Chapter 7 The Proposal letter

The sun was just beginning to set beyond the college rooftops, casting long golden streaks through the windows of the dormitory common room. Amelia sat at the edge of the couch, her knees tucked up beneath her as she tried to focus on the thick psychology textbook in her lap. But focus refused to come.

Her phone buzzed on the side table, breaking the silence. A message. From the college administrator.

*"Miss Amelia Hart, please report to the Dean's office immediately. You have received an official letter. Signed, Mrs. Grey."*

Amelia's brows furrowed. A letter? She hadn't expected anything-certainly not from someone who could only communicate through the Dean's office. A nervous chill brushed up her spine as she gathered her books and hurried down the stone staircase, her footsteps echoing through the old hallway.

Inside the office, Mrs. Grey sat with a stiff smile and a sealed envelope resting on the polished wood of her desk. Amelia took the seat opposite her.

"This arrived this morning. It's from Mr. Richard Blackwood himself," the dean said, her eyes betraying a flicker of curiosity she didn't voice aloud.

Amelia stared at the name. Her hand trembled slightly as she opened the envelope.

*To Miss Amelia Hart,*

*It has been a pleasure watching your progress at Blackwood College. Your diligence and grace are admirable. I have spoken extensively with my son, Damien, and we both believe that you would make a wonderful match.*

*I hereby extend an invitation and proposal for you to consider marriage to my eldest son, Damien Blackwood.*

*You are under no obligation. I await your response with utmost respect.*

*– Richard Blackwood*

Amelia's breath caught.

Marriage.

To Damien.

Her fingers tightened around the letter, lips parting in disbelief. It wasn't a mere suggestion. It was a move. A strategic move.

Mrs. Grey cleared her throat. "Of course, you are free to decline. But the Blackwoods rarely offer anything twice."

As if that wasn't pressure enough.

Amelia sat alone in her room that night, the letter lying open on her bed. Her fingers traced the lines, again and again, her mind reeling.

Damien.

The very mention of his name made her stomach twist. He was handsome, undeniably so. The epitome of polished arrogance and power. But he was also cold, cruel at times. A bully to those he deemed beneath him. The kind of man who expected everything to bend to his will.

How could she marry someone like that?

Her heart whispered a different name-Elias.

But Elias was the outcast. The cursed one. The one no one in the Blackwood family trusted. Especially not Richard.

Still, her mother voice echoed in her heart, low and broken from years ago: "Never trust Richard. Never forget what he did to us."

Maybe... just maybe, this proposal was the opportunity she had waited for.

Get close enough to the family to destroy them from within.

Amelia rose to her feet, walked to the mirror, and stared hard at her reflection.

"I'll marry him," she whispered.

Not for love. Not for riches.

But for justice.

She picked up her pen and drafted a reply.

*To Mr. Richard Blackwood,*

*Thank you for your kind letter. I am honored by your proposal and will accept the offer to marry Damien Blackwood.*

*I hope this marks the beginning of a long and meaningful alliance.*

*– Amelia Harts*

As she sealed the envelope and handed it off to the courier, her hands no longer trembled. Her decision was made. The game had begun.

Little does Amelia know, Damien is already plotting something of his own. And she's walking straight into it.*