The announcement

Emily tried to hasten her steps as much as possible, hoping not to be blamed for delaying dinner from starting early.

But luck wasn’t on her side tonight. Her father was already rushing, while her stepmother did her best to calm him down.

Her step-siblings looked annoyed, and one taunted her. “Guess who’s decided to starve us and finally show up,” her stepsister sneered.

Her stepbrother added, “She must feel like the queen of the world. So pathetic.” He smirked, watching the effect of his words on her.

Tears already welled up in Emily’s eyes. Her heart was so fragile that even the smallest words could shatter her into pieces in the blink of an eye.

“How can you be this vulnerable and slow at the same time? Will you sit down and finish dinner? You’re not good for anything in this house. How would you survive out there alone?”

Her father questioned her ability to survive. They all doubted she had any skills and believed she would fail before she even set foot outside.

Emily made her way to the empty seat at the far end of the dining table, sitting opposite her stepsister, who never missed a chance to taunt her.

If only Emily knew the announcement her father was about to make would change her life forever, she would have refused to come to dinner.

The clinking of cutlery against plates filled the room as everyone eagerly devoured the meal.

Emily, however, could barely manage two bites of her mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. She never liked eggs, and she was certain her stepmother had ordered them to be included just to starve her secretly.

But Emily wasn’t fazed by such petty acts. Her nanny had always made sure she ate well, following her father’s secret instructions.

“Ahem,” Emily’s father cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to make an important announcement.” Her stepsister looked excited, paying close attention.

Emily wasn’t interested. She played with her food, half-listening.

“It’s nothing too serious. I’ve decided to give Emily’s hand in marriage to a young man I know will take care of her and protect her.”

Emily and her stepsister both shouted, “What?!”

They were equally shocked. “That can’t be possible, Dad! Why Emily and not me? I’m beautiful and strong! I should be the one to get married first, not her!” her stepsister said, pointing at Emily with disgust.

Emily’s stepmother smiled and calmed her down, promising to find her a better suitor. But for now, they had their reasons for giving Emily’s hand in marriage.

Emily was speechless. It felt like her world was ending. She could barely hear their voices, though they echoed in her mind, mocking her. She would never be enough for them, never perfect for her father or the family.

Their best option was to marry her off. She couldn’t even blame them; she could only blame herself for not dying the night her mother did. She should have been the one instead of her mother.

Her father had never missed an opportunity to remind her of that, not in words, but in actions.

“Do you think it’s okay to decide everything for me without considering how I feel or what I think?” Emily finally looked up from her meal, staring directly at her father.

He smirked and shrugged before responding, “You’re my daughter. You don’t get to decide anything for yourself. And don’t you dare revolt against my decision, or you’ll have yourself to blame. Now, finish your meal.”

He spoke with such disdain. Emily couldn’t hold back the tears or the overwhelming disappointment.

She couldn’t bear to sit with them any longer. Dropping her cutlery, she ran out of the dining room, heading to the only place that brought her peace.

Her nanny was waiting for her in her room. Emily ran straight into her arms as soon as she opened the door.

“Why? Why does he hate me so much?” Emily sobbed, pouring her heart out.

The pain was unbearable, like her heart was being stabbed over and over, hurting more with each breath.

“I know how you feel, child. You just have to stay strong for your mother. It’s what she would want you to do,” her nanny comforted her, running her hands through Emily’s hair and holding her close.

There wasn’t much else she could do. She knew nothing about the young man, but she still hoped to convince Emily’s father to reconsider.

Emily eventually fell asleep in her arms. Her nanny gently laid her down, covered her, and watched her sleep soundly, wishing her all the happiness she deserved.

Emily, however, wasn’t asleep. She just wanted to be left alone. Once she heard the door close, she opened her eyes.

Staring into the empty air, her heart felt heavy, filled with too many thoughts.

“What if I decide to run away and live a happy life?”

Deep down, she knew it was a bad idea. The world outside was cold and brutal. Who knew what awaited her? With tales of werewolves living in the woods, it seemed safer to stay and try to talk her father out of this insane decision—marrying her off to a man she had never met.

What about finding true love?