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𝟷.𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝
I scanned my crepe, sky blue simple dress one last time, ensuring everything was in place, no dirty spots, my hair was neatly brushed, my nails were cut and evenly filed, and my foot was framed in nice flat beige shoes. there is nothing wrong except that I might choke in front of the whole family because of how tight this stupid corset is.179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmMtyBf59n
I will finally talk to my father about applying for my life goal, the Kohana illustration art competition that occurs every 4 years in Sphinx Cross, the country of art.179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidR41KaeeF
I pulled away the curtains, exposing a large fire star brightly twinkling exposing its red, no purple rays. Shuby clouds surround it with joy. I take out my hidden box of art
Supplies.179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYdvKuC6kT
the dream will come true, I will use my art, and I will expose it to the world. I won’t be afraid, I would have something good at, and my parents would finally acknowledge my talent. I won’t be useless anymore.179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuWq9ydnUN
all these brushes and portraits have my tears, my joy, my happiness, my time my dream. this is the only way I use to escape from everyone’s bitter words. I held the white wooden box of paints, pigment and brushes it had blue butterflies all over it. Mr Archer gave it to me as a kid, he was the only one always to say I had a chance at anything, i loved sitting with him, talking with him. he was the world to me, he was the one who planted the passion for art in me. he used to always say ‘Keep smiling I like your dimples’ and that’s why I will keep smiling today.
I just hope everything will be okay at the breakfast today, I’m confident I didn’t do anything to upset either of my parents lately. I made sure my outfit was elegant, feminine and neat so hopefully, Mother wouldn’t have anything to point out on. I just need to make sure to walk with my head held high and to sit with my legs crossed at the knee. I’m not in the mood for comments like ‘If I saw you from far away I won’t distinguish you from your brother, you’re a woman so act like it’. maybe because we are twins
but I guess it’s understandable since she’s dying to see me in a white gown with my prince.
As I closed my bedroom door, a housemaid passed by carrying a large, shiny bowl made of stainless steel. Its smell wafted through the air, up my nostrils and even made me swallow my saliva. Another maid hurried downstairs to the kitchen, followed by a third holding some forks and knives. It seemed like everyone was rushing around, which meant we were probably having a feast. but why?
looks like It’s a good day to tell Father about applying to the art competitions since he’s usually calm in these moments. lucky me.
I feel a smile plaster on my face just by the thought of my father agreeing to the art competition. I slowly approach the kitchen, recalling in my mind the three headache rules napkin on the lap, elbows of the table and never speak with a full mouth don’t forget them. damn, I’m having a normal daily breakfast with my family why am i supposed to act all elegant and fake. but I guess I should stay away from Mother’s bad side, especially today.
“Excuse me, um, but are we expecting someone for breakfast today?” I asked the head maid, feeling everyone in the kitchen eyes roaming all over me. I waited for a response seeing her eyes scan me "Want a picture" Thankfully they were generous enough to return to their work.179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M4rYJuAv1
“I believe Mr Aiden Darch is visiting us and will be at breakfast today” she responded, holding back a chuckle.
I left feeling the ignited flame of energy I had this morning slowly losing its spark. I made sure everything was in place, I checked everything about my outfit. why are they suddenly scanning me? isn’t this what they wanted? didn’t they agree with Mother while she insulted my looks and behaviour every day, I’m wearing an elegant feminine dress like I’m always ordered to. urrrr why the hell are they whispering? I hate those idiots.
Aiden
the head maid said that Aiden is here and would join us for breakfast. Even though I tried not to let it bother me, I couldn’t help but straighten my outfit. I don’t want Aiden to see me upset because he always hated it when we were kids. but why is he here? I hope it’s for a business meeting with my father and brother, Asher, at the company. my eyes need to see him in a suit like last time.
taking every step down the stairs, constantly thinking of what I’m going to tell Father about the competition.
Damn, I forgot to train in front of the mirror this morning.
today I’m going to show him that I’m not useless just because I’m not good at business stuff, i internally know this might be impossible, but this is the only thing I love and live for. I won’t lose it, I have to fight for it. I don’t want to simply get married to someone to expand our business and products.
there he was, Aiden, standing with his towering height and arrogant expression that fit perfectly with the jet-black suit making him look unexpectedly hot, as if he is not always attractive. his caramel curly mullet hair, chiselled jaw and puffy lips. one hand in his pocket and the other scrolling through the phone. please help me I’m going to faint from unbearable beauty. I bet he is waiting for Asher in front of the staircase.
his head rose and I think he caught me staring at his two green pearly eyes
idiot
and now I feel dizzy
suddenly the stair handrail was slippery, and my legs lost their balance. I knew this day wouldn’t pass normally. I collapsed on the ground right before the only person I shouldn’t have fallen in front of.
“Long time uh- Abbie” he spoke in a hot abrasive voice, clearly annoyed that I might have scratched his black dress shoes. at least offer me your hand man.
“how have you been? It’s Adeline and it’s been a year ” I muttered with a voice full of anxiety.
“I’m fine” he responded, putting his phone in his pocket. A burst of air blew out of his mouth clearing he’s annoyed not necessarily because of my presence but maybe because of the work Dad gave him. hopefully, I try to convince myself
“IS SHE UPSET?” Asher exclaimed as he popped out of the hallway, having heard me crash on the floor. I was a bit shaken up, but his infectious excitement and enthusiasm quickly lifted my spirits. and this guy here flashed us a dazzling smile, clearly thrilled to be reunited with his best friend. Asher’s cheerful energy was contagious, as it always is. I swear he’s the only one who ever cares to smile in this family.
“no it’s just me —ow” I replied, getting up, feeling a slight pain in my back. i need to get up before Mother wakes up.
Asher nearly tripped while running down the stairs to grab me, he’s such a gentleman dressed in his usual navy suit, with his black hair slicked, and proportional nose above a defined jawline. my handsome brother.
“whose she? And why is she upset” I questioned, straightening my fit and looking around for something to see my reflection in. Hopefully, I don’t look like a puffy dog, because I sound like one.
“Well, staying up all night on the phone sure has its side effects, Let’s see, what would Asher be doing being active at 3 am ” Aiden winked at him, I already knew where this was going from the time I heard some noise from his room. he was probably talking to his fiancee about their love story. but I have something more important to worry about. I need to look in the mirror before Mother see my mixed-up dress.
“Asher, what was that? your father’s company may be at risk if its marketer still acts like a teen and talks to his girl all night— LOOK AT THESE DARK CIRCLES, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GO TO WORK NOW?” Mother’s authoritative voice made Asher wince back.
this woman sure has her special entrance that freaks everyone out
I quickly scanned my outfit one last time before nodding at Asher to move away from my face. he did except that Heals formed a ‘shut up’ with his lips, shooting Aiden a sharp glare.
“your always right madam, we just had a little quarrel and I was kind of ready to finish it. I guess not sleeping enough made me imagine her everywhere—OH does that mean her soul wants to take revenge” he replied, giving me a reassuring smile of comfort when he noticed how nervous I was, I replied with a confirming smile silently whispering it’s ok. “she better not think I’ll allow her soul to beat me that easy” her continued when I saw anger marks already starting to form on mother’s face.
I’m eternally happy she’s upset
God, this brother is the only good thing I have, he at least cares about how I feel. he respects that I don’t want to get married off just for some business deals like my sister, Astra did. He’s always by my side against the world despite his dislike of my relationship with my parent and sometimes I feel he agrees with them.
Asher is just like me, I mean we are twins. he’s different from all the others, he’s cheerful and happy. he also doesn’t want to get married for business deals so he engaged the girl he befriended at university for four years, they were really sweet except that mom’s focus was now more concentrated on me.
“Madam Biora, you surprisingly never change do you?” Aiden cheered, trying to calm Mother down.
I looked up to see her, Her greying hair was pulled back in a tight bun with light makeup sculpting her cheekbones and jaw, and her dark brown eyes looked nothing like my olive ones scanning me looking for a small imperfect mistake to point out on.
“GOOD MORNING” a cold voice arose from behind where everyone gasped, except my head immediately silted on my legs knowing this voice very well.
“good morning uncle, it’s been a while” Aiden greeted
everyone’s voices merged to form a “good morning”, despite my tongue being twisted forming a lump in my throat. I hope he’s not angry.
“Sorry I hope we’re not late” Astra blurted entering the room, standing tall along with her husband. a crystal clear annoyed wrinkle graved on his face, as he whispered something to his ‘obedient’ wife.
she was the perfect daughter, the perfect wife. her light brown hair framed her face, while her waves flew on her teal dress. the curves of her dress just sway perfectly with her body, enhancing her beauty. her head was held high, as a simple smile decorated it, along with the heart-shaped necklace kissing her upper chest.
I bet she spent an hour in front of the mirror as she always used to do. I am not her, I would never be, I’m not that organized and calm. my heart aches every time I feel I am required to be like her because I’ll never be someone other than myself.
“Mother, isn’t it breakfast time, Daniel is not that free-”
“very understandable please follow me to-” Mother declared interrupting Astra, with a hidden intention to ease the tension that Father caused just by waking up, quickly getting back interrupted by Father who was annoyed with Astra’s husband, despite being the one who summoned him.
“I hope taking a day off won’t change anything at work, Asher. ”
“Dad! You can always count on me,” Asher exclaimed, while playfully rubbing the back of his head.
A day off. father is a man who worships his work, he has an organised routine, and everyone fears him as the boss. hate weekends or giving employees holidays. always looks formal and strict, with his usual cream undershirt, black waistcoat and a large cigarillo stuck in his mouth whenever he is working.
I’m now sure more than ever that there is something important would be announced today. I’ll cross my fingers and hopefully, it’s good.
“Adeline will sit next to me, at the head of the table” Father stated destroying Mom’s intention of making me sit with her, as I nodded swallowing my saliva, hoping everything goes well. I could see worry marks already drawn on Asher’s face, while Aiden’s raised brow in confusion didn’t help reduce my anxiousness.
well, I did want to tell him about the art competition, but what if he gets angry, I will be sitting next to him where should I escape to? damn, Father why do you love me to the moon and back all of a sudden.
I wonder why Father called Aiden and Astra to the table. I hope it’s not bad news. Mother doesn’t seem to be in a good mood, so I don’t want to talk to him in front of her. I’ll wait until we’re done and find an opportunity to speak with him privately. I’m sure he has something important to say.
“Doesn’t your collar have a chair to sit in Adeline” Mom grunted, her absurd, throaty voice pulling me to reality. everyone’s eyes on me, maids, Asher, father and…Aiden. they all are looking in my direction. I should’ve made sure everything was okay. Astra is standing behind her with a smirk probably planning on continuing the insult later. Mother’s mouth is twisted in disgust while her eyes never move away from my body. I hate it, I hate it here.
“I…fell from the stairs an-and I mixed up my—” I stammered, what are the maids whispering about? What does Aiden think of me? this can’t be happening.
“shh, don’t give me your excuses, I just wish you would’ve gotten mature. don’t you know how ladies dress and act like one? I’ve never seen a woman run on the stairs”
please don’t speak again
“and look at these hips of yours—why does everything have to be a struggle with you? Are you a dinosaur, eating everything in your way, ahh—you should consider learning from your sister”
as I felt a savage scare barely locked come from a very familiar heart. She headed to the dining room skirting away from facing me as usual. why does she always find a way to make me hate myself so much?
my heart raced, while my skin quivered with intense hatred and bitterness I felt blood drain from my face, as their stares made tears pool into my eyes when I blinked them away.
did she have to do it in front of everyone? and Aiden was standing there…he saw her yelling at me. I tightened the corset, I didn’t notice I gained weight. I made sure everything was ok. I woke up happy today, I was happy to tell my father about the competition. I was trying to seek her acceptance. how does Astra always seem so perfect in her eyes while I’m never enough?
I just hope everyone forgets what just happened
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179Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Etas7mEQA
