The Hart Chronicles {Romantic Vampire Fiction}

[ISABELLE HART]

Chapter One

“Dear Diary

I wish I knew about my family but I don’t. That’s what being an orphan is like. Not knowing if you are Spanish or Italian or British. Not knowing what your parents were like or if you had brothers or sisters. The hardest is not knowing why your parents wanted your or why they gave you up. Hopefully the family that is making me a Hart will accept me.

Sincerely Ophelia Gables Hart”

The car stopped in front of a large mansion with rose bushes everywhere. Ophelia just stepped out and looked at the beautiful house; it was wonderful and filled with history and character just by the look of it. Ophelia held her heart locket that hung around her and wished silently she was with her family.
The front doors of the house then opened and three people came out. The first was an older woman with graying ebony hair; she wore an eggshell blouse with pearls and had an odd smelling perfume on her. The second was an older man, a bit older of the woman beside him, and was wearing a sweater vest of bright colors and odd designs and jeans. The third was very short because she was an eight-year-old little girl with golden curls and in a light pink dress but with a dark look straight at Ophelia.
“Welcome to Hart Manor,” said the older woman, “I’m Diana Hart. You must be Ophelia.”
Diana hugged Ophelia tightly, almost tightly enough so she couldn’t breathe. The older man than walked forward and instead held out his hand.
“I’m Diana’s husband. Peter,” said the older man as Ophelia shook his hand.
“Thank you. It’s nice meeting you,” said Ophelia as she held onto her necklace. She then bowed down to look the young girl in the eyes, “And who is this pretty young girl?”
Peter smiled as he turned to look at the young girl, “This is Samantha. Samantha this is your new big sister. Would you like to say hello?”
Samantha just sneered and headed back inside, skipping away. Ophelia stood up and picked up one of her suitcases. Peter picked the second one up and they headed inside.
“Now Ophelia you will get the other bedroom that used to belong to other daughter Melanie. She’s moved out to her own apartment so she visits but doesn’t stay here that often,” said Diana.
The lobby was very beautiful with perfect floors and high ceilings. Ophelia just smiled and then blushed as she realized that she was acting like a kid in a candy store. They all headed upstairs, passing paintings of the Hart ancestors. All of them were dress in eighteenth century clothing and had names underneath them.
“This place is wonderful,” said Ophelia as they headed to her new room.
“Yes it was built in the 1700s, just after the town was built, and we’ve lived here since. Before our ancestors lived here they lived in the older Hart house near Cotton Hill,” said Diana, she then stopped and turned to Ophelia, “The older Hart house and Cotton Hill are off limits.”
That’s when Peter jumped in, “Oh darling don’t scare her. We still have to make sure she doesn’t get lost in this house.”
They continued on upstairs and stopped in front of a door with a crystal handle. Diana opened the door and Ophelia headed inside. It was a medium sized room with its own bathroom, a vanity desk with a mirror, a canopy bed and an antique dresser. Ophelia sat on the bed and put her suitcase down, Peter put the suitcase he had by the dresser and smiled at Diana.
“This is just… beautiful,” said Ophelia as she looked at the furniture and the lace on the bed.
“And it’s all yours,” said Diana, “It is late. Off to bed.”
Ophelia nodded and picked up a suitcase, putting it on the bed and unpacking. Diana and Peter went to go when Ophelia spoke up.
“Thanks… for everything,” was all Ophelia said.
Diana and Peter smiled at each other and left, closing the door behind them. Ophelia continued unpacking and stopped to look outside at the beautiful night. After unpacking and changing into her nightgown Ophelia went to bed, however she moaned lightly as she had a dream.
She dreamed that she was… running away from something, she wasn’t wearing her usual clothes but wearing a wedding dress, it was layered and beautiful. She was crying and scared. She was in a large house, running down a dark hall, when she finally got to the room she was running to everything went black and she screamed loudly.
Ophelia woke up in her bed at midnight with warm sweat on her face. She wiped her face and pushed her hair away. She sighed and held her heart necklace, trying to relax but she couldn’t. She changed into a light t-shirt and jeans and slipped on her sneakers.
She decided to go for a walk outside; however she was called to the older Hart home for some reason, not even knowing how she got there. She remembered going through the forest and ending up there. It was very overgrown and looked like there had been a fire.
She entered the ruined house, hoping that nothing would fall on her. Even though it was completely ruined it still had character and was beautiful… in a sad way. There were some half burned pictures some that looked older than the ones at Hart Manor. Ophelia shivered as she continued through the house, it creaked and made Ophelia cringe but she couldn’t stop herself.
Suddenly a voice rang through the house, “Miss?”
Ophelia jumped and turned to see a man, covered by the shadows of the house. Her body told her to run but her mind told her not to be scared of the man. He walked closer and his face was so pale but it must have been because of the moonlight. His eyes were dark blue with streaks of brown and tall with broad shoulders. He was very handsome and dressed in dark clothing.
“Did I… do something wrong?” asked Ophelia.
The man smirked, “No of course not. This place is dangerous though. Something would fall on you sooner than later. Please let’s leave this place before a beam or some sorts crush us.”
He reached out his hand and Ophelia slowly took it and he led her outside. He was very handsome and she couldn’t help herself but look into his dark eyes.
“I probably shouldn’t have come here. I don’t even know how I got here but it sort of…” started Ophelia.
“It called to you,” said the man. Ophelia smiled, “It does the same thing to me. I was about to head to my apartment but decided to visit this wonderful place. We should get you home though dear. Where are you staying?”
“The Hart home,” said Ophelia, “I’m their… new resident.”
The man’s eyebrows rose, “Well I must get you back before they find out you’ve gone missing.”
After the walk through the forest they got to the Hart house and headed to the back. Ophelia looked at the man who helped her back. If it wasn’t for him she would have been very lost or beaten up by all the roots. As they walked he saw the roots and the right places to step perfectly.
“Thank you for helping me back,” said Ophelia, “I still don’t know why I went there. Or why.”
“It’s quite alright Miss Hart,” said the man, “I should be going now. Remember not to be caught.”
“Right, I didn’t get your name though,” replied Ophelia, trying not to look in his eyes but they were always drawn to his.
“I had completely forgotten. My name is Jayden Valentine,” said Jayden as he held Ophelia’s hand, “I do hope we meet again.” And he kissed her hand softly. Ophelia blushed and pulled away.
“I should go. Bye,” was all she said and she headed upstairs and into her room without anyone realizing. She changed back into her nightgown and fell back to sleep. Instead of nightmares she had dreams of Jayden for some reason and he was dressed as if it was the eighteenth century.

@copyright heather lisa filson horne

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[ISABELLE HART]

Chapter Two

“Dear Diary

My first night at the Hart home was okay, it was slightly odd that I woke up from a dark dream and then went to a place I had never been to. Then I met an older man who brought me back and I snuck into bed. I dreamed of the mystery man; Jayden Valentine. Life has just started to be weird, I don’t need weird. I want normal. I… need normal.
I should learn to write without my last name Gables.

Sincerely Ophelia Gables Hart”

Ophelia finished her diary entry; she put it away in her desk and headed downstairs. She had already changed into her outfit and now headed downstairs. As she got to the main floor she smelled pancakes and orange juice and sausages.
The dining room was something she hadn’t seen yet, it was bigger than the living room and her bedroom combined. It had a long antique table with many chairs, Diana and Peter were sitting at opposite ends and Samantha and a red haired woman on the left side was sitting between them. Food and plates covered the table and a small vase of roses sat right in the middle.
“Good morning,” said Ophelia as she sat down on the right table, “Everything looks so delicious.”
“Help yourself,” said Diana, “Ophelia this is our other daughter Melanie.”
Melanie smiled and continued to eat and drink her coffee.
“I was thinking of going shopping, having a girls day out. How do you young girls think of that?” asked Diana to Melanie, Samantha and
Ophelia was about to answer as she put eggs, cranberries, waffles with syrup on her plate but Melanie spoke first.
“Actually I have some business at home. Personal business,” said Melanie with a wicked smile.
Diana rolled her eyes, Peter than stepped in, “What about you Samantha? Want to have a new day with your sister?”
Samantha looked from her dad to Ophelia and stood up, “She isn’t my sister!” And ran off to her room.
Ophelia just continued to eat, properly with etiquette, Diana smiled, “Even my daughter husband doesn’t have that good of etiquette.”
Ophelia looked up and blushed, “My… mom taught me ever since I was eight. About shopping I was thinking of just settling in. Maybe reading a bit.”
“Of course. Diana and I will be around,” said Peter as he finished his coffee.
“And remember no going to Cotton Hill or the older Hart home,” said Diana.
“Of course,” replied Ophelia, trying not to think about last night.
After breakfast Diana went to town for some shopping, Peter stayed home to read, Samantha was off playing in the garden, and Melanie went back to her… personal business so Ophelia was alone. She spent her time in her room, on her laptop, and then she found the library where she read for a few hours. Ophelia did want to learn about her family and get to know them but she just wanted to be alone at first. The rest of the house and the garden seemed boring to her, even if they were beautiful, so against Diana’s wishes she started exploring again.
Instead of going to the older Hart home she went to town, actually she went to the shopping areas, hoping to find something for Halloween that was coming up. It was in three months but still, better to be early than late right. The store Ophelia chose was an antique shop; it was musty and had, of course, antique things. Ophelia wondered if she could buy anything. She had some cash in her wallet but nothing much, only 50 dollars.
“May I help you?” said an elderly voice.
Ophelia looked up to see an elderly man with a full beard and glasses. She smiled and walked over to the glass case. In the glass case were necklaces, rings and some knives. A beautiful jewellery case made Ophelia’s eyes pop.
“Hi I was wondering if you had any antique clothes,” said Ophelia, “I’ve always like dresses from times past.”
The man nodded and went to the back as Ophelia continued looking at different things until he came back with a dusty box. He opened the top and Ophelia looked inside. She smiled and took out one dress; it was dark green, strapless with it tied around the waist and ruffles at the bottom.
“These are beautiful,” said Ophelia, she took out her money, “I also wanted to buy the jewellery case inside but I only… have this much.”
The man smiled, “You can have the box of clothes and the jewellery case for… 50 dollars.”
Ophelia’s jaw dropped, “Really? Oh my goodness thank you.”
Ophelia paid the owner and took the box and the beautiful jewlerry box and headed back to the Hart home. She snuck back inside or at least tried to until Melanie caught her.
“Well well well look who’s sneaking back in,” said Melanie with her arms crossed, “If I didn’t know it I would think you are my biological sister.”
Ophelia blushed, “I went out and found some awesome dresses and this beautiful jewellery box so I bought them. Don’t tell Diana please.”
“Go ahead. And wear one of those dresses for dinner tonight,” said Melanie as she headed to the living room, “We have a new visitor coming for business.”
Ophelia headed upstairs and decided to try on every dress. Somehow they fit perfectly. Her favorite was the green one she first looked at and a red V-neck one. She also found a beautiful nightgown. Ophelia decided now to learn about her family so after having some lunch Ophelia decided to talk to Samantha because Samantha seemed angry that Ophelia had been adopted.
Samantha was in the garden and as Ophelia went closer she heard two voices, the first was Samantha but the second was another girl’s. They were talking loudly, not hiding that they were talking.
“So why can’t I go explore the old house. I’ve never gotten in trouble before and nothing has ever hurt me,” said Samantha.
“Now that he’s back he could hurt you,” said the second voice.
“Who is he anyways? You always say he but never his name,” said Samantha, her tone sharp.
There was a pause and then finally the second voice said, “I cannot say but just don’t go there anymore.”
“No,” said Samantha defiantly, “I can go anywhere I want and you can’t stop me. Now go away with you.”
That’s when Ophelia entered the garden, she saw Samantha near the fountain and no one else was around. Ophelia just walked over and sat beside Samantha who avoided eye contact with her.
“Samantha who were you talking to?” asked Ophelia.
“A friend, something you obviously don’t have,” replied Samantha in a snarky tone.
Ophelia sighed, wishing Samantha would be nicer, “Listen I don’t know why you don’t like me but I want to tell you that I’m not trying to ruin your life or anything like that. I’m going to be here for the remainder of my adult hood.”
Samantha looked at Ophelia darkly and said, “Your adulthood will end very soon Ophelia.”
Ophelia was about to yell at her when Diana came out from the house, “Oh there you are. Come along Samantha. Ophelia we’re having a party and you have to get ready soon with decorations.”
Samantha stood up and ran to Diana with a big smile as if nothing she had just said happened. Ophelia decided to ignore it and headed inside. Peter and Melanie were putting up streamers and there were boxes of other decorations. Diana and Ophelia started looking through boxes as Samantha ran upstairs.
“So what kind of party are we having?” asked Ophelia.
“A welcoming party. There’s someone interested in rebuilding the older Hart home and he’s also moving here to town,” said Diana.
“Maybe you can wear one of those new dresses that… I gave you,” said Melanie.
Diana looked at Melanie, “New dresses?”
“Yes I was in town and bought some dresses and a beautiful jewellery box for Ophelia,” said Melanie as she continued to hang decorations.
Ophelia sighed, happy that Melanie lied for her, “Yes they’re all different colors. And different styles but they’re not slutty in any way.”
“Well I must see them before you try any on,” said Diana.
As the hours passed and a few dress changes Ophelia and Diana decided on the vibrant red dress with Ophelia’s hair up and of course her heart necklace. She wore some beautiful heels from Melanie. Melanie wore a very low cut dress with her hair also up but more of a curly fashion. As Ophelia was still getting ready their guest finally arrived at six pm.
“Hello you must be Mr. Valentine,” said Diana, with a large smile.
Mr. Valentine was Jayden, the man that Ophelia had met. He still had the same dark eyes but now was wearing a navy blue suit. He took Diana’s hand and kissed it like a gentleman.
“How very nice to meet you Mrs. Hart,” said Jayden with a seductive smirk.
“It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Valentine. Please come in,” said Diana as she moved out of the way.
Jayden entered the Hart home and looked at the beauty of the foyer. Decorations were hung in the high ceilings, not really understanding how they got up there. The dining room had mountains of food and classical music was being played. Right now it was a Beethoven song.
“This house is spectacular,” said Jayden as he smiled back at Diana, “You need not put so much effort for just one man.”
Melanie exited the living room and saw Jayden, smiling at the handsome man, “So this must be our guest of honor.”
Jayden looked at Melanie and shook her hand, “Yes. My name is Jayden Valentine. You must be… Melanie Hart. So nice to meet you.”
“You know me?” asked Melanie, looking Jayden up and down.
“Well I know the history of the Hart family, almost by heart, no pun intended and have always been interested in the older house,” said Jayden.
Ophelia heard the voice and decided to head downstairs, so she wasn’t late. She saw that the voice that she had recognized was Jayden. She stopped halfway through a step when he turned to her and she could almost see him turn pale. Was it her appearance? Hopefully she didn’t look too revealing.
Jayden stepped closer, their eyes were fixed on each other, “And who is this beautiful thing?”
Ophelia blushed and Diana answer, “This is my adoptive daughter Ophelia. Ophelia come down and say hello to Mr. Valentine. He’s our guest of honor.”
Ophelia headed down the stairs and smiled, trying to pretend that she hadn’t met him before. He held picked up her hand and kissed it softly and more seductively than he had when he kissed Diana or even Melanie’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure,” said Jayden, “I apologize if I seem too indulged into your beauty but you… remind me of someone so long ago.”
“Yes she does doesn’t she,” said Diana as she walked closer.
Ophelia wondered what they were talking about, “What do you mean?”
Peter looked at Diana, he looked worried, “Diana… please…”
Diana looked at him, “Oh it’s quite alright Peter.”
“Will someone please tell me what is going on?” asked Ophelia, her voice getting drastic.
Diana walked over to the living room and brought over a picture of a young woman. She had dark hair and porcelain skin like Ophelia, she even had the same facial features.
“She… looks like me,” said Ophelia as she looked up at Diana, “Who is she?”
“Penelope Hart. An ancestor of ours,” said Diana, “She… died giving birth to my great great great great grandmother.”
Ophelia handed back the picture, “Well now I know why you adopted me. It wasn’t because you wanted another daughter. It was because I looked like someone. The Harts have no heart.”
Jayden looked pained as Ophelia moved away from them and headed upstairs. She started crying and couldn’t stop the tears for some reason. She pulled her hair clips out, locked her door and cried into her pillows; feeling more alone than ever.