Ameli

heart sank. Maxwell's mother. The memory of her cold greeting the night before was still fresh in my mind. Her icy demeanor, the way her eyes had scanned me like I was something she'd scraped off her shoe-it all came rushing back. I wanted to refuse, to hide away in this unfamiliar room and avoid her altogether. But I knew better. Rebecca Cole was not a woman to be kept waiting. I turned to the mirror, hastily adjusting my appearance. The makeup I'd stolen from Lisa sat on the dresser, and I quickly dabbed some on, hoping to hide the tired lines on my face. Maybe if I looked presentable, Rebecca would treat me with a shred of kindness. I said a quick prayer before leaving the room. When I entered the grand living room, Rebecca was already seated, her posture rigid and her expression severe. She turned to me, her piercing eyes scanning me from head to toe, just as she had the night before. "So," she said, her voice cold and sharp, "this is what my son has chosen. Or rather, what he has been forced into." Her words were like a slap to the face. "I-I'm sorry if I've done something to offend you," I managed to say, my voice shaking. Rebecca's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Offend me? No, my dear. You've done nothing but exist, and that's offense enough." I flinched, her words cutting deep as they reminded me of Margaret's cruel words. "You," she continued, her tone dripping with disdain, "are a dirty little pig playing dress-up. A gold digger who thought she could trap my son with her pathetic little schemes." "I didn't-" She raised a hand, silencing me. "Spare me the excuses. Do you think I don't know what women like you are after? You saw an opportunity and leaped at it, didn't you? Well, let me make one thing clear, Amelia. You may carry the Cole name now, but you will never be a Cole. You're unfit to be one!" I felt the tears prick at the corners of my eyes but refused to let them fall. Not in front of her. "Do you understand me? Rebecca pressed, her voice rising. "Yes," I whispered. "Yes, what?" "Yes, ma'am," I corrected, my voice trembling. Rebecca smirked, clearly satisfied with my submission. "Good. Now, I expect you to behave appropriately. No scandals, no mistakes, and no embarrassing this family more than you already