Ann had been standing at the top of the stairs, hiding in the shadows, watching
everything unfold in the drawing room. Her manicured nails dug into the wooden
banister as she listened to Maya agree to marry Ethan, the man who was
supposed to be hers.
Her chest heaved with rage. She couldn't believe it. The proposal, the marriage it was all meant for her. She had dreamed of it , envisioning her life beside Ethan
Carter, son of one of the most powerful men in the country.
And now? Now her father had given it all away to Maya.
Her vision blurred with hot tears, and she turned sharply, storming down the
hallway until she burst into her room. Slamming the door shut, she screamed and
began to throw everything within reach.
By the time she stopped, Ann stood in the center of the chaos, her chest rising
and falling heavily. She pressed her hands against her temples, her heart racing as
though it would burst out of her chest.
Tears streaked her face, but then suddenly she laughed.
It was bitter at first, then soft, then sharp, until it turned into a wicked smile. Her
eyes gleamed with something dark.
She thinks she's won, Ann thought, her lips curling. But Maya has no idea who
she's up against. I'll never let her take what's mine. Never.
An idea bloomed in her mind, sweet and dangerous. Slowly, Ann sat on the edge
of her bed, her smile widening as a plan began to form.
She knew exactly what she had to do.
---
The Wilson family gathered around the dining table.
Maya sat quietly, her hands folded neatly on her lap, her eyes fixed on her plate.
Every movement felt heavy under the scrutiny of her family, especially Ann's
burning gaze from across the table.
Mr. Wilson cleared his throat, drawing all attention to him. His voice was firm,
deliberate.
"Maya," he began, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ethan has chosen you to be his
wife. We have no option but to agree, because this alliance with the Carter family
is too important for our future. So you must listen carefully."
Maya raised her head slowly, her heart beating in her ears.
"You will behave properly until the day of your marriage," he continued. "No
missteps, no foolishness. You will obey and bring no shame to this family. Do you
understand?
Yes, Father," Maya answered quietly, her head bowing again.
Ann sneered from across the table, her fork tapping against her plate. Pathetic,
she thought, watching Maya .
Mr. Wilson's tone softened as he turned to his elder daughter. "Ann, I know
you're disappointed about what happened. But as your father, I don't want you to
remain in sorrow. So I have a little compensation for you."
Ann tilted her head, trying not to look too eager, though her curiosity flared
instantly.
"I've decided to give you that car you've been asking for," Mr. Wilson announced
with a smile. "And this weekend, you can go shopping with your friends. Buy
whatever you like."
Ann gasped, her face lighting up with excitement. "Oh my god, Daddy! You're the
best!" she exclaimed, leaping from her chair to kiss him on the cheek.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson smiled indulgently at her.
"We are happy that you are happy," Mr. Wilson said, his voice warm but
cautionary. "But no reckless behavior. Drive carefully. I don't want to hear of any
accidents.
"I will, Daddy," Ann replied sweetly, her earlier rage tucked away behind a mask
of cheerful obedience.
At the other end of the table, Maya forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Inside, her heart twisted.
---
Later That Night
After dinner, Mrs. Wilson entered Ann's room.
Ann sat at her desk, flipping through a magazine, though her mind was miles away.
"Ann," Mrs. Wilson said softly, seating herself on the edge of the bed. She patted
the space beside her. "Come sit with me."
Ann closed the magazine and crossed over, perching gracefully beside her mother.
Mrs. Wilson studied her daughter's face, brushing a stray strand of hair behind
her ear. "You must not let this situation destroy you, my dear. You are still my
shining star."
Ann's lips trembled slightly. "But Mom… Maya's going to marry Ethan. Everyone
will see her with him. What about me? What about everything I've dreamed of?
Her mother's eyes softened, but her voice was firm. "Listen to me. You are
beautiful, charming, and intelligent. You can still have everything you desire. But
you must not waste your energy sulking. Glam yourself. Take yourself to the spa,
refresh your spirit. You need to look radiant, sweet, untouchable."
Ann sniffled, nodding slowly.
Mrs. Wilson's tone lowered, conspiratorial. "And think about it, at that wedding,
the Carter family won't be the only powerful ones there. Many influential men
will attend. Rich, handsome, connected. Who's to say you won't find someone
even better for yourself?"
Ann blinked, surprised. "Mom… are you saying...."
"I'm not forcing you," Mrs. Wilson interrupted smoothly. "But just think about it.
You deserve someone who can match your brilliance. Maya is being forced into
this role, but you, Ann you can choose. You can still rise higher."
A slow smile spread across Ann's face. The bitterness in her chest eased into
something sharper, more dangerous. "I will think about it, Mom."
"That's my girl," Mrs. Wilson whispered, kissing her forehead gently. "Now rest.
Tomorrow is another day."
She rose gracefully and left, leaving Ann alone with her thoughts.
As the door clicked shut, Ann leaned back against her pillows, her smile widening.
Her mind churned with plans.
If Maya thought she could take her place, she was gravely mistaken.
"I Ann would never let her win".