Chapter 9: Chapter 9

LUCILLE POV

I braced myself, breathing in and out gently to reduce the anxiety clouding my mind. I could not count the number of times I've gazed around the sophisticated living room of my future in-laws. The thought of seeing my arranged groom, only gave me flutters within.

I've spent most of my days staring at his pictures. He looks so dazzling. The constant thought of getting married soon, crossing my mind like the streams of water.

Finally, I could get what was meant for her. I hope there will be a day when she will come crawling to my feet. She ruined my life.

I raised my head, my eyes meeting with my future mother-in-law. I stood up, as she hugged me immediately.

“Good afternoon dear. Your daughter looked more decent in real life than in pictures.” My mum smiled warmly at her words, as they exchanged pleasantries.

I felt my body tingle with discomfort, faking a smile. I was definitely not pleased with her choice of words. She used decent instead of beautiful for me.

“Let's proceed to the dining room.” My mum held my hand, as we headed to the dining room. Just the three of us.

The maids came in with trolleys containing different dishes. I gulped down at the sight of the dishes. It filled the whole table, making me wonder if there will be others joining us.

We began eating as I settled for the streaked meat and fish. I have eaten earlier, and only wanted something light.

“As we all know, Lucille is bestowed to my son. Can we decide on the wedding date ?”

I looked up, a bit surprised. I thought others would be joining, including Daniel Holloway, my bestowed husband.

“Oh. Well, we do not have any date in mind. What are your thoughts, Stella.” My mum replied.

She dropped her cutleries, glancing at us.

“My husband and I thought it would be best to allow these kids to marry soon. What about a month time.” I choked on the fish I ate, as I began coughing.

My mum patted my back, as I sipped water to suppress and calm myself.

“I'm sorry. Was just stupefied.” I mumbled, my face flushed with embarrassment. My mum glared at me, before putting on a smile.

“I understand that you are anxious, but Daniel is eager to get married to you. So, what do you think?” Ma'am Stella commented.

I glanced at my mum, who was beside me, my throat itching up, my appetite lost. I have only met Daniel once, but never talked to him.

How the hell was he eager to get married to me? I pinched my nose, releasing my breath. I decided it was best to leave it all to my mum.

“Okay. It is good for the young ones to get married soon. A month's time is okay for us. We will steady up with our preparation.” My mum let out, making my heart race.

It felt as if my body was against my heart. I wanted to get married to Daniel for a selfish reason. To fulfil my wish of taking what belongs to Ariel for the first time in my first 24 years.

All those years, I watched as my mum pampered her like her daughter. I felt love, but not real love. My mum will give a leg for Ariel, but I was simply on the sideline.

Whenever I looked in a mirror, I could not help but wonder why my hair was coarse brown, tangled at the slightest touch.

For some reason, I felt my eyes and lips were too big for my face. Not to talk of my average and chubby self. I was an understudy of Queen Beauty, compared to Ariel.

I wished I was like Rachael occasionally. She has a beautiful gene, with long flowing blonde hair with bright blue eyes and pink lips that remind you of delicate flower petals.

Whenever she stays next to me, right from our childhood, I sometimes feel her beauty overshadow mine. I felt I was nothing but a troll. Not that I was hideous, but I wished I could have been born beautiful. But my mum never paid attention to this. She was more focused on satisfying Ariel.

“Lucille, dear, are you fine.” I jolted out of my reverie, feeling the tears on my face.

I quickly cleaned my face, surprised I was crying.

“She is fine. She is probably overwhelmed by her wedding. I guess she will miss her family. Right Lucille?” I nodded, as my eyes met with that of my mum.

“I am fine, ma. I am just speechless and happy. They are tears of joy.” I lied, putting on a smile, as they both giggled.

We kept talking for hours, my mind constantly wanting to leave as soon as possible.

*******

I found it difficult to continue driving as I parked by the roadside. My mum's gaze shifted to me, wondering what went wrong.

“Lucille. I hope you are fine.”

“I am not fine. Your so-called daughter is roving around still alive. Aren't you afraid of her getting a revenge? “I sneered, as my mum's eyes widened.

“That should be the least of your worries. Focus more on winning Daniel's attention. His family fortune is great and being the first son will inherit a large share of properties.” I looked at her with disdain.

She never really cared about me. I should have known.

“So, you just wanted me to marry because of the Holloway material possessions. Seriously mother.” I gritted my teeth angrily.

“I thought that was what you wanted. It was your fool-proof plan for getting revenge on Ariel?" She stated,making me tense.

I shook my head, ready to ignite the car back to life, but stopped when my phone beeped.

I checked the message, which was from my best friend, but was shocked by what I saw. This is not happening,'I told myself.

She is not stealing the spotlight again, right?

“What is wrong, Lucille?”

I simply gave my mum the phone, allowing her to see the video that had been going online recently. My body trembled, more thoughts clouding my mind.

“Now, she is all over everywhere. I thought she should be dead by now.” I spat out angrily.

My brows arched, seeing my mum smile.

“Calm down dear. We can use this to our best advantage.” She peeked at me, as I tried to calm down.

It wasn't easy. All I felt for Ariel was nothing but hatred.

“Your dad will be our next pawn.” I bit my lips, wondering what was going on in her head.

“What do you mean? Don't even think of hurting daddy.” I retorted, against her idea.

“And who said I wanted to. Your dad is the least of my worries. Ariel loves her dad, which means she will do anything to see him or want to keep him alive. That is when I come in.”

I was lost, no doubt. It seemed my mum being a mastermind was something that scared me.

“You should know little, dear. I will handle this.” She stated with a Stoic expression.

I heaved a sigh of relief, retrieving my phone before keeping it in my purse. Before starting the car, she said:

“It is high time I visited Ariel.”

That was it. Cold sweats swept across my face. I wonder what my mum is up to.