Chapter Seven
Alicia's POV
Pervert!
Just like his brother.
I cursed as I hit my fist on my lap for the umpteenth time. I had no idea what game Malachi Blackwood was playing,but I would not be a pawn on his chessboard.
He'd only just arrived and he'd managed to kiss me twice. And I was ashamed of myself for wanting it. Even though I didn't like Travis,he was my husband and I had to stay loyal till I got him to sign the damn divorce papers.
At the thought of it,my head spun. I would be free in a bit. Free from Travis and his tight fists. I remember hearing the servants whispering once. They said he wasn't always like that…
I found that unbelievable. Ever since we got married,all he did was abuse me and make fun of my scar. He knew I hated that scar,and he scorned me for it.
I traced my fingers over the scar at the side of my hip through the fabric of my dress, hating how even the memory of it burned. Travis had always known where to strike. His words were sharper than his fists. He wanted me small, broken and ashamed.
And yet, Malachi…he looked at me differently. Like the scar didn't matter. Like he saw through me.
No. I couldn't let myself fall into that trap. Not with him. Not with a Blackwood.
The divorce papers would come soon, and then I would finally breathe.
But even as I repeated that to myself, I could still feel the ghost of Malachi's lips on mine.
"We're here."
The taxi driver brought me back from reverie.
"Oh,"
I said, handing him some bank notes as I got out.
The electric gates automatically opened as I reached them. From afar,I could see decorations around. Servants running here and there.
My brows furrowed. Confused. What was happening?
I stopped a maid walking past and asked her what was going on.
"The patriarch is back,madam."
The patriarch? Pa Blackwood was back in the city. And no one told me about it? He must be so furious and probably thinks I'm disrespecting him.
I quickly increased my pace and got into the house. Pa Blackwood was addressing the family when I walked in.
"Ah, Alicia's here."
Everyone's eyes turned to me, their gazes heavy, probably waiting for me to falter.
Pa Blackwood's presence filled the entire room. His posture was sharp despite his age, his silver cane clutched firmly in his right hand.
"Come forward, child," he said, his voice calm but carrying something that made my stomach twist.
I obeyed quickly, lowering my eyes. "I… I apologize for not being here earlier."
He studied me in silence for a long moment. My heart hammered in my chest. Unlike the others, Pa Blackwood didn't need to raise his voice to instill fear. One look was enough to get the job done.
Finally, his lips curved into a faint smile. "You are forgiven."
A wave of whispers rippled through the family. Forgiven? That single word meant I'd been acknowledged...something none of them expected.
And then Pa Blackwood continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs.
"This family has forgotten its roots while I was gone. That ends now. From this day forward, I will restore order...and loyalty will be tested."
His gaze swept across the room, pausing deliberately on Mario, then Travis' empty seat, and finally… on me.
My blood ran cold.
"And where is my favourite grandson?"
He asked.
"He went out this morning sir."
It was the butler that answered.
"Hmmm. I'll be in my study room. Alicia, please make some tea. My head is spinning."
He walked past me and went up the stairs.
"Of course,father."
I said,head low.
Immediately he was out of sight,the rest of the family left. I watched as the painted smile on their faces faded away,replaced by hostility and coldness.
Layla,my mother-in-law,walked towards me with cold eyes. "You better pray my son wakes up on time."
I only looked at her. No words came out of my mouth. More like,I didn't know what to say.
I sighed.
Why did I have to live such a life like this?
I walked into pa Blackwood's study after knocking twice and receiving permission from him. The room smelled of medicine and ink.
Pa Blackwood was seated behind his desk,a quill in his hand as he practiced calligraphy. I had always loved him. He was so full of life, unlike his offsprings who are like vipers.
"Sit down,child." He said,his eyes focused on the letters he'd written.
I gently sat down. Within minutes,I had finished brewing some tea for him.
"You have more strength in you than you show, child. But strength attracts enemies. Remember that."
He sat across from me, cane resting by his chair, his sharp eyes almost too knowing.
I lowered my head, unsure what to say. Ask him what he meant? No,Pa Blackwood never gave straight answers.
Instead, I poured the steaming liquid into his porcelain cup, steady hands hiding the nerves coiling in my stomach. Just as I set the teapot down, a knock echoed at the door.
"Come in," Pa Blackwood said.
As the door opened,I could see Malachi's tall figure. He was leaning against the door frame,hands in his pockets and a dark smile on his face.
"Grandfather,"
He walked in and walked over to pa Blackwood's side.
"Ohh… it's real. My grandson has finally returned."
Pa Blackwood's face softened, his voice tinged with rare joy. I almost thought he might cry. Malachi meant that much to him.
But Malachi wasn't looking at him. His eyes were on me.
"Alicia," Pa Blackwood said, turning towards me, "this is your brother-in-law, Malachi."
"I know her." Malachi's chuckle was low, hinting at something deliberate. "We've gotten along very well. Haven't we, Alicia?"
My throat tightened. His gaze pinned me in place, daring me to contradict him. "Y-yes. We have."
"Good," Pa Blackwood said, satisfied. "Sit down, Malachi. Three years gone and you still look the same. Stronger, perhaps."
I barely heard him. Malachi took the chair beside me, his presence too close, too overwhelming. I could feel my heart race.
"Grandpa, your tea is getting cold." I forced a smile, eager to shift the attention.
Pa Blackwood accepted the cup and sipped slowly. My heart pounded in the silence until he nodded, pleased. "Hmm. It tastes good. Pour me another."
I obeyed quickly, careful not to spill. And that was when I felt Malachi's foot brushing against my ankle under the table.
Startled, I shot him a look. He only leaned back in his chair,his dark eyes filled with amusement. His lips moved silently, mouthing the words:
You taste so good.
My eyes widened, embarrassed as heat rose up to my cheeks.