Chapter 3 Meeting his family

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The next morning, Chloe was woken up by a knock on the door.

Groggy and still half-asleep, she got up and opened the door. Standing there were two maids, their faces polite and professional.

"Good morning, Mrs. Knight," one of them said with a warm smile. "Young Master has asked us to help you get ready and escort you to the mansion."

Chloe hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," she said softly, stepping aside to let them in.

The maids quickly got to work, preparing a bath for her. Once they were done, Chloe entered the bathroom, feeling a little overwhelmed. By the time she came out, she was surprised to see her dress laid out perfectly and everything else neatly prepared.

Though Chloe's family was also rich but is nothing compared to Knight's family, she had never been treated like this-like royalty.

The maids guided her to a dressing mirror and began drying and combing her hair. They helped her into her dress, ensuring every detail was flawless.

Chloe caught her reflection in the mirror. She barely recognized herself and allowed a faint smile to creep across her lips.

"I will take my leave now, Mrs. Knight," one maid said, bowing slightly. "Lisa will stay to explain some things you need to know about the Knight family." With that, she left, leaving Chloe alone with the other maid.

Chloe turned to her. " you are Lisa? Chloe asked the maids standing infront of her.

"Yes," the maid replied politely.

"That's a nice name," Chloe said, offering a small, genuine smile.

"Thank you, ma'am," Lisa said. "Mr. Knight asked me to tell you a little about the family-just the basics you'll need to know."

Chloe nodded and sat down, preparing herself to listen.

Lisa brought out six pictures and began introducing the family members. "This is Mrs. Catherine," she said, pointing to a photo of a stern-looking woman. "She's Young Master's stepmother. She doesn't like him, and you'll understand why later.

"This is Mr. Knight, the Young Master's father. And here," she said, pointing to another picture, "is Aaron, the first son of Mrs. Catherine. He's... ruthless. He'll do anything to get what he wants. He's also a womanizer, so you should be careful around him. His wife, Laine, is the opposite-kind and respectful. They don't have any children yet.

Lisa moved to the next picture. "This is Danis, the second son of Mrs. Catherine. He's gentle, but very hard to read. You'll never know what he's truly thinking or planning. His wife, Verona, is the complete opposite of him. They have a daughter, Nora.

Chloe listened intently, feeling the weight of what she was learning.

"What about my husband's mother?" Chloe asked cautiously. "And why does everyone go by 'Mr. and Mrs. Knight'? Why can't we take our husband's last name?"

"That's one of the rules in this family," Lisa said. "No one is allowed to bear their husband's name unless the head of the family, Mr. Knight, permits it. As for Young Master's mother, I'm sorry, ma'am-I can't say much about her. She isn't here."

Chloe frowned slightly. "What's my husband's name?"

Lisa hesitated. "I'm not supposed to share much about the Young Master," she said carefully. "The only thing I can tell you is that he's the youngest son of Mr. Knight."

"Please," Chloe pressed. "I at least need to know his name."

After a pause, Lisa sighed. "His name is Nicholas. His children's names are Daniel and Daniella."

Chloe repeated the names in her mind. Nicholas, Daniel, and Daniella. So the girl is Daniella, with the way the girl had welcomed her she knew she can't be expecting any kindness from them. And one thing was clear-this family was far more complicated than she had imagined.

It's time for you to meet the family," Lisa said gently.

Chloe stood frozen for a moment, nervousness swirling in her chest. She nodded, and together they walked out of her pavilion, Lisa guiding her with calm steps.

As they approached the mansion, Chloe noticed a few other pavilions scattered across the grounds. She hadn't paid attention to them when she first arrived, her mind too preoccupied. Now, each step toward the grand structure made her stomach twist tighter.

When they reached the mansion, two guards opened the large double doors, their movements precise and silent. Lisa glanced at Chloe, offering a small, encouraging smile before motioning her forward.

Taking a deep breath, Chloe stepped inside.

The dining room was already filled. Everyone turned their heads to look at her as she entered, their eyes scanning her with a mix of curiosity, indifference, and something she couldn't quite place.

Why does everyone in this family feel so strange? Chloe thought, her heart racing as she walked closer to the long dining table.

At the head of the table sat Mr. Knight, the family patriarch. Beside him was Mrs. Catherine, her expression cold and calculating.

"Good morning," Chloe said, trying to sound composed as she greeted them.

Mr. Knight gave her a warm smile, his demeanor surprisingly welcoming. Mrs. Catherine, on the other hand, simply nodded, her face unreadable.

Chloe turned to Aaron and Laine next.

"Welcome to the Knight family," Aaron said, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk that made her uneasy.

"You're beautiful," Laine said kindly, her smile genuine.

"Thank you," Chloe replied, her voice soft.

She greeted Danis and Verona next. Danis answered casually, barely glancing at her, while Verona's tone was laced with malice.

"I wonder how many days you'll last," Verona said with a mocking smile.

Before Chloe could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Show some respect to my wife, sister-in-law," Nicholas said, his tone firm as he walked into the dining room.

Chloe's eyes widened as he approached the table. He pulled out a chair for her and gestured for her to sit before taking his own seat.

"I didn't say anything wrong," Verona said, her voice sharp. "After all, she is your seventh wife."

Nicholas's eyes narrowed, his presence commanding. "I won't tolerate any insults toward my wife in this family. She deserves respect, and I expect everyone to give it."

Chloe blinked, stunned by his sudden display of care. Was this the same cold, intimidating man she had met before? Or was he someone entirely different? The shift confused her, leaving her unsure of what to think.

"Can we eat in peace?" Mr. Knight's voice boomed, silencing the tension.

The maids quickly began serving food, and everyone turned their attention to their plates.

Chloe sat quietly, picking at her food. I used to think rich people had it all, but I was so wrong. They're the most complicated, strange people on earth, she thought, her appetite fading.

As she glanced around the table, studying each family member one by one, her eyes met Aaron's.

He was staring at her, a sly grin playing on his lips. When he caught her gaze, he winked, his smile growing more mischievous.

Chloe quickly looked away, her heart pounding.

She wasn't surprised, though. She had heard the rumors about Aaron-his charm, his recklessness, and the chaos he left in his wake.

She just hoped she wouldn't be his next target.