Still shaken from the note I got last night, I gave one final look at my reflection, smacked my red lipstick and ran my hand down my floral red dress which I had styled with accessories to look my best at the breakfast table.

Eloise was coming down from breakfast for the first time in years so I had to look my best… like a Blackwood.

And with that, I gave the note a look before shoving it into the drawer before I made my way down. And just as I had expected, Eli was at the foot of the steps waiting for me.

“I hope you had the best sleep? He smiled as he offered his arm to help me down the stairs, just playing formal in front of everyone. He couldn't give anything away any hint that we had any relation together unless that would be the end for both of us.

“I didn't, I got a note” I whispered as quickly as my hands met while still wearing the best smile ever and suddenly the smile from his darkened as his eyes peered through mine then suddenly the frown was replaced with a smile to cover up any hint of suspicion by anyone around.

“I'm glad you did sleep well" He replied while still holding my hand warmly while he led me gently through the hallways under the servants and guards supervision.

“Eloise is already waiting at the dinner, she has been so impatient to meet you after last night"

He smiled warmly in pretense to be excited for my arrival. And just when we walked out from everyone's ear shot, he bent over towards me.

“Meet me at the family lounge after breakfast” He whispered before we walked into the dining room . I was welcomed by the warm atmosphere under different pairs of eyes who were already seated and waiting for me.

“I apologize for my lateness" I announced with a smile as I walked over gradually to Eloise who sat at the center of the mahogany table with a smile on her face. She looks much younger than she was last night, my arrival had made her so. I smiled to myself as the servant pulled out a seat right beside her

“Blackwood always keeps their time, always shows up at the dining table early that's a first so what happened you lost your manners after 7 years disappearance” The cruelty of the tone made me stop midair as I stared across Damien whose face was as cold as when we met yesterday.

" Damien! I heard Eli stern voice countering his son but Damien wasn't my problem and I was going to make him see that.

“Of course I know the Blackwood rules and I haven't forgotten” I replied as sweetly muttering up courage to spare him a glance while I took my seat.

“How are you sure, you're not an imposter, how did you get Grandma to believe you just at first sight!" He spoke turning to Eloise who was just quiet over at the table.

“Stop this madness! Eli fist pounds on the breakfast table but that doesn't stop Damien.

" How sure that you're not just an imposter that wants to scam us for our money because all we know Ember has been missing for the past 7years and she might have been dead as we even talk now so why will we believe you?! He stared right coldly at me as the word left him.

Eli was already on his feet but Eloise palm was up, stopping him midway while she gestured for him to take his seat back. She commands so much power even without speaking.

“It's such a shame, Damien, that you couldn't recover your cousin's sister. She was gone just for 7years and you can't tell her apart from any imposter!” Eloise raged as her grip tightened on her staff, I trembled as how one could command so much power and silence.

“The only person here that should be angry and disappointed should be Ember because her own cousin couldn't tell her apart from an imposter!" The silence that follows was threatening as I feast my eyes right at him.

“I was tempted to smile from the victory but it wasn't all over yet because everyone was quiet to hear me speak but I wouldn't be caught off guard now not when I'm so close in winning their heart.”

“A Blackwood never apologizes or bends their will for anyone or anything and also they never shy away from the truth or avoid making the right decision. So I’ll apologize for the 7years of absence but your trust issues lie with you Damien Larnot.”

From my side view I could see Eli sigh silently in relief, Damien’s glare was still hard on me but I did my best to ignore him for the rest of the morning while playing the perfect granddaughter for Eloise.

*********

“Family lounge….” I muttered to myself as I trailed my way through the hallway in search of Eli. He had asked me to meet him at the lounge after breakfast and I had sneaked out from the swarm of people that Eloise had invited.

The note still bothers me, if Eloise doesn't know about it then someone was playing with me. And just as I rounded the corner I saw the library door was slightly open.

“There's no harm to look” I whispered to myself while I walked over with my dress gently held up to take a peak. I leaned over my petite body only to have my body dragged inside in a split of that.

"Ahhhhh! I muffled a scream as the hand gripped tightly over my mouth. I kicked and punched my way out over the grip that tightened my body but it was just in short time before I saw the figure standing over me.

“What in the hell do you want!! I angrily shove my hand in his chest to push him off me.

“You're not who you think, you know that right?! His voice cold and threatening.