Chapter 7
The roar of the helicopter blades was deafening,
but inside the luxurious cabin,
it was surprisingly quiet.
We flew high above the city of Seattle,
leaving the towering glass buildings behind.
I looked down at the streets,
thinking about how my life had shattered there just yesterday.
Now,
I was soaring above the clouds,
sitting beside a man who owned half the world.
Lucian handed me a pair of noise-canceling headphones,
gesturing for me to put them on.
Soft classical music filled my ears,
soothing my frayed nerves perfectly.
I leaned my head against the leather seat,
watching the landscape change from gray concrete to lush green forests.
"We are heading to Blackwood Manor,"
Lucian explained,
speaking into a small microphone attached to his headset.
"It is heavily guarded,
no one gets in without my explicit permission."
I nodded,
feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me.
"Thank you,"
I said,
my voice crackling slightly through the intercom.
He reached across the aisle,
taking my hand in his large,
warm grasp.
"Get some rest,
the flight is another hour."
I closed my eyes,
letting the gentle vibration of the helicopter lull me to sleep.
When I woke up,
we were descending toward a massive,
sprawling estate.
It looked like a modern castle,
built from dark stone and sleek glass,
nestled in a private mountain valley.
A pristine lake shimmered in the distance,
reflecting the sunlight beautifully.
The helicopter touched down gently on a private helipad,
and a team of staff immediately rushed forward.
Lucian unbuckled my seatbelt,
helping me stand up with careful precision.
"Welcome home, Ava,"
he whispered,
supporting my weight as we stepped outside.
The fresh mountain air filled my lungs,
crisp and clean compared to the city pollution.
A line of maids and butlers stood at attention near the entrance,
bowing slightly as we approached.
"This is Mrs. Blackwood,"
Lucian announced loudly,
sending a shockwave through my entire body.
I stopped walking,
staring at him in pure astonishment.
The staff did not even blink,
they simply nodded respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Blackwood,"
the head butler greeted,
opening the massive oak doors.
I pulled on Lucian's arm,
forcing him to stop in the grand foyer.
"Why did you call me that?"
I hissed,
keeping my voice low so the staff would not hear.
Lucian looked down at me,
his expression completely serious.
"Because if the world believes you are my wife,
Nathan cannot touch you legally or publicly."
I opened my mouth to argue,
but the logic was undeniable.
"We are getting married, Ava,"
he stated,
May you like
leaving no room for debate.
"Tomorrow."
