The Unwelcome Proposal
Anna POV
I stood in the grand hall of our family's estate, my heart racing with anticipation. My mother, Selestina, had summoned me and my sister Latoya for an important announcement. I had a feeling it wasn't good.
As we gathered around her, Mother's expression was stern, her eyes cold.
"Girls, I have news. Albert, the son of our family's sworn enemy, has proposed an alliance through marriage. And I have accepted."
My world stopped. Marriage? To Albert? The man who had tormented our family for years? Latoya's eyes widened in horror.
"Mother, no! You can't be serious!" Mother's gaze turned icy. "I am dead serious. This alliance will secure our family's power and protection. And Anna, you will be the one to marry him."
My heart sank. Me? Marry Albert? The thought made my skin crawl.
"But Mother—" I started,
hoping to reason with her. Selestina raised a hand, silencing me.
"Enough, Anna. This is not up for discussion. You will do as you're told and make this family proud." Proud? How could I be proud of marrying a man who represented everything we stood against?
As I left the hall, Latoya's hand found mine, a silent understanding passing between us. We would find a way to escape this fate, together,after a few hours i went to reason with my mother hoping she would understand me and change her mind
"Mother can we talk" she gave me a deadly smile and signaled me to talk
"Mother, please!" I begged, trying to reason with herr.
"You can't just sell me off to the enemy like a piece of property!" I shouted
Selestina's expression turned glacial. "Silence, Anna! You will do as you're told and marry Albert. It's a strategic alliance, nothing more."
"Nothing more?" I echoed, my voice rising.
"You're forcing me to spend the rest of my life with a man who hates us, who wants to destroy everything we stand for!" Selestina sneered.
"Hate is a strong word, Anna. Albert merely wants to expand his power. And so do I."
"But at what cost?" I demanded, my anger boiling over.
"You're willing to sacrifice my happiness, my freedom, for your own ambition!" Mother's hand cracked across my face, leaving a stinging sensation.
"You dare question me? I am your mother, and you will obey me!"
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to back down. "I won't do it, Mother. I won't marry him." Mother's laughter sent shivers down my spine.
"Oh, but you will, Anna. You have no choice. And soon, you'll learn to obey me without question."
I stood my ground, despite the fear creeping up my spine.
"I won't do it, Mother. I'll find a way to escape, to stop this marriage from happening." Mother's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing.
"You're no fool, Anna. You know the consequences of defying me. You'll bring shame to our family, and suffer the repercussions." I took a deep breath, my mind racing.
"I'd rather face those consequences than spend my life with a monster like Albert." Mother's expression turned cold, calculating.
"Very well, Anna. If that's your choice, then so be it. But know this you'll be watched, closely. And if you try to escape, or betray me in any way... Latoya will suffer the consequences." My heart skipped a beat.
She was using my sister as leverage, knowing I'd do anything to protect Latoya. Selestina turned to leave, but not before delivering a parting blow. "You're just like your father, Anna. Weak and foolish. But I'll make sure you learn to obey me, no matter what it takes." The door closed behind her, leaving me shaken and determined. I had to find a way to stop this marriage, to protect Latoya and myself from mothe's tyranny. But how?...
