Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 123: Finding A New Normal
Chapter 123: Finding A New Normal
Chapter 123: Finding a New Normal
Doing her best after avoiding the paparazzi, Eira stepped into her new apartment, setting her small suitcase down on the scuffed wooden floor.
The space was modest—a one-bedroom with a tiny kitchen and a living room that could barely hold a sofa and a coffee table.
Despite its size, the warm sunlight streaming through the window made it feel almost cozy.
She ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the kitchen counter, taking in the faded tiles and the faint scent of fresh paint.
It wasn’t much, but it was hers. It was a place to start over, to rebuild.
Eira wiped her hands on her jeans, looking around.
Her mind tightened, but the tears she had shed for days no longer came.
Crying wasn’t an option anymore, not when the baby growing inside her needed stability.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself.
She unpacked methodically, putting plates and mugs into the small cabinets, stacking books on the lone shelf in the living room.
The bedroom was barely large enough for the bed she had ordered to be delivered tomorrow, but she set her suitcase there for now.
She paused, brushing her fingers over her stomach.
"You and me," she murmured softly. "We’ll make this work."
Later, feeling the hunger, Eira grabbed her coat and decided to explore the neighborhood.
The grocery store wasn’t far—just a short walk down the street.
The crisp air was refreshing, and for the first time in days, she felt a small sense of peace.
As she neared the store, a tall man with short blond hair, standing on the corner, flagged her down.
"Excuse me," he said, holding a map. "Do you know where I can find Elm Street?"
Eira blinked at him, shaking her head. "I’m sorry, I’m new around here too."
"Oh, thanks anyway," the man said, stepping aside.
Eira turned the wrong way as she tried to get her bearings.
Her eyes blinked too many times, and her breath caught.
Standing across the street, leaning against a sleek black car, was Elias.
He looked different without the nightclub’s shadowy lighting—his dark hair was neat, and his leather jacket caught the late afternoon sun.
Eira hesitated, her stomach sinking.
She had seen his face before, during the mess with Konrad. What was he doing here?
Elias noticed her at the same moment. His piercing gaze softened, and he straightened, crossing the street toward her.
"Eira?" he called gently.
Her body stiffened instinctively, but there was no evil in his voice, only concern.
"I heard about the divorce," he said cautiously as he approached, his hands in his pockets.
"It’s been all over the news. Callian Reed is going to marry Mita Anand. That must’ve... hurt."
Eira’s chest tightened, but she forced herself to hold her ground.
"I’m fine," she lied.
Elias stopped a few feet away, scanning her face.
"You don’t look fine."
Eira pressed her lips together, lowering her head.
She didn’t want to have this conversation, not with him, not with anyone.
"I’m just lost," she said quietly. "I was trying to find the grocery store."
Elias nodded, his tone shifting to something lighter.
"It’s around the corner, but you turned the wrong way. I’ll walk you there."
Eira hesitated but nodded. "Thanks."
They walked in silence for a few moments, the noise of the street filling the space between them.
Eira felt his eyes on her more than once but chose to ignore it.
Elias finally spoke, carefully. "I know this isn’t the right time, but... are you sure you’re okay?"
Eira managed a small, tight-lipped smile. "I’ll manage."
Elias didn’t push further. "Fair enough."
When they reached the grocery store, Eira turned to him.
"Thank you for helping me."
Elias nodded, but just as she was about to step inside, he reached out and gently touched her arm.
"Eira," he said in a serious voice.
She paused, looking back at him.
"There’s something you should know," he said carefully. "About Liam."
Eira frowned. "Liam?"
Elias hesitated for a moment, as if considering his next words carefully.
"Do you want to know what really happened to him?"
The question hung in the air between them for too long.
Eira’s brows furrowed.
She had heard whispers about Liam, fragments of stories that didn’t add up, but no one had ever told her the full truth.
"Why now?" she asked cautiously. "Why tell me this now?"
"Because you deserve to know. And because it’s time someone told you the truth."
Eira stared at him, her heart pounding.
Something told her this conversation would change everything, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear it.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Okay. Tell me."
"Liam was shot by Henry and Beatrice. I’m not exactly sure which one did it, but I’m leaning more to Beatrice."
Eira’s eyes widened; she stumbled back.
"Why... ho-how do you know this? There’s no proof or evidence."
"I was there during his last moments," Elias muttered.
"Why?"
"I saved him from that DNA center and brought him to the hospital owned by my old friend." Elias ran through his hair with his fingers.
"How did you know where to find Liam? It doesn’t add up. Liam was selfish, arrogant, and he trusted no one. Why would he trust you?"
Eira couldn’t believe it.
Everyone who was getting close to her was simply leaving her...
"I gave Liam that task. At first, he had to check if you were his sister. And then he needed to make sure that Vanesa wasn’t Henry’s biological daughter." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"But..." Eira paused. "What does it have to do with you? Why would you give him such tasks? It doesn’t make sense..."
"I also needed an assurance... you see, Vanesa isn’t Henry’s biological daughter."
"I kinda thought so..." Eira murmured, finally accepting that her suspicions were correct.
"She’s Steven’s daughter."
A small chuckle escaped Eira’s lips. "How bizarre..."
"Beatrice lied to Henry that she’s pregnant and sent your mother to jail."
Eira lifted her head. "Okay. But I still don’t understand... what does it have to do with you? Who are you, exactly?"
"I’m Elias Blackwood, your older brother."
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