Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy

Chapter 8

As Ethan's car pulled up to Felicia's home, she thanked him for the ride and the lovely evening. Ethan bid her farewell, his eyes lingering on hers before she stepped out of the car.

Just as she was about to enter her house, Mark emerged from the shadows, his face twisted in a scowl.

"Who is this guy, Felicia? And why did he bring you home?"

Felicia's voice remained calm, trying to defuse the situation.

"Mark, please calm down. His name is Ethan, and we met at an art event. He offered me a ride home, that's all."

Mark's anger boiled over. "Why didn't you call me instead? And what's with this 'art event' business? Who are you trying to impress and why did you have to go there?"

Felicia's patience wore thin.

"Mark, we've had an agreement – you were supposed to be there for me, but you’re not always there and now you're blaming me? I'm tired of this charade. If you had a good job, I wouldn't be going through all this to help you gain my family's trust."

Mark's face reddened. "Forget about your family, Felicia. They're the worst. They'll make us suffer, just like they always do."

Felicia's eyes flashed with anger.

"That's enough, Mark. I've had enough of your jealousy and insecurity. I'm trying to help you, but you're not making it easy."

The tension between them crackled like a live wire, their words hanging in the air like a challenge, waiting to be met.

Mark's face paused, his expression softening as he took a deep breath. She was right. He was not helping the situation.

"I'm sorry, Felicia. I'm so sorry. I spoke out of line, and I know I've been a burden to you. I want to make up for everything, for all the pain and stress I've caused you."

As he spoke, Mark's eyes filled with genuine remorse, and he reached out, taking Felicia's hand in his. He pulled her into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around her like a shield.

"I know I don't deserve it, but please forgive me, Felicia. I promise to do better, to be the husband you deserve. I love you, and I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Felicia's initial resistance slowly gave way as she felt the sincerity in Mark's embrace. Her arms hesitantly wrapped around him, and she let out a soft sigh, her tension melting away.

"I love you too, Mark. But we need to work together, as a team. No more secrets, no more lies. We face everything together, as equals."

Mark nodded his hold on her tightening.

"I promise, Felicia. From now on, we face everything together. No more hurting each other, only supporting and loving each other."

Mark's grip on Felicia loosened, and he pulled back, his eyes cast downward.

"Felicia, I...I need to be honest with you. There’s something I’ve not told you about yet.”

Felicia’s face contorted. What more was there he wanted to say? She knew he had been acting suspiciously lately, but she felt it was right she didn’t ask and just allowed him to come out to her one day.

“I still have secrets, things I haven't told you yet.” He continued, “And I know I shouldn't be keeping them from you, but...I'm scared. I'm scared that if I tell you the truth, I might lose you."

Felicia's expression turned concerned, her voice soft. She reached to touch his face.

"Mark, how long are you going to keep this up? You can't keep secrets from me forever. If you don't tell me sooner rather than later, you might push me away completely."

Mark's face twisted in anguish. She was right.

"I know, I know. But I need to prepare you, Felicia. I need to train you to be ready for what's coming. When I reveal the truth about my family's legacy, we'll have enemies, powerful ones. And I need allies, people I can trust. That's why I've been trying to...groom you, I suppose, to be strong enough to face what's ahead."

“Your family legacy? You’re scaring me right now.”

Felicia's eyes narrowed, she was confused and frustrated that Mark was playing around with his words. "What family legacy? Mark, you can't keep treating me like a project to be managed. I'm your wife, your partner. Trust me, or risk losing me forever."

Mark's gaze locked onto Felicia's, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Felicia, this might come as a shock to you but, I think it’s for the best. Even though there’s going to be some changes from today onwards, it’s for the best.”

“Mark! Tell me, what is it? What’s this secret that you’re making it sound so scarring?”

“I'm the heir of the Blackwood legacy, Son to Justin Blackwood the first, and remaining heir of the Blackwood family throne. One of the most powerful industries and family in the city."

Felicia's face froze, her eyes widening in shock as the reality dawned on her. Her mind raced back to the new company she had been trying to secure a contract with, the one she had been so eager to impress. And the person who had asked her to arrange a meeting with Ethan...it was all starting to make sense now.

"You...you're the one," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "The CEO of Blackwood Industries. The one I've been trying to get a meeting with."

Mark nodded, his expression grim. "I am. And Ethan Ryder...he's one of the allies I need, a friend. He’d be the one to help me navigate the industry."

Felicia's face went white, her eyes fixed on Mark as if she was seeing him for the first time.

"Oh my god...what have I done?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and confusion.