Robert began to pace back and forth across the office, running his hands through his greying hair in a gesture of despair. But—but what about her happiness? My daughter deserves more than this, Victoria, he argued, his voice firm despite the evident concern. Victoria turned to face him, her eyes gleaming with unyielding determination.
Happiness, Robert, we’re talking about your daughter’s future. Imagine the looks, the whispers at social events. Olivia needs to understand the consequences of her thoughtless actions, she explained, each word laden with conviction.
This doesn’t seem right, Victoria. My daughter would never be ashamed of a simple man. Besides, she has a good heart.
She would hardly be bothered by something like this, don’t you think? Robert questioned, a flicker of pride in his voice as he thought of his daughter’s strong character. Victoria laughed, a cold, humorless sound that echoed off the office walls. Oh, Robert, do you really believe she could handle it? She may have a kind heart, but she’s still a girl raised in luxury.
A few days living with that beggar and she’ll be begging to come to her senses, she said, dismissing Robert’s concern with a disdainful wave. Robert leaned against the desk, the weight of Victoria’s proposal clearly visible in his slumped shoulders. And the young man? How are we going to convince him to go along with this, this farce? He asked, his voice filled with skepticism.
Money, dear, we’ll offer him an amount he can’t refuse. For someone in his situation, it will be an irresistible offer, Victoria replied, her voice brimming with confidence. Silence fell over the office, heavy and oppressive.
Robert stared into the void, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. Paternal love and concern for Olivia’s well-being clashed with the fear of potential social consequences. I… I don’t know, Victoria.
This seems to go too far, can’t we just talk to her? He finally murmured, his voice laden with doubt. Victoria stepped closer to him, her tone softening but still firm. Robert, dear, words aren’t enough.
Olivia needs to see for herself. Sometimes we have to be tough to protect those we love, she argued, her voice a mix of persuasion and false compassion. Yes, but… Forcing a marriage, playing with my daughter’s life like this.
There must be another way, Robert protested, his gaze revealing the internal conflict he was facing. Robert slowly stood up, walking over to the window. He looked out at the world beyond, a world that seemed so complex and full of traps for his beloved daughter.
With a deep sigh he turned to Victoria. This won’t end well, Victoria. You’re underestimating Olivia and the strength of her convictions, he murmured, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Irritated by Robert’s lack of enthusiasm, Victoria crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with frustration. Your hesitation is exactly why Olivia is out of control. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions.
You’re her father, you have to teach her to protect her reputation, she argued, her voice sharp. The sun was beginning to set over the city park, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Ethan was sitting on a worn-out bench, watching people pass by, when an elegant figure approached.
Victoria, in her designer coat and high heels, looked out of place in that setting. She stopped in front of Ethan, her cold gaze assessing him from head to toe. You’re the beggar who was here earlier, aren’t you? I’m Victoria, Olivia’s stepmother, the woman who helped you and was here with me, she said, her voice a mixture of disdain and false cordiality.
Ethan stood up, confused and a bit defensive. Yes, that’s me, my name is Ethan, what do you want, ma’am? he replied, his voice hoarse from lack of use. I have a proposal for you, one that could completely change your life, Victoria declared, a calculating smile forming on her lips.
Victoria wasted no time getting to the point. She laid out her plan to Ethan, explaining the arranged marriage with Olivia, promising him a life of comfort and luxury in exchange for his cooperation. Ethan listened, his eyes widening with every word.
You’re asking me to marry your stepdaughter, the kind woman who helped me today, for money? he asked, incredulous. Victoria nodded, her smile never wavering. Think about it, Ethan, you would never have to worry about food or shelter again.
You would have everything you’ve ever dreamed of, she insisted, her voice as seductive as a serpent’s. I can’t accept this. I can’t use someone like that, especially someone who was kind to me, Ethan responded, shaking his head in refusal.
Ethan’s rejection seemed to irritate Victoria, but she maintained her composure. Changing tactics, she decided to appeal to another side of Ethan. Think about the possibilities, Ethan, with this money you could help so many people, your friends on the streets, those who go hungry every day, she suggested, her voice low and persuasive.
Ethan hesitated, his hands clenching into fists as he considered Victoria’s words. The image of his street companions, hungry and desperate, flashed in his mind. I… I could really make a difference, he murmured, more to himself than to Victoria.
Imagine how many lives you could change, isn’t that what Olivia would do? Use her resources to others, Victoria pressed, sensing Ethan’s hesitation. As Ethan pondered, his eyes wandered to Victoria’s coat, stopping at a gold brooch pinned to the lapel. It was an intricate design, a rose intertwined with vines.
Something about that brooch stirred a distant memory in Ethan, a hazy recollection of a time long forgotten. He reached out involuntarily, almost touching the brooch. This brooch, I’ve seen it before, he murmured, his voice trembling with sudden emotion.
Victoria stepped back slightly, surprised by Ethan’s reaction. It’s just an old family jewel, nothing important, she said quickly, her hand protectively covering the brooch. How strange, I’m sure I remember this brooch, I remember someone wearing it, a woman, singing to me, Ethan thought to himself, struggling with the fragments of memory from a distant childhood.
Shall we go? I’m sure you’ll help many with this decision, Ethan. Victoria pressed, gesturing for Ethan to follow her, and he nodded. Before leaving, Ethan turned to his street companions, promising to return with help.
Don’t worry, I’ll be back, I’ll find a way to help all of you, he said, his voice choked with emotion. Soon after, sitting inside the vehicle that smelled of new leather, Ethan couldn’t stop thinking about the strange familiarity of Victoria’s brooch and the surreal proposal she had made. I hope I’m doing the right thing, but if this can help others, maybe it’s worth it.
Ethan murmured to himself, his fingers nervously drumming on his knee. Minutes later, Victoria’s luxurious car glided silently through the mansion gates, the grand house looming ahead. Ethan, seated in the back, stared in awe at the building.
Olivia, who was reading a book by her bedroom window, heard the sound of the car and looked out, curious. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Ethan stepping out of the vehicle, looking out of place and nervous in his worn clothes. What’s going on? Why did Victoria bring that man here? This can’t be good.
Did she do something to him? She murmured to herself, confused and apprehensive, feeling her heart race with a sense of foreboding. Victoria led Ethan into the house, casting a meaningful glance at Olivia, who was watching from the window. Wait here, she instructed Ethan, leaving him in the entrance hall.
Climbing the stairs with determination, Victoria knocked on Olivia’s bedroom door before entering without waiting for a response. Olivia, dear, we need to talk, she announced, her tone falsely sweet. Olivia turned to face her stepmother, her expression a mix of confusion and fear.
Victoria, what’s going on? Why is that man here? she asked, her voice trembling. Everything will become clear soon, my dear. But first, sit down.
We have a lot to discuss, Victoria replied, gesturing for Olivia to sit on the edge of the Reluctantly, Olivia obeyed, her eyes never leaving Victoria’s face. The stepmother began pacing around the room, her heels echoing on the wooden floor. Olivia, your obsession with helping the less fortunate has been concerning.
Your father and I have decided that it’s time for you to learn a valuable lesson about the real world, Victoria began, her voice laden with false concern. Olivia felt a knot form in her stomach. What are you talking about, Victoria? she asked, dreading the answer.
I’m talking about consequences, dear, and a marriage, Victoria replied, a cold smile forming on her lips. The shock hit Olivia like a punch to the stomach. She stood up abruptly, her hands trembling.
Marriage? What marriage? she demanded, her voice rising an octave. Victoria stopped pacing, turning to face Olivia directly. You’re going to marry the beggar downstairs, Ethan, the one you were so eager to help today, she declared, savouring each word.
Olivia felt the blood drain from her face. This is insane. You can’t be serious, she shouted, her voice echoing through the room.