Chapter Four

At the Blake mansion, Ilda basked in the glow of her newfound status. She was no longer just a guest but the adored daughter-in-law, carrying what was presumed to be the Blake heir. Every staff member greeted her with deference, their respect evident in the careful way they attended to her needs. Even Olivia, who had once regarded her with mild suspicion, now seemed to look at her with admiration.

Ilda played the part perfectly, smiling warmly at everyone and making sure to offer kind words to the staff whenever possible. She carried herself with a grace that could only be described as regal, ensuring that every action solidified her position in the family.

In the sitting room, Ilda sat next to Christian, her hand lightly resting on his arm. They were sharing a quiet moment, the air filled with an unusual softness.

“You’ve been so good to me, Christian,” Ilda said, her voice sweet and affectionate. “I don’t know how I would have managed without you.”

Christian looked at her, a rare smile gracing his lips. “It’s the least I can do. You’re giving me a family, Ilda. I’m grateful for you.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder, her smile widening. “You always know how to make me feel special.”

As their conversation grew more intimate, neither noticed Olivia standing at the doorway, a tray in her hands. She paused, her lips curling into a smile as she watched the tender moment unfold. She had never seen Christian so gentle, so attentive, and it warmed her heart.

Deciding not to intrude further, Olivia cleared her throat softly before stepping into the room. “Good morning, you two,” she greeted, setting the tray on a nearby table.

Christian straightened up, his hand instinctively moving away from Ilda’s. “Good morning, Mom.”

“I thought I’d make breakfast today,” Olivia said, her tone cheerful. “It’s been a while since we had a proper family meal.”

“Oh, Mom, you don’t have to,” Ilda interjected quickly, rising from her seat. “I was actually planning to make something special for everyone.”

Olivia hesitated, her surprise evident. “You want to cook? But you should be resting.”

Ilda shook her head, her smile reassuring. “It’s no trouble at all. I want to do this. Please, let me.”

For a moment, Olivia considered protesting, but the sincerity in Ilda’s eyes won her over. “Well, if you insist,” she said, nodding.

As Ilda headed toward the kitchen, Olivia couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. ‘She’s such a thoughtful girl,’ she thought to herself. ‘Christian is lucky to have her.’

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In the kitchen, Ilda took charge with practiced ease. She directed the staff, her movements confident and precise as she prepared a feast. The aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling bacon, and exotic spices soon wafted through the mansion, drawing curious glances from everyone.

When the breakfast was finally ready, the dining room was a sight to behold. The long table was elegantly arranged, adorned with platters of assorted foods that could rival any five-star restaurant. The staff worked diligently to ensure every detail was perfect, from the polished silverware to the folded napkins.

The family gathered at the table, their faces lighting up at the spread before them. Olivia, seated at the head of the table, smiled warmly at Ilda. “This looks incredible, Ilda,” she said, her tone full of praise.

As Ilda moved gracefully about, her beauty captivated everyone present. She had flawless porcelain skin, striking green eyes framed by long lashes, and soft auburn hair that cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves. Her elegant demeanor and gentle smile only added to the charm that seemed to radiate effortlessly from her.

Olivia’s sisters, seated nearby, couldn’t hold back their admiration. One of them, a tall woman with streaks of gray in her dark hair, leaned back in her chair and remarked, “Thank God Christian divorced that lowlife woman. Ilda is exactly what this family needed.”

The other sister, wearing a pearl necklace and clutching a glass of iced tea, chimed in with enthusiasm. “Absolutely! Later on, we should get her involved in the family business. She’s so smart and poised—she’d be a great asset. Olivia, I must say, God really blessed you with this one.”

Olivia, who had been quietly observing Ilda, smiled warmly. Her heart swelled with pride as she listened to the praise being heaped on her daughter-in-law. “Yes,” she said simply, her voice carrying a note of deep satisfaction. “She truly is a blessing.”

Ilda’s cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink at their words. “Thank you, Mom,” she replied modestly, her tone soft but sincere, as she took her seat beside Christian. She turned her attention to him with a gentle smile, as if to show that every kind word said about her was merely a reflection of her gratitude to be part of their family.

As they began eating, the room filled with the soft clinking of cutlery and the hum of pleasant conversation. Christian turned to Ilda, his expression softening. “The doctor called earlier,” he said, taking a bite of his fish. “He mentioned you’ll need to go over to the hospital next week for a checkup.”

Ilda nodded, her demeanor calm. “Of course. I’ll make sure to schedule it.”

Christian added, “I’ll come with you, of course. We’ll make a day of it.”

Ilda’s smile deepened, through her eyes flickered briefly with something unreadable. “That sounds lovely.”

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A few hours later, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Ilda excused herself from the family, claiming she needed some fresh air. She strolled through the garden, her steps slow and deliberate, before making her way to the old storehouse at the back of the house.

Once inside, she closed the door carefully, her composed demeanor slipping away as she pulled out her phone. Her fingers moved swiftly, dialing a number she had memorized by heart.

The line clicked, and a voice answered on the other end, low and impatient. “What’s the update?”

Ilda glanced around, ensuring she was alone before speaking. “Everything is going according to plan,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.

“You’re sure they’re buying it?” the voice pressed.

“Completely,” Ilda replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Olivia adores me, Christian trusts me. They’re already treating me like royalty.”

There was a pause on the other end before the voice spoke again. “Good. Keep it that way. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

Ilda’s expression darkened slightly, her tone sharpening. “I know my job here. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure this plan comes out a success.” With that, she ended the call, slipping her phone back into her pocket.