Unexpected Guest

Nora’s POV

The Devonte estate was even bigger than it looked in pictures and articles.

A long driveway led through wide green lawns to a huge mansion. A butler opened the front door and led me inside. The house was massive. A big crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and everything around me looked expensive. Even the flowers looked like they cost a fortune.

"Miss Nathan," the butler said, gesturing toward the entrance of the dining room. "Everyone is waiting for you."

I adjusted the hem of my dress, taking a quiet breath to calm my racing heart. I kept reminding myself why I was here. This was for my father. This was for my family's survival. All I had to do was sit through a simple dinner, smile politely, and be the quiet, obedient bride Michael wanted.

When I stepped into the dining room, Michael stood up from the table. He looked as flawless as he had yesterday, dressed in a sharp grey suit.

"Nora," Michael said with a short nod.

He walked over and placed a hand on my lower back, guiding me toward the table. It wasn’t affectionate. He was simply trying to portray the lovely couple in front of his family.

At the head of the table sat Mr. Devonte, a serious-looking man with graying hair. He gave me a brief, polite smile before looking away. Beside him was an older woman dressed in a delicate lace dress, looking at me without saying a word.

Michael leaned closer. "That’s my grandmother."

So this is Grandma Devonte, I whispered under my breath.

"Welcome, Nora," Mr. Devonte said, his voice deep and commanding. "We are pleased to formally welcome you into our home."

"Thank you, Mr. Devonte," I replied softly, taking the empty chair next to Michael.

"You can call him Father now, dear," Grandma Devonte said as she cut into her roast lamb. "After all, the paperwork is signed. Though I must say, your family’s financial troubles have been quite the topic in our social circles lately."

I felt my cheeks warm, but I kept my face calm. "My father is very grateful for the partnership, Grandma Devonte."

Michael didn't defend me or try to soften his grandmother's rude remark. He simply ate his meal, completely indifferent to the insult thrown at my family. I wasn't surprised. Honestly, I preferred his silence over fake comfort anyway.

Suddenly, the doors of the dining room swung open.

"Apologies for being late," a deep, smooth voice echoed off the high walls. "Traffic was terrible."

I picked up my water glass, taking a slow sip as I looked up casually toward the entrance. The glass nearly slipped from my fingers.

A tall man stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with an easy, confident look. He wore a white shirt with the top buttons undone, and his dark hair was slightly messy.

It was Blake. My heart raced, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. My mind went blank.

It couldn't be him. No. It couldn't. It was impossible. There was no way Blake could be here.

Blake wasn't just Michael's stepbrother. He was Blake Devonte—the boy from my high school three years ago. The one who had made my life miserable with his teasing and cruel jokes. And somehow, despite everything he had put me through, I had still held a crush on him—a stupid teenage crush I had hated myself for having.

Blake’s eyes scanned the room, passing right over his father and grandmother before landing directly on me. His eyes widened for a second. Then a slow, sharp smirk appeared on his face. Hello recognized me instantly.

"Well, well," Blake said as he walked toward the table. "Look what we have here."

"Sit down, Blake," Michael said flatly, still focused on his plate. "You’re distracting everyone."

Blake ignored Michael completely and pulled out the chair across from me. He sat down, leaned forward, and rested his chin in his hands. His eyes stayed fixed on mine, making my skin tingle.

"It’s been a long time, Nora," Blake said, his gaze locked onto mine. "I had no idea my brother was marrying an old friend."

His lips curved into a dangerous smile.

"Especially you.”