even in this neighborhood of mansions, the Blackwood estate stood apart.
When the car turned onto a private road, I saw it for the first time. The mansion stood atop a small hill, its classical stone walls perfectly blending with modern glass structures. Surrounding it were perfectly trimmed gardens and ancient trees, with a winding driveway leading to the main building.
This wasn't a house; it was a castle.
The car stopped in the spacious front courtyard. The driver got out to open my door, then pointed toward the entrance.
"Mrs. Blackwood is waiting for you."
I nodded, took a deep breath, and walked up the steps.
The door opened before I could knock. A uniformed butler stood there, nodding expressionlessly.
"Miss Chen, please follow me."
I followed him through a spacious hall. The interior decoration was more modern than I had imagined, but still maintained a classical elegance. Priceless artwork hung on the walls, and the floor was polished marble that reflected like a mirror.
The butler led me to a spacious reception room. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire space.
"Please wait. Mrs. Blackwood will be here shortly."
He left the room, leaving me alone. I looked around, noticing family photographs on the wall. One in particular caught my attention.
It was a portrait of Alexander Blackwood. He stood on a stage at some business event, impeccably dressed in a suit, wearing a confident smile. He had deep eyes and defined features, the kind of handsome that would make women turn their heads.
It was hard to imagine this vibrant man now lying in a bed, disconnected from the world.
"That was taken two years ago."
An elegant female voice came from behind me. I turned to see a woman in her fifties standing in the doorway. She wore a perfectly tailored navy blue suit, her silver-gray hair in an elegant bun. Her posture and expression radiated authority and control.
Victoria Blackwood. Alexander's mother.
"Mrs. Blackwood," I nodded slightly.
She entered the room, her appraising gaze examining me from head to toe. I felt evaluated, measured, like merchandise for sale.
"Olivia Chen," she finally spoke, her voice calm and restrained. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Hopefully good things," I attempted a smile.
"That depends on how you define 'good.'" She gestured for me to sit, taking a seat on the sofa opposite me. "I understand you had a relationship with Ethan Reed."
My heart raced. How much did she know?
"Yes," I answered briefly.
"He recently got married," she continued, her eyes fixed on my reaction. "To your stepsister."
I kept my expression unchanged. "Yes."
"And now you're going to marry my son," her voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "What a coincidence."
"I don't believe in coincidences, Mrs. Blackwood," I looked directly into her eyes. "I believe in choices."
She raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised by my answer.
"Then why do you choose to marry a man in a vegetative state?"
The question was so direct it almost took my breath away. But I knew that any sign of weakness would be seen as a flaw by this woman.
"Why does the Blackwood family choose a woman who was just abandoned by her boyfriend?" I countered.
The corner of her mouth turned up slightly, almost a smile. "Direct. I like that."
She stood up and walked to the window. "The Blackwood family needs stability. Alexander's condition has caused concern among shareholders. A wife, the image of a family, will reassure them."
"And I need a fresh start," I said honestly.
She turned to look at me. "At least you're honest. Most people would fabricate some story about love or destiny."
"We both know this isn't a love story."
"No, it's a transaction," she returned to her seat. "You will receive financial security and social status. In return, you will play the role of Alexander's wife, attend necessary social events, and maintain the family's public image."
She picked up a folder from the coffee table and handed it to me.
"This is the prenuptial agreement. If Alexander wakes up, he has the right to unilaterally end the marriage. If he never wakes up..." she paused, "you will receive a decent settlement, but will not inherit any Blackwood assets or shares."
I opened the document, scanning it quickly. The terms were strict but fair. I hadn't expected more.
"I understand."
"Are you sure?" Her piercing gaze penetrated me. "Once you sign, there's no going back."
"I already have no way back, Mrs. Blackwood."
She seemed satisfied with my answer. "Good. Now, would you like to meet your future husband?"
My heart raced. "Yes."
She stood up, gesturing for me to follow. We walked through several corridors to the east wing of the mansion. The decor here was more modern, more like a hospital than a residence.
Victoria stopped in front of a set of double doors.
"Alexander's condition is stable, but he has no consciousness. Doctors say he may never wake up." Her voice wavered for the first time. "Are you ready?"
I nodded.
She pushed open the doors, and I followed her inside.
