Chapter 105: A Storm Within the Manor

The imposing gates of Blackwood Manor loomed before us, casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. As the car rolled through the gates and up the sweeping driveway, a knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach. I knew what awaited us inside: a family steeped in tradition, a lineage of wealth and privilege, and a patriarch who wouldn't hesitate to judge me, to scrutinize my every move, my every word.Liam, sensing my nervousness, squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Ava," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that calmed my nerves. "We'll face them together."I nodded, drawing strength from his unwavering support. We stepped out of the car, the cool air carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. William and Sarah followed, their presence a comforting anchor in this unfamiliar territory.As we approached the massive oak doors, they swung open, revealing a dimly lit foyer and a stern-faced butler who looked as ancient as the manor itself. Liam, his jaw set with determination, led me through the imposing entrance, our footsteps echoing on the marble floor.We were ushered into a grand drawing-room, its opulent furnishings and imposing portraits a stark contrast to the warmth and simplicity of my own apartment. A group of people, impeccably dressed and radiating an air of haughty disapproval, turned to face us as we entered.Liam's grandfather, Henry Blackwood, a man who seemed to embody the very essence of the Blackwood legacy, stood at the head of the room, his gaze fixed on me with an icy intensity that sent shivers down my spine."Liam," he boomed, his voice echoing through the cavernous space, "you have some explaining to do."Liam, his hand still clasped tightly in mine, stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "Grandfather, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Ava Blackwood."A collective gasp echoed through the room, the shock of his announcement hanging heavy in the air. Henry Blackwood's face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing with fury."Wife?" he sputtered, his voice laced with disdain. "You have no right to bring this... this woman into our home."Liam's grip tightened on mine, his voice a low growl that challenged his grandfather's authority. "She has every right, Grandfather. She is my wife, and she belongs here."He turned to me, his gaze softening, his voice filled with a love that defied the disapproval surrounding us. "Come, Ava," he said, leading me towards the grand staircase. "Let's go to our room. We have nothing to prove to these people."As we ascended the stairs, leaving behind the stunned silence and the simmering resentment, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude. Liam had chosen me, defended me, and defied his family's expectations for our love. And in that moment, I knew that together, we could face any challenge, any obstacle, any attempt to dim the light of our happiness.We reached the top of the stairs and walked down a long hallway lined with portraits of past Blackwoods, their stern expressions seemingly judging our every step. Finally, we reached our room, a spacious chamber with a king-sized bed and a balcony overlooking the sprawling estate.Liam closed the door behind us, shutting out the disapproving stares and the harsh whispers that still echoed in my ears. He turned to me, his eyes filled with concern."Are you alright, Ava?" he asked, his voice gentle.I nodded, my voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine, Liam. I just... I wasn't expecting such a hostile reception."He pulled me into a tight embrace, his warmth enveloping me like a shield. "I know," he murmured, his voice low in my ear. "But don't let them get to you. They don't understand our love, they don't understand us."I looked up at him, my eyes filled with tears. "But what if they never accept me, Liam? What if I'm never truly part of this family?"He cupped my face in his hands, his eyes searching mine. "You are already part of this family, Ava. You are my wife, and that's all that matters. I love you, and I will always be here for you, no matter what."His words filled me with a renewed sense of hope and determination. I knew that our journey wouldn't be easy, that we would face many challenges, but as long as we had each other, we could overcome anything.We spent the rest of the evening in our room, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company. We didn't need the approval of the Blackwoods, we had each other, and that was all that mattered.The next morning, we woke up to the sound of raised voices coming from downstairs. Liam and I exchanged a worried glance, knowing that the confrontation with his family was about to begin.We descended the stairs, hand in hand, and entered the drawing-room, where Henry Blackwood and several other family members were gathered. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with hostility.Henry Blackwood glared at me, his voice dripping with disdain. "You have no right to be here, Ava. This is a family gathering, not a place for commoners."Liam stepped forward, his voice firm and unwavering. "Grandfather, Ava is my wife. She is a part of this family, whether you like it or not."Henry Blackwood's face contorted with rage. "She is not a Blackwood! She is a nobody!"Liam's jaw clenched, but he kept his voice calm. "She is more than just a name, Grandfather. She is a kind, intelligent, and compassionate woman. She is the love of my life, and she deserves your respect."Henry Blackwood scoffed. "Love? You call this... this infatuation love? It's a passing fancy, nothing more."Liam's eyes narrowed. "This is not a fancy, Grandfather. This is real love, the kind of love that transcends social status and family traditions. And I will not allow you to disrespect her."The room erupted in a cacophony of voices, everyone arguing and shouting at once. I felt overwhelmed, tears welling up in my eyes.Suddenly, Liam grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door. "We're leaving," he said, his voice firm.I looked back at the room, at the faces filled with anger and disapproval. Then, I looked at Liam, his eyes filled with love and determination. I knew that I had made the right choice, that I belonged with him, no matter what his family thought.We walked out of the manor, hand in hand, and into the unknown. We didn't know what the future held, but we knew that we had each other, and that was all that mattered.