REPLACEMENT BRIDE

ce. "Daddy, please forgive me! Mummy, help me beg him

disappointment and anger. "How cou

just a goodbye sex., not strings att

lying across Sophie's face in a stinging slap. "You brought that... that b

as she clutched her cheek,

. "Honey, let's calm down and discuss this ration

such a compromising position," her mother scolded, her tone laced with

d stern. "This is my judgment

he dropped the bombshell: "You will n

rked up, shock e

t, honey. This union with the Blackwoods is our only chance to elevate our business s

her. "Daddy, please don't let me m

mained unyielding. "Emilia

efore her mother's loud, mocking

way! I won't let that dull, good-for-nothing

with warning. "Watch your mouth, woman

dy, you can't let that bitch mar

have thought of that before you turned yourself into a s

ration palpable. "No way, Sophie will be the only one to marry A

Sophie's punishment!" her mother

dy wracked with sobs. She couldn't le

ing down her face. She had overheard the entire

acement for her sister's mistake. It was a famil

PTE

T MA

at Emilia, "You bitch!" She held up the black gown,

med at Emilia, who cowered in the corner,

charred in Sophie's hand. "I asked you to iron my cloth, and this i

e barely audible. "I-I'm sorry

t up!" she shrieked, taking a step cl

ng tension, scurried away, aban

t you have anything better to do with your misera

ion. Sophie's father, his face stern and disapproving, demanded, "What's going on in my h

ad, I gave this pest my clothes to iron, and look what she d

a swift motion, she slapped Emilia across the face. Emilia's eyes welled up wi

er, as she had so many times before, if she was the unlucky adopted child. The f

s voice thundering. "And is that

ing her head in shame. "I'm sorry,

thing you're good at is taking up space in my house

d smug glances, seemingly plea

rine smile spreading across his face.

rrowed. "What ab

darling. I'll make sure she pays you b

er turned his attention back to Emilia

way, her head sti

ther reminded her, "Make sure you're home earl

ed her mom's cheek. "M

ged her. "Take

dain etched on her face. "Will you

s she began her familiar trek to school. The fleet of cars in her father's com

WOOD

of indignation. His mother followed closely

s voice laced with disgust. "You w

entle tone. "She's in

sion incredulous. "But sh

ice. "The young girl in question is brilliant, pretty, and an

pened. "What's ha

returned. "We're pa

my permission?" he protested, tossing the

"Asher, we promise not to force any decision on you.

h, "Fine, I'm only doing this

warm smile as she ruffled his ha

shook his head, his voice barel

T MA

, preparing for a special visitor. Maids darted back and forth, decorating

utinizing every detail. "I want nothing less than perfection," she emphasize

ded in unison

heir magic to enhance her already striking features. "Today is all about me,"

heir hands moving deftly as they transf

g from downstairs made it difficult for her to concentrate on her reading. She struggled

g on the marble floor. "Where is that good-for-nothing brat

king. Her gaze swept the room, taking in the simple furnishings a

led, her voice lac

you know today is your sister's introduction, so try not

ranger to her mother's cruelty. Mrs. Grant turned on her he

s settle upon her. "What does she gain from insulting me

d by the door, making last-minute adjustments to their attire. Mrs. Grant took a final glance ar

aimed, beaming with a warm

exchanging hugs with Mr. and Mrs. Blackwo

and tall," Mrs. Grant complimented

s eyes crinkling

rs. Grant invited, gestu

h satisfaction. The decorations, a testament to Mrs. Gra

nt, his voice booming through t

ed pleasant. "Going fine

den with drinks and snacks. They placed the offerings gentl

styled in an elegant bun adorned with sparkling clips. Her face

up to introduce his daughter. "Let me

ransformed appearance. He could easily have m

ly, a bright smile on her

d in admiration. "Yo

ecking Sophie on both cheeks and galla

t. "They look so good together," she cooed, her voice dripping with s

erly disinterested in the discussion. Meanwhile, Emilia's stomach growled loudly, reminding her that sh

, but her mother's warning echoed in her m

neak downstairs for a snack. She crept into the kitchen, ope

miliar voices coming from the living room. Her curiosity piqued, Emili

e seated in their living room. Emilia's gaze locked onto Asher, and to her surprise, their eyes met.

peful smile. "So, Asher, what do you say about marrying my d

lent, awaiting A