Through the ashes

The dining room of the Wesseling estate was grand,something common with influential families. Well....too grand if you asked me though. The long mahogany table gleamed under the chandelier's golden reflection, and the polished silverware reflected the intricate patterns of the porcelain plates. Expensive paintings hung neatly on the walls,adding yet another layer to the pomp.

Everything was perfectly placed, yet nothing about it felt comforting to me. In my opinion,it exuded a feeling of coldness and detachment,a lifeless performance-just like the people seated around it.

I sat in my usual spot;at the far end of the table, quietly picking at the peas on my plate. It was safer this way, staying in the shadows, keeping my head down. My father and his wife, Glenn sat at the other end whispering to each other, their heads tilted slightly towards one another.

I simply called her Glenn because the thought of calling her mother was too generous. She was nothing of the sort!

Occasionally, She would glance at me, her lips curling into a smug little smirk, and I would look away, pretending not to notice. She was definitely cooking up something. Definitely!

Laura, Glenn's daughter and my so-called stepsister, was seated beside her mother, as poised as ever. She was the golden child, after all. Everything about her was perfect-her posture, her manicured nails, even the way she laughed lightly at Father's occasional comments. It was like she had been rehearsing for this role her whole life.

And me? I was just the outsider. The one they couldn't get rid of but didn't know what to do with.

I stabbed at another pea,my thoughts wandering to a time when this house had felt warm. When my mother was alive. She had been the glue that held everything together-my father, our home, and my happiness. Back then, I had been cherished, secure, seen.

But cancer took her from me three years ago, and with her went everything I thought was permanent. Glenn and Laura had moved in not long after. Glenn, the hidden mistress. Laura, the illegitimate child. Their presence turned my world upside down, but the worst betrayal was my father's. He welcomed them in, and suddenly I was the stranger.

Over the years though I had learnt to coexist with them by making my existence.....forgettable.

I was still ruminating in my mind when Glenn's forsaken voice shook me out of my reverie. It seemed that they'd finalized their discussion.

"You know,Henry,"she said,her voice laced with feigned sweetness. "..it's high time Emma started contributing to the family. Don't you agree?"

Immediately she said this I felt like the air around me suddenly got a bit colder. Instinctively,I could smell something nasty in the air. I wanted to ask what she meant when Laura chimed in before I could respond. "She's right, Dad. It doesn't make sense for her to sit around doing nothing all day. I mean, I'm in full support of this." Her voice was light and sweet.It made my stomach churn.

I gripped my fork tighter, biting back the urge to hurl it across the table. Of course Laura supported it. Anything Glenn wanted, Laura would echo like a well-trained parrot.

Swallowing down my anger,I watched my father as I awaited his response. For Glenn to bring this up he definitely had to have a hand in it.

He seemed...unbothered by all the discussions as he didn't respond immediately. Instead,he finished his meal,dabbing at the corners of his mouth before leaning into the chair. The silence stretched uncomfortably for a while only being broken by the sound of cutleries on metalware. I couldn't help but loose my appetite as the silence drew on aware that whatever they had planned out was going to be extremely nasty.

" I think I'll be leaving now."

Standing up,I decided to leave the table for the solitude of my room only to be stopped by my father immediately I stood up.

"Not yet," my father said his tone sharp. "..sit down."

I wanted to protest but one look from him and I instantly froze. Slowly,I sank back into the chair,my pulse quickening. I could see both Glenn and Laura exchange glances as they smirked.

Seated,my father turned his gaze towards me. I tried to glean whatever I could from his face but his expression was as unreadable as usual. The weight of his stare suddenly made me dread what he was about to say next.

"You're getting married." he said,his tone flat like he was just commenting on the weather.

"I'm..I'm ..what?" I couldn't help but stutter as I found it absolutely absurd.

I couldn't help but blink a few times to ensure I didn't mishear him.

"You're getting married." He repeated,which was rare before he continued." To Evan Juniper of the Lotus leaf group."

Immediately he said this I could see my entire world crumbling in front of me.

Evan Juniper! This was a name that was synonymous with notoriety. Heir to the pharmaceutical gaint Lotus leaf,Evan was a well known playboy,with enough scandals to fill a magazine's gossip column. Women flocked to him,men envied him and anyone with a bit of sense stayed far from him. And I was supposed to marry HIM!

"Bu,but....why?" I asked,my voice shaky.

My dad furrowed his brows,seemingly annoyed at my questions but he answered anyway. It's an arrangement,Emma. One that benefits this family. The Wesseling name will rise alongside the Junipers. This,is what's best for everyone."

"For everyone?" my voice rose slightly as I started to panic."Father,I don't even know him! Furthermore,his reputation...."

THWAK!

My head snapped to the side as the sound of his palm hitting my face echoed in the dining. "Don't you dare raise your voice against me! He said coldly. "You would do as you're told. This is not a request."

Tears welled up in my eyes but I held them back,refusing to let them fall. The room was suffocating and my chest felt tight with anger and humiliation. I could feel the mocking gazes of the stepmom and daughter duo,their glee palpable.

Oh, Emma."Glenn said,her voice dripping with false sympathy."You should be grateful. A man like Evan Juniper? Quite a catch for someone like you."

"Definitely,"Laura chimed in with a mocking laugh. He's rich,handsome,and charming....well when he's not busy chasing other women. You're lucky he's even agreeing to this."

I couldn't help but bite my lips as their plain mockery made me sick.

"Go to your room." My father ordered,dismissing me like you would a servant. I felt like yelling at them,asking why I was to be the sacrificial offering. Why couldn't Laura marry him. They really fit well as she was also of the same caliber. I felt like defying them,saying no to their faces.

Sadly,I wasn't brave enough.