The Last Promise
1. Women Must Learn to Keep Quiet
Clara Blackwood
(leaned back against the carved rim)
Clara Blackwood
(closed her eyes)
Rose (maid)
(standing afar)
Rose (maid)
She’s so beautiful, isn’t she?
Edith (maid)
She indeed is.
Edith (maid)
The Blackwood family shaped their daughter into a perfect noble lady.
Edith (maid)
Grace, refinement, etiquette—she has it all.
Rose (maid)
And yet, despite being so perfect in everything....
Rose (maid)
She suffers with the D’Arcy family.
Edith (maid)
What can she do? After all, she married into the D’Arcy family.
Edith (maid)
She must learn to keep quiet.
Edith (maid)
A noblewoman’s duty is silence, even in pain.
Rose (maid)
But just look at her.
Rose (maid)
Which man in his right mind would dare cheat on her?
Edith (maid)
Cheating is common among aristocratic men.
Edith (maid)
To them, women are ornaments for the house and heirs for the bloodline.
Edith (maid)
Nothing more.
Rose (maid)
A sad reality… but why don’t the Blackwood family intervene?
Rose (maid)
She is their daughter, still.
Edith (maid)
Even so, once a daughter is married, she belongs to her husband’s house.
Edith (maid)
The Blackwoods know this.
Edith (maid)
Besides, the D’Arcys helped them when their empire faltered.
Edith (maid)
That debt cannot be ignored.
Rose (maid)
But weren’t the Blackwoods always prosperous?
Edith (maid)
I heard rumors…
Edith (maid)
The Blackwood Hotel was unmatched during the presidency of the late Mr. Blackwood.
Edith (maid)
It was the jewel of the capital.
Edith (maid)
But when it passed into the hands of his children....
Edith (maid)
They couldn’t handle it as he once had. Debts consumed them.
Edith (maid)
That’s when the D’Arcy family stepped in—generously, or so they claimed.
Edith (maid)
They offered financial rescue, but they couldn’t take control outright.
Edith (maid)
They needed a Blackwood’s permission to touch the business.
Edith (maid)
So… the older daughter married Lord Vincent D’Arcy.
Edith (maid)
Through her, the Blackwood Hotel continues.
Rose (maid)
(gasped softly, covering her mouth)
Rose (maid)
So Lady Clara has no power at all?
Edith (maid)
If you put it that way, she is nothing without Lord Vincent.
Edith (maid)
Her marriage is her only leverage, but it also chains her.
Edith (maid)
She became an easy prey.
Rose (maid)
Despite being married, how could he…?
Rose (maid)
To betray a wife like her?
Edith (maid)
Men are unpredictable.
Edith (maid)
Especially men born into wealth and power.
Edith (maid)
To them, fidelity is a game, not a duty.
Rose (maid)
I pity her. Poor Lady Clara.
Rose (maid)
A mother too soon, a wife too burdened.
Rose (maid)
And now this shame.
Edith (maid)
At least she didn’t end up like her younger sister.
Rose (maid)
Younger sister? Lady Clara has a younger sister?
Edith (maid)
A twin, actually.
Edith (maid)
Lady Serena Blackwood. The rebellious one.
Edith (maid)
Where Lady Clara was gentle and obedient....
Edith (maid)
Lady Serena was proud, arrogant, always talking back.
Edith (maid)
The family had no control over her.
Rose (maid)
So what became of her? I never heard a word.
Edith (maid)
The Blackwoods got rid of her. Or so the whispers say.
Edith (maid)
She was a bad influence, they claimed.
Edith (maid)
To protect Clara’s refinement, Serena was sent away.
Edith (maid)
Banished from the capital.
Edith (maid)
Far away, where no rumor could spread.
Edith (maid)
She simply… vanished.
Rose (maid)
To be born with a golden spoon yet end up in the dirt.
Rose (maid)
Perhaps that is what happens when you defy society.
Edith (maid)
That is exactly what happens.
Edith (maid)
Lady Serena’s defiance cost her everything.
Edith (maid)
No one has heard of her since.
Edith (maid)
She is a ghost of the Blackwood legacy.
Clara Blackwood
(throat tightened)
Clara Blackwood
(sank further into the water)
Clara Blackwood
💭 They gossip again.
Clara Blackwood
💭 My husband’s affairs are no longer whispers but open talk among the servants.
Clara Blackwood
💭 I am a laughingstock in my own house.
Clara Blackwood
💭 And yet… what can I do? They are right.
Clara Blackwood
💭 I am weak. Dependent. I live under Vincent’s shadow.
Clara Blackwood
💭 Even the hotel that bears my family’s name is bound to his will.
Clara Blackwood
💭 All I can do is endure—for my son, for the Blackwood reputation.
Clara Blackwood
💭 But… For the first time in my life, I regret being obedient.
Clara Blackwood
💭 I regret not being like Serena.
Clara Blackwood
(closed her eyes again)
Clara Blackwood
(a tear slipped free)
Dear Readers,
This story takes a different approach from the usual narratives. You will not find the typical designations—who is the FL, who is the ML, who is the villain. Each character here breathes with their own flaws, strengths, and secrets. No labels will guide you. Instead, the story will unfold through whispers, choices, and consequences.
Please do not ask who the “main lead” is. Every figure you meet has a role to play in shaping this tale, and it is in their interactions, betrayals, and promises that the heart of the story lies.
Respect the journey as it is told, and allow the characters to reveal themselves in their own time.
Thank you.
2. Learn Your Place
Clara Blackwood
(walking in the corridor towards the hall)
Clara Blackwood
(face was serene, her posture perfect)
Clara Blackwood
(eyes lowered)
Clara Blackwood
(silently walked into the hall)
Clara Blackwood
Good afternoon, Lord Vincent. Lady Joanna. Lady Claudia.
Vincent D'Arcy
Joanna, you’ll outshine every woman there.
Vincent D'Arcy
The ball has been waiting for your return.
Vincent D'Arcy
They’ll talk of nothing else once you step inside.
Joanna D'Arcy
(laughs lightly, eyes sparkling)
Joanna D'Arcy
Oh, Vincent, you exaggerate.
Joanna D'Arcy
It’s been years since I’ve attended one of my mother’s family gatherings.
Joanna D'Arcy
They’ll hardly remember me.
Joanna D'Arcy
Do you think the gowns I’ve chosen are too bold?
Vincent D'Arcy
Bold? Joanna, bold is what makes you unforgettable.
Vincent D'Arcy
And when you walk beside me, they’ll know the D’Arcy name is untouchable.
Claudia D'Arcy
Exactly, my dear.
Claudia D'Arcy
You were born to command rooms, not hide in shadows like… some others.
Claudia D'Arcy
(eyes flick toward Clara)
Clara Blackwood
(forces a polite smile, clasping her hands together)
Joanna D'Arcy
(tilts her head)
Joanna D'Arcy
Oh… Clara. You startled me. I didn’t hear you come in.
Clara Blackwood
I didn’t mean to interrupt.
Joanna D'Arcy
You don’t mind if I borrow your husband for the ball, do you?
Joanna D'Arcy
He’s promised to accompany me, and.... well....
Joanna D'Arcy
I should hate to seem like I’ve stolen him away.
Claudia D'Arcy
Why would she mind, dear?
Claudia D'Arcy
You are the first lady of this mansion.
Claudia D'Arcy
Your presence is the one that matters.
Claudia D'Arcy
Clara’s… feelings are irrelevant here.
Joanna D'Arcy
Still, Mother, she’s the lady of this house.
Joanna D'Arcy
I’d feel dreadful if I overstepped.
Joanna D'Arcy
What am I compared to her?
Vincent D'Arcy
Stop saying that, Joanna. You are this mansion’s lady.
Vincent D'Arcy
You always were, and you always will be.
Vincent D'Arcy
No comparison is needed.
Clara Blackwood
(swallows hard, blinking quickly to keep tears from forming)
Claudia D'Arcy
(smiles approvingly)
Claudia D'Arcy
(gently stroking Joanna’s hand)
Claudia D'Arcy
Such devotion. You make me proud, Vincent.
Claudia D'Arcy
Joanna, darling, come — we’ll look over the jewels.
Claudia D'Arcy
You must sparkle brighter than the chandeliers.
Joanna D'Arcy
(smiled widely)
Claudia D'Arcy
(left with Joanna)
Clara Blackwood
Vincent… about the ball… who all are attending?
Vincent D'Arcy
Everyone. Except you and Adrian.
Vincent D'Arcy
Yes. My mother, Joanna, the rest of the family.
Vincent D'Arcy
You will remain here. Adrian needs academic support.
Vincent D'Arcy
You’ll take care of him.
Clara Blackwood
(clutches the fabric of her gown tightly)
Clara Blackwood
Academic support?
Clara Blackwood
Vincent… Adrian is only three. He barely knows his letters.
Vincent D'Arcy
Then all the more reason to start early.
Vincent D'Arcy
Or do you plan to keep him ignorant like yourself?
Clara Blackwood
(flinches, her lips trembling)
Clara Blackwood
You know that isn’t fair…
Vincent D'Arcy
Fair? Do you speak of fairness, Clara?
Vincent D'Arcy
What do you know of a world that respects only power and brilliance?
Vincent D'Arcy
You were given everything.
Vincent D'Arcy
And still, you remain nothing more than a silent shadow in this house.
Clara Blackwood
(eyes glisten)
Clara Blackwood
(lowers her gaze, clutching the edge of her gown tighter)
Vincent D'Arcy
(scoffs and walks toward the door)
Vincent D'Arcy
Do your duty, Clara.
Vincent D'Arcy
Take care of Adrian. That is the only value you bring.
Clara Blackwood
(stands frozen, her body trembling)
Clara Blackwood
(lone tear escapes down her cheek)
Clara Blackwood
Adrian? Academic support? He’s just three…
Clara Blackwood
(walks slowly)
Clara Blackwood
(reaches her bedroom, pushes open the door)
Joanna D'Arcy
(stands before her vanity table)
Joanna D'Arcy
(hands gleaming with jewels that don’t belong to her)
Clara Blackwood
Lady Joanna… what are you doing with those?
Joanna D'Arcy
Oh, Clara, don’t be so serious. I was only admiring them.
Joanna D'Arcy
They’re exquisite, truly.
Joanna D'Arcy
Too exquisite to remain hidden away in your drawers.
Clara Blackwood
They are mine.
Clara Blackwood
A gift from my mother.
Clara Blackwood
You have no right to touch them without asking.
Joanna D'Arcy
So defensive. Why, Clara?
Joanna D'Arcy
I only thought… since you never wear them....
Joanna D'Arcy
Why not let someone else bring them to life?
Clara Blackwood
I wear them when I choose. They are my treasures.
Clara Blackwood
They hold memories you cannot understand.
Clara Blackwood
Please put them back.
Joanna D'Arcy
(expression shifts)
Joanna D'Arcy
(lower lip trembles, her eyes glisten with practiced tears)
Joanna D'Arcy
(turns quickly, clutching the necklace against her chest as if wounded)
Joanna D'Arcy
(voice quivering, loud enough to carry)
Joanna D'Arcy
Vincent! Vincent!
Vincent D'Arcy
(storms in, his eyes narrowing)
Vincent D'Arcy
What’s going on here? Why is Joanna upset?
Joanna D'Arcy
(sobbing theatrically, rushing into Vincent’s arms)
Joanna D'Arcy
I only wanted to admire Clara’s jewels, Vincent.
Joanna D'Arcy
They’re so beautiful. But she… she yelled at me.
Joanna D'Arcy
She said such harsh things, as if I were a thief.
Clara Blackwood
(eyes widening, shaking her head quickly)
Clara Blackwood
That’s not true. I didn’t yell.
Clara Blackwood
I simply asked her to put them back.
Clara Blackwood
They belong to me—
Vincent D'Arcy
Enough! Do you hear yourself, Clara?
Vincent D'Arcy
Jealous of your own sister-in-law?
Vincent D'Arcy
Is that what you’ve become?
Clara Blackwood
Jealous? Of Lady Joanna? Vincent, no. I only wanted—
Vincent D'Arcy
(slaps her hard)
Clara Blackwood
(staggers, her cheek burning red, her eyes brimming with tears)
Joanna D'Arcy
(buries her face into Vincent’s chest, hiding a satisfied smirk)
Vincent D'Arcy
How dare you raise your voice at Joanna.
Vincent D'Arcy
She brings light into this house while you… you bring only gloom.
Vincent D'Arcy
Look at her! She has grace, charm, vitality.
Vincent D'Arcy
And you—what do you have, Clara? Nothing.
Vincent D'Arcy
Nothing but your petty jealousies.
Clara Blackwood
You wound me with every word. You don’t see me at all.
Joanna D'Arcy
Don’t be so harsh on her, Vincent.
Joanna D'Arcy
Maybe she can’t help it.
Joanna D'Arcy
She’s insecure… she sees what we have and feels left out.
Vincent D'Arcy
(stroking Joanna’s hair, glaring at Clara)
Vincent D'Arcy
You’re too kind, Joanna. Far too kind.
Vincent D'Arcy
Clara doesn’t deserve your compassion.
Vincent D'Arcy
(takes the jewellery box from Clara’s table and places it into Joanna’s hands)
Vincent D'Arcy
They suit you better. Take them. Wear them to the ball.
Clara Blackwood
Vincent, please… not those. They’re all I have left of my mother.
Vincent D'Arcy
Your mother’s gifts are wasted on you.
Vincent D'Arcy
At least Joanna will give them the admiration they deserve.
Joanna D'Arcy
(clutches the box tightly)
Joanna D'Arcy
Thank you, Clara. Truly. I’ll take great care of them.
Joanna D'Arcy
(loops her arm through Vincent’s)
Vincent D'Arcy
Learn your place, Clara.
Vincent D'Arcy
Or one day you’ll find you have nothing left at all.
Clara Blackwood
(stands frozen, her body trembling)
Clara Blackwood
(tears spilling freely down her face)
Clara Blackwood
Why… why is my life like this?
Clara Blackwood
What sin did I commit to deserve this humiliation?
Clara Blackwood
I was a daughter once… cherished. I was a wife once… hopeful.
Clara Blackwood
Now I am nothing but a shadow in my own home.
Clara Blackwood
(buries her face in her hands)
Clara Blackwood
(looks up, startled)
Adrian D'Arcy
(takes a small step towards her)
Adrian D'Arcy
Mama… why are you crying? Did Papa make you sad again?
Clara Blackwood
(opens her arms wide)
Adrian D'Arcy
(runs into them)
Clara Blackwood
(hugs him tightly)
Clara Blackwood
Oh, my sweet boy… my little Adrian.
Clara Blackwood
You shouldn’t have to see this. You shouldn’t know this pain.
Adrian D'Arcy
Don’t cry, Mama. I’ll protect you. I promise.
Clara Blackwood
Protect me? You’re so small, my darling.
Clara Blackwood
It’s Mama who should protect you.
Adrian D'Arcy
But I don’t like when you’re sad. I’ll grow strong, Mama.
Adrian D'Arcy
Strong like a knight. Then no one can hurt you.
Clara Blackwood
My brave boy… my heart. You’re the only light left to me.
Clara Blackwood
No matter what they take, they can never take you from me.
Clara Blackwood
(rocks him gently)
Clara Blackwood
We’ll endure this, Adrian. Together. Always together.
3. I’ll Return Soon
Clara Blackwood
(sat at the edge of her bed)
Adrian D'Arcy
(curled against her lap)
Clara Blackwood
(hand stroked his dark curls slowly)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(entered with Edith)
Edith (maid)
(lower her gaze)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
You’re crying again, my lady?
Clara Blackwood
(lifted her gaze slowly, her lips trembling)
Clara Blackwood
What else is left to do, Agatha?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
My lady…
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(glanced at Edith)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Take the Young Lord to his quarters.
Edith (maid)
(stepped forward cautiously)
Edith (maid)
My lady… may I?
Clara Blackwood
(looked down at Adrian)
Clara Blackwood
(kissed his forehead before shifting him to Edith's arms)
Clara Blackwood
Careful. He sleeps lightly.
Edith (maid)
Yes, my lady.
Edith (maid)
(cradled Adrian carefully and carried him out, closing the door behind her)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(stepped forward)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
What’s wrong, my lady?
Clara Blackwood
My entire life has been turned upside down.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Is it about Lord Vincent?
Clara Blackwood
I am no longer needed, Agatha.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Don’t mistake me, my lady… but you were never needed.
Clara Blackwood
I know. The Blackwood Hotel is what he wanted.
Clara Blackwood
And he got what he wanted.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
But you have the signature authority, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
That is not something small.
Clara Blackwood
Signature authority? Seriously, Agatha?
Clara Blackwood
At every ball I have attended, I was nothing but Vincent’s shadow.
Clara Blackwood
People came to us to speak with him to build connections.
Clara Blackwood
I was… deliberately cast aside.
Clara Blackwood
I was never the one they saw. I was invisible.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I understand you, my lady.
Clara Blackwood
You heard the latest news?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
The affair?
Clara Blackwood
That’s old news now. I meant the fresh one.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I’m sorry, my lady. I’m not aware.
Clara Blackwood
They’re going.
Clara Blackwood
To the ball organised by Lady Joanna’s maternal family.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
What’s so special about it, my lady?
Clara Blackwood
Everyone’s going. Except me. And Adrian.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
This is ridiculous, my lady.
Clara Blackwood
What’s ridiculous is me. I’m so pathetic, right?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Please, my lady. Please don’t say things like that.
Clara Blackwood
What’s the use, Agatha?
Clara Blackwood
My family pampered me all my life. And now?
Clara Blackwood
They ask me to follow rules. To obey my husband.
Clara Blackwood
To keep quiet about his affair.
Clara Blackwood
They… trained me to be nothing more than this silent shadow.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
They are helpless too, my lady.
Clara Blackwood
Helpless? They are living their best lives now, Agatha.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
We can’t help it, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
The world moves for men. Not for us.
Clara Blackwood
And Vincent… he wants Adrian to start studying now.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Oh my God, my lady! Young Lord is far too young for all that.
Clara Blackwood
You are right. I won’t force my son to become perfect.
Clara Blackwood
Let him start studying when he is supposed to.
Clara Blackwood
Not when Vincent commands it.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Yes, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
It is better if Young Lord begins only when he is ready.
Clara Blackwood
They are leaving today, Agatha.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Yes, my lady.
Clara Blackwood
Take care of Adrian.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Are you going somewhere, my lady?
Clara Blackwood
I’ll come back soon.
Clara Blackwood
Just keep this between us. No one else must know.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I’ll do as you say, my lady. But… alone?
Clara Blackwood
This is something I truly need to do.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
What is it, my lady?
Clara Blackwood
(looked toward the window)
Clara Blackwood
Just make sure no one suspects me.
Clara Blackwood
As soon as they leave this evening, I’m heading out.
Clara Blackwood
I promise… I’ll return.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(throat tightened)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I’ll do my part, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
But… make sure you are safe. That is my only worry.
Clara Blackwood
I’m sure nothing will happen.
Rolled away from the mansion gates
Clara Blackwood
(stood by her chamber window, her hands clutching the curtain)
Clara Blackwood
They left… finally.
Clara Blackwood
(turned to Agatha)
Clara Blackwood
Agatha, they’re gone. It’s time. I’ll soon leave as well.
Clara Blackwood
If Adrian asks… tell him Mama had some important work that needed immediate attention.
Clara Blackwood
Make sure he believes it.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
As you command, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
But forgive me… where are you truly headed?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Out there… without security, without protection?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
It’s dangerous.
Clara Blackwood
Wherever I’m going… I’m extremely sure nothing will happen to me.
Clara Blackwood
But before that—I need to grab something first.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Tell me, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Whatever it is you need, I’ll fetch it for you.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
You shouldn’t put yourself in danger.
Clara Blackwood
Thank you, Agatha.
Clara Blackwood
I want… the documents of the Blackwood Hotel.
Clara Blackwood
Please, quickly.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
The hotel papers?
Agatha Milton (head maid)
But my lady… those are usually under Lord Vincent’s lock.
Clara Blackwood
Everything here is under Vincent’s lock. Including me.
Clara Blackwood
But I know where he keeps them. Bring them to me.
Clara Blackwood
Please, Agatha.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
As you wish, my lady. But… I pray you know what you’re doing.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(returned, a stack of parchment tied with black ribbon clutched tightly)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
My lady… here.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
The documents. I risked much to retrieve them.
Clara Blackwood
(received them with trembling hands)
Clara Blackwood
Thank you, Agatha. Truly.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Forgive me, but why the documents?
Clara Blackwood
I never understood any of this, Agatha.
Clara Blackwood
I always trusted Vincent with everything.
Clara Blackwood
My father raised me to believe my husband would protect me, decide for me.
Clara Blackwood
But Vincent only wanted control.
Clara Blackwood
I signed papers blindly, never knowing what they meant.
Clara Blackwood
If I am truly the heir of the Blackwoods....
Clara Blackwood
Then I must finally learn what that means.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
(placed a hand gently on Clara’s arm)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
And where will you go with these?
Clara Blackwood
Somewhere I can finally understand.
Clara Blackwood
Somewhere truth is not poisoned by Vincent’s words.
Clara Blackwood
I will return, Agatha. Soon.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
Then I shall not stop you.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
But my lady… swear to me you will be careful.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
That’s all I ask.
Clara Blackwood
(smiled faintly, pulling her black cloak from her wardrobe)
Clara Blackwood
(slipped into the cloak)
Agatha Milton (head maid)
My lady… if Lord Vincent discovers your absence—
Clara Blackwood
He’ll be too busy parading Lady Joanna before his mother’s old friends.
Clara Blackwood
I doubt he’ll even notice I exist.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
That is what breaks me, my lady.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
You deserve the world’s gaze, yet you’ve been pushed into its corners.
Clara Blackwood
That’s why I must go. Not to be seen, Agatha.
Clara Blackwood
But to see for myself.
The night had begun to creep in
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I’ve instructed the driver.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
He believes you’re heading to the countryside for quiet rest.
Clara Blackwood
Thank you, Agatha.
Clara Blackwood
For more than tonight. For everything.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
My lady… come back safe.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
For young Lord Adrian, if not for yourself.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
He needs you, more than he’ll ever need Vincent.
Clara Blackwood
I will. He’s the reason I breathe.
Clara Blackwood
(tucked the documents inside her cloak, stepped in)
Clara Blackwood
Don’t let anyone know I’m gone. Not a word.
Agatha Milton (head maid)
I promise, my lady.
The carriage rolled forward
Clara Blackwood
(sat in silence, the documents clutched tightly against her chest)
Clara Blackwood
Obedience has made me a ghost.
Clara Blackwood
Grace has made me invisible.
Clara Blackwood
Father… if only you had taught me rebellion instead.
Clara Blackwood
(wipes her tears)
Clara Blackwood
Serena… my sister. You were cast away for your defiance.
Clara Blackwood
And I was praised for my silence.
Clara Blackwood
Yet here I am, suffocating in my perfection.
Clara Blackwood
Maybe you were the stronger one after all.
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