The cruel stepmother - 1

                  "The proposal" 

I wiped my tears as I heard a knock on the door.

“Lana, Are you there honey?” I heard my dads voice. 

I walked towards the door and let him in. 

“I’m sorry, I was studying so I closed the door.” I spoke to my dad in a shaky voice.

My father sat down on my king size bed that had satin sheets which were slightly messed up. He said,

“I’m your father Lana, I can understand your emotions even when you don’t say anything. Come here” He hugged me as I sat beside him. 

“What’s wrong? You seem upset.” 

Tears rolled down my rosy cheeks because I was already feeling heavy hearted and I needed someone to talk to.

“It’s been 7 months since mom has passed away in the car accident. There’s not a single second when her thought doesn’t cross my mind. I’m not able to concentrate at anything!” I started to cry loudly.

“She’s the last person on my mind when I sleep and my first thought when I wake up. I miss her when I eat, study, sleep. I feel like crying loudly when I go into your bedroom and I see her empty space.”

“Honey, but I’m trying my best to fulfill all your requirements. You know you’re my eldest daughter and I love you more than anyone” My dads eyes filled with tears as he spoke to me.

“This huge mansion full of furniture and a 100 servants is still empty without mom. These fancy dresses and money can’t replace my mother.” I cried.

“There’s no one to look after Anna and Zac. Anna is just 15 and Zac is 10. They need a mother. I totally agree that you’re trying your best and you love me the most but dad, “money can’t buy happiness.”

**********

“She said what?! Money can’t buy happiness? Oh Sir, your daughter is very intelligent I must say” Caroline spoke to my dad in a soft voice.

“I know, my daughter is very intelligent but I must compliment you that you’re such a lovely soft spoken woman. You speak so well and understand my emotions just like my wife did. I’m extremely lucky to have you as my secretary.” My dad spoke to Caroline as she stood in front of him in his office.

“Oh please” Caroline blushed.

“I want to confess something Caroline.” My dad spoke to Caroline as he held her hands.

“Yes please sir” She said after holding his hands tightly.

“I need your support. I need someone just like you to look after me and my family. Please don’t say NO. I beg. I couldn’t control my tears when I saw Lana being so emotional about her mother. I know we’re perfect for each other. I can the shadow of my wife in you. Your eyes resemble hers so much.” My dad insisted. 

“Is this all because you need someone to look after you and your family or do you love me? You can confess that you love me!” Caroline spoke rudely and stepped backwards as she pulled her hands away from my dad.

My dad was a person with a lot of attitude. He was a tall and handsome man and had a lot of women after him because of flawless personality and of course a huge successful business.  He never requested anything to anyone and never spoke in a soft tone to anyone except for his family. He was shocked to see Caroline’s behavior though he spoke to her in a lovely manner.

Caroline was habitual of making people feel low in front of her no matter who it was. She felt superior whenever anyone requested her for anything. Her personality was a complete opposite of her looks but she somehow managed to make my dad fall for looks and her sharp personality.

“Isn’t it enough for me to ask you to be my wife in this way?!” My father said angrily as he shook her shoulders and held her close to him. His eyes were bristling with anger while he said this because he couldn’t tolerate Caroline’s rude behavior.

“You have time to decide till tomorrow! And if your answer is NO then you can tell me RIGHT NOW!” 

“I never said my answer is NO. I’ll think and tell by tomorrow.” Caroline rushed out of the office with attitude as she yelled at my dad.

*****

“What a dumb human! Money cant buy happiness??? Money can buy anything! And if you have money then why do you need happiness anyways. These emotions/feelings are such a waste of time!” Caroline mumbled in anger in her office. 

“I don’t care if you say that you love me or not because I’m in love with your money baby” She laughed and talked to herself. 

*****

Everyday Caroline used to be in my dad’s office and managed all the files before my father came but the next morning my father waited for Caroline in his office but she didn’t come until and unless he called her by himself. 

He reached out the intercom and announced.  

“Caroline please come to my office.” 

He was nervous because he was worried about Caroline's answer. He knew if she said NO then he’d be upset because she was the second woman after my mom to whom he personally approached and requested to enter his life. And secondly he knew her denial would hurt his ego and would make him very angry.

KNOCK KNOCK…

“May I come in sir?” Caroline knocked at my dad’s office.

“Yes please come in.” My father turned his face towards the huge window in his office which had an amazing view of the NYC. 

“What took you so long Caroline?” He spoke while he faced the window. 

“I thought today is a special day so I should not miss out and get all dressed up for you.” She said and walked near my father. 

The scent of her perfume was so strong that my father couldn’t resist but turn towards her. She stood close to him in her shimmery red dress which reached her knees. Her hair were straightened and untied. She had red lipstick on her lips which looked absolutely stunning. 

She wore high pencil heels.

“You… You look beautiful Caroline” The words that my dad spoke most rarely came out of his mouth without any hesitation.

“Would you like to see me dressed up this way often?” She whispered in my father's ear.

“Yes, I would love to” He said while he was lost in her beauty.

“I love you Caroline. Will you marry me.”