FROM ASHES TO GOLD

of the Peterson estate. The grand mansion loomed in front of her, resembling a sentinel, with its tall, polished ivory

dire situation, forcing her to set aside her ego and confront the challenges direct

rushing her with their heaviness. The insufficient earnings from her part time job as a seamstress were

abella entered. Uncertain of what to expect at the grand gala, she

yes upon her. As she walked by, murmurs spread through the cro

at Isa

a's c

s she w

navy dress, though outdated, was clean and carefully pressed. It wasn't des

it that hugged her figure flawlessly. The bright golden curls reflec

ing with insincere sweetness. "You rea

Clara that she was present

d." We will address that later. Before anything else

ntion. "Dear audience, it is my pleasure to introduce my beloved cousin, Isabella Mo

us. Isabella's cheeks were aflame, yet she woul

ne humiliation after another, spilling wine on Isabella's dress, "accidentally" tripping her in

seemed to enrage Clara further. She knew the stakes w

d for dinner, Clara cornered Is

ra uttered in a quiet and spiteful ton

rmed, chin rai

" Charity, as you know, can be quite exhausting. I li

re, Clara?" Isabella inqu

erable height made his way over. As he approached, his

ith his icy blue eyes and then shifted his gaze to Clara wi

turning sweet all of a sudden. Isabella and I wer

at Isabella, making her feel v

e urgently needs money. I explained to her t

ebrow. "How does one ac

tertaining an offer."Her hands

ed "Clara, if you have something

ice a whisper meant for Isabe

here like a dark cloud. Isabell

dea of a joke?"

ife to secure his inheritance. He needs someone to keep him occupied while

pecting him to protest, but his

rue?" she

silence was

h a satisfied smirk. "Think about it, darling. Your

arrying a man she didn't know? Tie herself to Clara's schem

the weight of the decision pressing down on her, and then A

takes to stay in my

d in her mind, lea

or the chance to save her m