At Rosewood mansion,
The night was still young. The whole mansion was lit with colorful lights and happy laughter. The night sky with twinkling stars made it look even more beautiful. It was a place that was bustling with people creating a lively atmosphere. Everyone was delighted as the next day was going to be a big day. After 4 years of that incident, this was the first celebration taking place. This made the family members hopeful of their young mistress's life.
On the south side of the mansion, there was a room with no lights and no sound. Rachel was standing on the balcony of her room motionlessly. She could see a beautiful garden with a small water fountain from her balcony. It was going to be a big event in her life tomorrow. She was supposed to be happy yet she stood there without any warmth in her eyes.
She heard a knock on the door, after a few seconds the lights were turned on. As she turned back she was greeted by her father-in-law, Colin Stein. She gave a small smile and continued to stand there.
He went and stood next to her but seeing her lack of interest, he sighed. He then gently asked,
"What are you doing here? Everyone down was looking for you".
She replied, "I was tired".
He understood her feelings. "I know it was a tough decision for you to agree to this marriage. But trust me, dear, you will be happy with Darren. You are still young. You cannot waste your life and feelings for my son until the end. Even if he was alive, he would have not wanted to see you like this. Tomorrow is your 24th birthday and also your engagement right?"
She smiled, "I know dad, you don't have to worry."
He nodded, "Don't strain yourself thinking too much. I want my daughter to look like a princess, not like an old hag. Go back and rest."
She laughed for his comment and said, "You too dad. Goodnight"
He dotingly ruffled her hair, bid goodnight and went back. She felt grateful to have such a caring father-in-law. She grew up in their house from the day when she lost her parents.
She went inside and saw his photo on the bedside table, gave an apologetic smile and went to bed. What she did not know was that tomorrow her life would be changing not because of Darren but someone else.
The next day, evening at 6 PM.
"Jane! what the hell are you still doing? It's your sister-in-law's engagement. Not yours! Give some break to that mirror for heaven's sake.".
Gabriel shouted on top of her voice outside her daughter's room. She believed one day Jane would make her die because of anger. She just could not handle this trouble maker.
Inside the room, Jane was getting ready happily in spite of her mom's shouting.
"Mom, I know it's not my day but still, it's my sister-in-law's engagement! How can I not get ready properly? Who knows, I might even meet my knight in his shining armor today. Ah! I can't wait."
Standing outside, her mom felt a headache coming. "Stop dreaming, you idiot! Even if you meet prince today, I am not going to marry you off. I don't want that innocent person to suffer because of my troublesome daughter. Now, come outside first."
Jane came out of her room glaring at her mom.
"Do you find it so difficult to pass a single day of yours without insulting me?"
Her mom giggled, "of course not, how can I insult you when you don't even know the meaning of shame."
"Mom!!" Jane shouted. Her mom was satisfied after seeing her daughter's reddened face.
"Okay enough of this. Now go check if Rachel is ready or not. Come down with her soon, your dad is waiting for you guys."
"Okay, mom." Jane ran towards Rachel's room to fetch her.
Gabriel smiled seeing her daughter. Jane was a 21 years old cheerful girl. Their home was still filled with laughter mainly because of her. She always felt grateful for her daughter.
Outside the room, Jane knocked.
"Sis, are you done? I'm coming inside now".
Inside the room, Rachel had a complicated expression. Looking into the mirror she said,
"Come on Rachel, you can do it. It doesn't matter whether you want this or not. All that matters is dad and mom's happiness. Just smile and brace yourself. Yes...just..smile"
She saw the small diamond ring on her ring finger.
'I betrayed your feelings for everyone's happiness. I hope you can forgive me.'
After removing, she placed it inside a box carefully. Satisfied with her fake smile, she turned towards the door.