Oh, but I am, dear, very serious, and before you think about refusing, let me explain the consequences of your non-cooperation, Victoria threatened, her tone dropping to a dangerous whisper. Olivia staggered back, sitting heavily on the bed. Her mind was spinning, trying to process the absurdity of the situation.
I only helped a man in need. What did I do so wrong? You can’t force me to do this. It’s illegal.
It’s immoral, she argued, tears of frustration beginning to form in her eyes. Victoria stepped closer, leaning down to be face to face with Olivia. I can and I will, dear, unless you want to see your new beggar friend face very serious charges.
It would be a shame if the police were to find something illegal in his possession, don’t you think? she threatened, each word dripping with malice. You wouldn’t do that. He’s innocent.
He has nothing to do with this, Olivia stammered, fear gripping her heart as the reality of the situation began to sink in. Why are you doing this, Victoria? What do you gain from all this? Victoria smiled coldly, straightening up. What I gain, dear Olivia, is a daughter-in-law who finally understands her place in this family and in society.
You’re going to learn that your actions have consequences, and that not everyone you try to help is worthy of your compassion. Olivia felt cornered, her gaze drifting to the window where she had seen Ethan arriving earlier. The thought of him suffering because of her was unbearable.
And if I accept? What happens to Ethan? she asked, her voice barely a whisper. He will have a comfortable life far from the streets, and you, my dear, will learn a valuable lesson about the real world, Victoria replied, her tone almost maternal, but with an underlying coldness that made Olivia shiver. Ethan was led to a luxurious bathroom attached to his new room, his eyes widened at the sight of the large marble bathtub and the neatly arranged toiletries on the counter.
Everything you need is here, said the butler, indicating the soft towels and shaving products. Ethan nodded, still stunned by the situation. Once alone, he turned on the faucet, watching the hot water fill the tub.
How long has it been since my last real bath? he murmured to himself, slowly removing his tattered clothes. Will all this dirt come off? Do I even remember how to take a proper bath? Ethan wondered, a mix of anxiety and anticipation washing over him. As he stepped into the hot water, Ethan couldn’t hold back a sigh of pleasure.
Years of grime began to dissolve as he scrubbed vigorously with a soft sponge and scented soap. He submerged his head under the water, washing his hair repeatedly. The water quickly darkened, a silent testament to the years he had spent on the streets.
Ethan stayed in the tub until the water cooled, savouring every moment of cleanliness and comfort. It’s like being reborn, he whispered, seeing his clean skin for the first time in years. Who would have thought a simple bath could make someone feel so… human again? he reflected, a wave of emotion washing over him.
Wrapped in a his beard was long and unkempt, hiding much of his face. With trembling hands he picked up the razor and shaving cream. Carefully he began to remove the beard, slowly revealing the face he had forgotten.
Each stroke of the blade seemed to take away not just the hair, but also layers of his life on the streets. When he finished, Ethan barely recognised the man staring back at him in the mirror. My God, is that really me? he murmured, touching his now smooth cheeks.
It’s like looking at a stranger. A stranger from the past, he thought, a mix of shock and fascination overwhelming him. Dressed in the new clothes left for him, Ethan felt like an imposter.
The soft, well-tailored fabric was a stark contrast to the rags he was used to. He adjusted the collar of the shirt, uncomfortable with the sensation of being dressed up. Looking at himself one last time in the mirror, Ethan took a deep breath preparing to face the others.
You can do this. With a life like this, you’ll be able to help many people, he told his reflection, trying to convince himself. As he descended the stairs, Ethan felt all eyes turned to him.
Olivia, standing at the bottom of the stairs, visibly gasped when she saw him. Their eyes met, and for a moment the world seemed to stop. Ethan.
I almost didn’t recognise you, she whispered, her voice a mix of surprise and something else he couldn’t quite identify. Victoria appeared, casting a disdainful look in Ethan’s direction. Ah, excellent.
I see you cleaned up well at least, she remarked, her tone falsely cheerful. Ethan nodded, unable to find words. As they moved toward the dining room, he couldn’t help but notice Olivia’s lingering gaze.
What is she thinking? Ethan wondered, feeling exposed in a way that even life on the streets had never made him feel. Why is she looking at me like that? he questioned himself. The days passed in a blur of frantic preparations and growing tension.
Now sitting in the chair of luxurious beauty salon, Olivia stared at her reflection in the mirror as the hairstylist worked on her elaborate bridal hairstyle. Her eyes, though sad, glimmered with a silent determination. As her hands rested gently on the white dress in her lap, she couldn’t help but think of Ethan and the extraordinary changes he had undergone in the past few days.
He must be feeling as lost as I am. Maybe this marriage is an opportunity to truly help him, to make the difference I’ve always wanted to make, Olivia murmured to herself, her heart tightening with empathy, a small smile forming on her lips. The hairstylist, noticing Olivia’s thoughtful expression, tried to lighten the mood with some casual conversation.
Are you excited for the big day, miss? she asked gently. Olivia hesitated for a moment before replying. It’s complicated, but I’m determined to make the best of the situation, she finally said, her gaze meeting the hairstylist’s in the mirror.
Her mind wandered to the moments she had shared with Ethan in the past days, the hesitant conversations, the shy smiles, the evident gratitude in his eyes. He deserves a chance to rebuild his life, and maybe together we can find a greater purpose in this situation, Olivia reflected. As the hairstylist put the finishing touches on the hairstyle, Olivia watched the activity in the salon through the mirror.
She thought of all the people out there who needed help, just as Ethan did. Her mind began to formulate plans, ways to use her position and resources to make a difference, even within the limitations of her arranged marriage. Are you satisfied with the result, miss? the hairstylist asked, interrupting her thoughts.
It’s perfect, thank you, Olivia replied, this time with a genuine smile. This could be the beginning of something important, she added mentally, feeling a wave of determination. At that moment, Olivia caught a fragment of a conversation between two nearby staff members.
That’s Victoria’s stepdaughter, do you remember that scandal involving her stepmother? One of them whispered, the other nodded, leaning in closer. How could I forget? They say she was involved in something terrible, they never proved anything of course, but the conversation was cut short when the women noticed Olivia’s gaze in the mirror. They quickly backed away, looking guilty.
Olivia felt her heart race. Something terrible? What was Victoria involved in? Sometimes I wonder if she really is who she says she is. She claims she loved joining our family, but she acts like she hates me.
Olivia thought, her mind racing. The staff members’ words echoed in her mind. Mixing with her own observations from the past days, especially the things Victoria was reluctant to discuss about her past before marrying Robert.
There was a puzzle there, and Olivia was determined to solve it. She walked over to the salon window, her reflection in the glass showing not just a bride, but a woman with a purpose. I’m going to find out the truth.
If Victoria is hiding something, I’ll uncover it. Olivia promised herself, her expression resolute. Hours later the afternoon sun bathed the imposing facade of the church as a line of luxurious cars began to arrive.
Ethan, dressed in a suit that still felt strange on his body, nervously watched from the entrance. The guests, members of high society, stepped out of their vehicles, their curious and judgmental eyes fixed on him. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, words like beggar and scandal reaching his ears.