WILLIAM'S MANSION
Natalya's POV:
It was a calm winter afternoon. The environment was peaceful and cozy, yet my heart was far from calm. Anxiety twisted inside me because I might soon be married to that devil — Steeve
The saddest part? I already had a boyfriend. But his status didn't match my family's expectations. I knew my parents would never agree to our relationship.
I paced around my room, lost in thoughts. What should I do? My boyfriend had no idea what was happening.
Suddenly, my mother entered.
Mrs. William: "Natalya, my baby girl, where are you? Get dressed quickly. Mr. Simon's family will arrive at our mansion any moment."
Mr. Simon — one of the richest business tycoons. My family wanted me to marry his son. The problem wasn't just that… the real problem was that I loved someone else. But who cared? I wasn't strong enough to tell my parents the truth.
With a tired voice, I replied.
Natalya: "Yes, Mom. I'm getting ready… but I don't know what to wear."
Even though I didn't want to do any of this, I had to pretend to be happy and excited to meet Mr. Simon and his son. Ugh.
Mrs. William: "Don't worry. I've already called one of the most professional stylists. She'll take care of everything."
Natalya: "Okay, Mom. Till then, I'll take a shower and dry my hair."
When I came out after my shower, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.
"Don't you ever dare to marry Steeve."
Wait—what?!
Was someone trying to provoke me? Was it my boyfriend? Or maybe Steeve's girlfriend? My mind spun with questions.
Just then, I heard a knock.
Miss Stella: "Hey Natalya! I'm Stella, your stylist for today. How are you?"
Natalya: "Hi, Miss Stella. Nice to meet you. I'm fine. How about you?"
Miss Stella: "As you can see, I'm fabulous!"
She laughed loudly.
I don't know why, but her laughter irritated me.
Miss Stella: "Natalya, you're so pretty. Let me style you and add stars to your moon-like face."
Again, that annoying laugh.
Ugh! How long do I have to deal with this?
She began styling me — choosing my outfit, curling my hair, doing my makeup.
WILLIAM MANSION – HALL SCENE
It was 6:30 in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. William sat on the sofa, waiting. They looked extremely conscious, as if one small mistake could ruin everything.
The doorbell rang.
The guard called Mr. William.
"They've arrived."
Panic spread through the mansion.
From my bedroom window, I peeked through the curtain. Four cars entered the gate. So many people… just for a marriage proposal. Rich people really love showing off.
The first car door opened.
A handsome man in a brown coat and polished boots stepped out. From the other side, an elegant woman in a satin skirt and top — graceful and classy.
The second car opened. Two tall, handsome men in black suits stepped out. Bodyguards. They began taking gift boxes from the car.
The third car opened slowly. An old lady stepped out — probably Steeve's grandmother. Her face was aged, but her smile was warm and kind.
But… where was Steeve?
My only hope was the last car. I stared.
One minute.
Two minutes.
No one came out.
He wasn't there.
Just then, my mother called me.
Mrs. William: "Natalya! Are you ready? They've arrived. We'll call you downstairs soon. Be prepared."
Natalya: "Okay, Mom… Is Steeve also here?"
Mrs. William: (teasing) "Oh! My girl is so eager to see Steeve!"
She didn't answer my question. She just left.
felt confused. My boyfriend was in London, unaware of all this. I wished this was just a dream — that soon I'd wake up and marry the one I truly loved.
HALL SCENE
Everyone sat calmly in the hall.
Mr. Simon: "We would like to see our future daughter-in-law."
Mr. William: "Anna, please call Natalya downstairs."
My mother (Anna)sent the maid to call me.
I walked down the stairs.
I wore a light blue shimmery gown. The beads sparkled like stars. My open curls framed my face. I looked like a fairy — a fairy being sacrificed.
Grandmother: "Oh my God! My daughter-in-law is so beautiful. Steeve is very lucky."
Natalya: "Thank you, Grandma."
I smiled politely.
Mrs. Simon: "Please, Natalya, have a seat. I am Florence Simon Blunt — Steeve's mother. Nice to meet you."
She signaled a bodyguard, who brought a plate covered with a red cloth.
She lifted the cloth.
A diamond ring. Shining. Expensive. Heavy.
Mrs. Florence: "Dear Natalya, this is our ancestral ring. Every daughter-in-law of the Blunt family wears it. Grandmother gave it to me, and now I give it to you — as a symbol of responsibility."
My heart pounded.
Engagement?
Without even the groom present?
Finally, I gathered courage.
Natalya: "Ma'am… where is Steeve?"
Mrs. Florence: "He was coming with us, dear. But at the last moment, he had urgent work in London. We didn't want to cancel and spoil your preparations, so we came without him."
Spoil?
They were spoiling my entire life.
London?
My boyfriend was in London too.
What if…? No. Impossible. They are strangers.
Mr. Simon: "He has seen your photo and biodata. He is interested. He has no problem marrying you. If you have any objection, say it now."
His harsh voice scared me.
I had no choice.
Natalya: "N-No… I have no problem. I would love to marry your son."
A lie.
A painful one.
Grandmother: "Wonderful! Let's decide the wedding date soon."
Ella William: "Shouldn't we let Natalya and Steeve meet first?"
Mr. Simon: "It's all up to Natalya. Steeve is ready even without meeting."
Mr. William: "She is my daughter. I won't force her. Natalya, decide what you want."
My voice shook.
Natalya: "I… I would like to meet and talk to Steeve first."
Mrs. Florence: "Fine. I'll ask Steeve and inform you about the meeting date. Mr. and Mrs. William, we are very eager to make your daughter our daughter-in-law."
Grandmother: "Yes. I want to play with my great-grandchildren soon."
After dinner, the Blunt family left the William Mansion.
And I stood there, smiling… while my world silently crumbled.