Chapter 4 Woman in Black

Chapter 4: Woman in Black

The grand chandelier above glimmered as sunlight poured through the towering windows of the Blackwood estate. Mrs. Blackwood sat in her favorite high-backed chair with an untouched cup of tea on the table beside her. Her perfectly manicured fingers drummed against the armrest as she glanced at Mr. Santiago, her ever-loyal butler, who stood patiently with his hands clasped in front of him.

"What?! What do you mean my son is getting married?!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp enough to echo off the marble walls. She shot up from her seat as her tea cup rattled on the saucer from the sudden movement.

"To whom?" she demanded, her piercing gaze locking on Mr. Santiago, who remained composed despite the storm brewing in the room.

Mr. Santiago cleared his throat, ever the picture of calm. "Yes, mistress. It seems that Master Adrian has long been in a relationship with a woman named Noelle McGrath, who owns a humble flower shop in the city."

Mrs. Blackwood froze mid-stride, her expression oscillating between disbelief and indignation. "A flower shop owner?" she repeated, the words dripping with disdain. She paced the room while her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor. "My son, Adrian Blackwood, is marrying a... commoner? Why haven't I heard of this before? How long has this been going on?"

Mr. Santiago adjusted his glasses, his voice steady. "For some time now, ma'am. It appears Master Adrian wished to keep the relationship private."

Mrs. Blackwood scoffed, throwing her hands up. "Private? Oh, how convenient. And now, I'm finding out about this wedding-" she spat the word as though it were bitter, "-when everything's already set in motion? Why wasn't I consulted?"

Mr. Santiago gave a small bow of his head. "It seems Master Adrian wanted to spare you the... surprise until the arrangements were finalized."

"Finalized?!" she nearly shrieked, her voice climbing an octave. "How thoughtful of him," she added sarcastically, her lips pressing into a thin line.

The butler stood in respectful silence, letting her vent her frustrations.

Mrs. Blackwood stopped pacing, her expression hardening with determination. "No. This won't do. I need to meet this-" she waved her hand vaguely, "-Noelle McGrath. If my son thinks he's going to marry some flower girl without my blessing, he's sorely mistaken."

Mr. Santiago inclined his head. "Shall I arrange for a meeting, madam?"

"Yes, immediately!" she snapped, her mind already racing with plans. "I want to know everything about this woman. Her background, her intentions, her family-everything. No son of mine is going to rush into a marriage without my approval."

"Very well, mistress," Mr. Santiago replied, bowing slightly before retreating from the room to carry out her orders.

As the butler exited, Mrs. Blackwood sank back into her chair, her jaw tightening. "A flower shop owner," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "What on earth is Adrian thinking?"

~~~~

Sunlight filtered through the large glass windows of Noelle's quaint flower shop that casted the warm rays over the vibrant blooms that adorned every corner. The soft hum of quiet instrumental music played in the background as Noelle worked behind the counter while her hands skillfully arranged a bouquet of lilies and roses.

A delivery of fresh flowers sat by the door, and her apron was lightly dusted with petals and bits of greenery. Despite the work, her face was calm, her kind eyes lighting up as she helped a customer pick out the perfect arrangement.

"This one would be lovely for an anniversary," Noelle suggested, holding up a bouquet of red and white roses with a touch of baby's breath.

The older gentleman nodded appreciatively. "You have a great eye, Miss McGrath. My wife's going to love it."

Noelle beamed at the compliment, carefully wrapping the bouquet in soft paper before tying it with a satin ribbon. "I'm sure she will. It's hard not to when it comes from someone who clearly loves her so much."

The man chuckled, handing her cash. "Thank you. You've made this old man's day."

"It's my pleasure," Noelle replied warmly, handing him the change. "Please come back anytime."

As the man left, the small bell above the door jingled, signaling the entrance of a young woman who looked to be in her twenties. Her face was bright with excitement as she hurried to the counter, carrying a photo on her phone.

"Hi, I was wondering if you could recreate this arrangement for my sister's engagement party?" the woman asked, showing Noelle the screen.

Noelle leaned over to study the picture, her fingers brushing a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. "Oh, that's gorgeous. Hydrangeas and peonies with a few eucalyptus sprigs. I can definitely do something like this for you."

The woman's eyes sparkled. "That's perfect! She'll love it."

As they discussed details, the bell above the door jingled again, and Noelle caught a glimpse of another customer browsing the sunflowers near the window. She excused herself briefly, walking over to assist.

"Sunflowers are such a happy choice," Noelle said with a smile, noticing the woman holding a single stem. "Are you thinking of a bouquet or just this one?"

The customer smiled back. "Just this one. It's for my niece. She loves yellow."

Noelle nodded, quickly trimming and wrapping the stem with care. "That's so thoughtful of you. I hope it brightens her day."

As the shop began to buzz with activity, Noelle felt satisfied. She loved moments like this-helping people create memories with something as simple as flowers.

Little did she know, her peaceful morning was about to be disrupted by someone who would soon turn her world upside down.

The doorbell jingled again, and Noelle instinctively called out without looking up, "I'll be with you in just a moment!"

She was carefully arranging the last stem in a cheerful bouquet when the sound of firm, deliberate footsteps approached her counter.

"No rush," a smooth, unfamiliar voice responded.

Noelle glanced up, startled, and was met with the sight of a tall, impeccably dressed man in a tailored suit. His neatly combed dark hair and sharp, assessing gaze gave him an air of authority that made her immediately stand straighter.

"Good morning," she said, forcing a polite smile despite her unease. "How can I help you?"

The man's lips curled into a faint smile, but it was more formal than warm. "You must be Noelle McGrath," he said, his tone calm but probing.

Noelle blinked, confused. "I am. And you are...?"

The man reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a sleek, embossed business card. He slid it across the counter to her with deliberate precision.

"My name is Santiago," he introduced himself with a slight nod. "I am here on behalf of my Madame."

The name didn't ring any bells for Noelle, but something about his demeanor made her stomach twist with unease. "I see..." she said hesitantly, picking up the card but still unsure. "And who is she?"

Mr. Santiago's gaze sharpened ever so slightly. "Mrs. Carol Blackwood. Mr. Adrian Blackwood's mother."

Noelle's heart skipped a beat as she froze in place, her breath catching.

Adrian's mother?

"Oh," was all she could manage for a moment. Adrian hadn't mentioned anything about his family-let alone his mother.

"I see I've caught you off guard," Santiago said, his tone neutral, though his eyes seemed to register her reaction carefully. "Mrs. Blackwood has recently learned of your engagement to her son, and she would like to meet you."

The words sent a chill down Noelle's spine. Meet her? Why now, and why through an intermediary like this?

"I wasn't aware Adrian had told his family about us," she said carefully, trying to piece together her thoughts.

Santiago gave a polite nod. "It appears the news has only recently reached Mrs. Blackwood. She is eager to make your acquaintance and extend her... welcome."

Noelle wasn't sure if she imagined the hesitation before the word "welcome," but it didn't ease her nerves. Still, she knew she had no reason to refuse. Whether she liked it or not, she needed to meet Adrian's family-a family he had never mentioned to her.

She set the business card down on the counter, her fingers still brushing its edges as if the action would somehow ground her spinning thoughts. "I understand," she said finally and took off her apron. "I'll go with you."

And so, Santiago nodded, gesturing toward the sleek black limousine parked just outside her shop. Noelle hesitated for only a moment before grabbing her bag and following him.

The door was opened for her, and she stepped inside. The plush leather interior was intimidating in itself, but her attention was immediately drawn to the woman seated elegantly at the far end. She wore a fitted black dress, her posture straight and commanding. Her features were refined, her dark hair styled neatly, and though she looked like she was in her early 50s, there was a timeless grace to her presence.

The air inside the limousine felt heavier as Santiago gently closed the door behind her and moved to the driver's seat. Within moments, the car began to glide smoothly through the city streets, leaving Noelle feeling as if she'd entered a completely different world.

Mrs. Blackwood's piercing eyes assessed her as a small, unreadable smile tugged at the older woman's lips.

"So..." Mrs. Blackwood began.