Through the ashes

e though. The long mahogany table gleamed under the chandelier's golden reflection, and the polished silverware reflected the

ing to me. In my opinion,it exuded a feeling of coldness and detac

was safer this way, staying in the shadows, keeping my head down. My father and his wife, Glenn

thought of calling her mother was too

a smug little smirk, and I would look away, pretending not to

he golden child, after all. Everything about her was perfect-her posture, her manicured nails, even the way she

The one they couldn't get rid o

arm. When my mother was alive. She had been the glue that held everything together-

a had moved in not long after. Glenn, the hidden mistress. Laura, the illegitimate child. Their presence turned m

arnt to coexist with them by mak

s forsaken voice shook me out of my reverie. I

feigned sweetness. "..it's high time Emma star

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 h

across the table. Of course Laura supported it. Anything

as I awaited his response. For Glenn to bring

mouth before leaning into the chair. The silence stretched uncomfortably for a while only being broken by the sound of cutleries on metalw

I'll be lea

for the solitude of my room only to be s

er said his tone sh

ze. Slowly,I sank back into the chair,my pulse quickening. I c

I could from his face but his expression was as unreadable as usual. The

said,his tone flat like he was

dn't help but stutter as I

ink a few times to ensu

which was rare before he continued." To

I could see my entire worl

leaf,Evan was a well known playboy,with enough scandals to fill a magazine's gossip column. Women flocked

hy?" I asked,m

anyway. It's an arrangement,Emma. One that benefits this family. The Wessel

s I started to panic."Father,I don't even

HW

e echoed in the dining. "Don't you dare raise your voice against me!

e room was suffocating and my chest felt tight with anger and humiliation. I c

se sympathy."You should be grateful. A man like E

rich,handsome,and charming....well when he's not busy cha

te my lips as their pla

at them,asking why I was to be the sacrificial offering. Why couldn't Laura marry him. They real

wasn't br