Episode 19
The morning sun streamed through the enormous arched windows of Blackwood Mansion, casting golden patterns on the marble floor. But no warmth reached Aria Elwood as she stood stiffly by the window, her arms wrapped around herself like a shield.
She hadn't slept much last night. Not after what Lucien had whispered before turning his back on her in the ballroom.
> "You're not ready to see the kind of man I really am."
Those words haunted her. What was he hiding behind that icy mask? Why did everyone fear him?
Aria's eyes drifted across the rose garden below. It was beautiful—perfectly trimmed, symmetrical, a paradise of color and fragrance. But much like her current life, it was a cage. A stunning, suffocating cage.
A knock on her bedroom door startled her.
Before she could respond, a maid peeked in. "Missus Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the main dining room."
Aria turned slowly. "Did he say why?"
"No, ma'am. But he seemed… insistent."
The maid disappeared without another word.
Aria changed into a simple beige dress and tied her hair into a loose braid. As she walked through the echoing hallways, her footsteps sounded too loud in the silence.
Lucien was seated at the long oak dining table, sipping dark coffee. His hair was slightly tousled, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar — effortlessly perfect, as always.
"Sit," he said without looking at her.
She sat cautiously.
"I have meetings this afternoon," he began, slicing into a croissant. "You will accompany me."
Aria blinked. "Meetings?"
He glanced up, eyes sharp. "You're my wife. There are eyes on us now. Investors, board members, the press. You're no longer invisible."
She swallowed. "I'm not prepared for that kind of spotlight."
"You'll learn. Starting today."
The butler poured her tea silently, as though used to such conversations.
Lucien continued. "Your job is simple. Smile. Say nothing. Look like you belong."
Aria frowned. "Is that all I am to you? A prop?"
He leaned back, folding his arms. "You're the face beside mine. And if you embarrass me, I will not be forgiving."
Her hands clenched under the table. She had agreed to this life — but she hadn't known it would feel like performing on a stage with knives pressed to her back.
After breakfast, she was led to a walk-in closet the size of a small apartment. Dresses, heels, jewelry — all meticulously arranged, all expensive enough to feed her family for years.
"Wear the navy one," came Lucien's voice from the doorway. "It brings out the blue in your eyes."
Aria turned to look at him. There was something different in his gaze today. Less ice. More calculation.
Was he trying to mold her into the perfect wife for public appearances?
Or was it something more dangerous — something deeper?
By noon, they were seated in the back of a sleek black limousine. The city outside rushed past, unaware of the storm brewing inside the silent car.
Aria spoke first. "Why me?"
Lucien looked out the window. "Why not you?"
"I mean… you could have anyone. Why choose a broke girl with no name?"
His gaze shifted to hers. "Because you're clean. Unconnected. And you're desperate enough to obey."
The words hit like a slap.
"You really think that low of me?"
"I don't think of you at all, Aria," he said coldly.
She turned her face away, blinking hard.
The limousine pulled up outside a gleaming skyscraper with BLACKWOOD CORPORATION written in gold letters. As Lucien exited, photographers immediately swarmed, their cameras flashing like fireworks.
"Mr. Blackwood! Over here! Is that your wife?"
Lucien held out his hand. "Smile, Aria."
She placed her trembling fingers into his, forcing a practiced smile onto her face.
To the cameras, they looked like royalty — a flawless couple draped in wealth and mystery.
Inside the conference room, board members straightened their backs as Lucien entered.
Aria stayed silent, sitting beside him like a shadow.
But she noticed everything.
The way the men avoided Lucien's eyes. The way the women stiffened when he spoke. He didn't raise his voice — he didn't need to. Power radiated from him like heat from a flame.
Halfway through the meeting, a female executive named Selena Myles leaned toward Aria.
"You're braver than you look," she whispered with a polite smile. "Or maybe just foolish."
Aria blinked. "Excuse me?"
Selena chuckled. "Just a friendly warning. Don't fall in love with him. He'll destroy you."
Lucien's voice cut through the room. "Selena."
The woman straightened instantly.
He had heard every word.
After the meeting, Lucien didn't speak to Aria. Not in the car. Not back at the mansion. He simply vanished into his study as usual.
That night, Aria walked alone through the hallway, her heels clicking against the marble. Her head was spinning.
She had seen it now — the world Lucien ruled. Ruthless. Hollow. Golden on the outside, rotten within.
As she passed by a half-open door, she paused.
A room filled with books. A fireplace. A chessboard left mid-game.
Not Lucien's study.
She stepped inside.
It felt warm. Human.
On the table lay an old photo frame — turned face-down.
Curious, Aria flipped it.
It was Lucien — younger, smiling. With a woman who looked like his mother. And a man who must've been his father.
Before she could blink, the frame was snatched from her hands.
Lucien stood behind her, eyes blazing.
"What are you doing here?"
"I… I just—"
"I told you never to enter my private spaces."
"This wasn't your study—"
His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Get. Out."
Aria backed away, heart racing. But before she left, she whispered, "Is that who you were? Before the Devil title?"
He didn't answer.
But the pain in his eyes — just for a second — was louder than any scream.