THE SECOND CHOICE

Chapter One: The Unwanted Daughter The Sinclair mansion was unusually busy that Saturday morning. Housemaids hurried through the enormous hallways, carrying expensive decorations, fresh flowers and boxes of imported champagne. The dining room had been transformed into something resembling a royal ballroom, with crystal chandeliers illuminating the polished marble floors. Everything had to be perfect. After all, it was Seraphina Sinclair's engagement celebration. And when it came to Seraphina, nothing less than perfection was acceptable. "Arabella!" The sharp voice of Victoria Sinclair echoed through the mansion. Arabella, who was carefully arranging a collection of white roses on a silver table, immediately turned around. "Yes, Mother?" "How many times have I told you that the roses belong in the main ballroom, not here?" Arabella glanced at the flowers in her hands. "But Mother, Mrs. Collins instructed me to arrange them here because—" "I don't want excuses, Arabella. Just do what you're told." Arabella lowered her eyes. "Alright, Mother." Victoria shook her head before walking away, her expensive heels clicking against the marble floor. Arabella sighed quietly. It was barely ten in the morning, and she had already received more criticism than she could count. She looked down at the roses and carefully rearranged them. Today was supposed to be a happy day. Her elder sister was getting engaged to Sebastian Blackwood, one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in the country. Everyone in the Sinclair household had been talking about the engagement for weeks. Everyone except Arabella, who seemed to exist only to help make the celebration successful. She picked up the remaining flowers and headed towards the ballroom. "Arabella, wait!" She turned to see Mrs. Collins, the family's longtime housekeeper, approaching her. "Yes, ma'am?" The older woman gave her a sympathetic smile. "Have you eaten anything this morning?" Arabella shook her head. "Not yet." "Not yet? My goodness, child. You've been working since six." "I'm fine, Mrs. Collins." "That's what you always say." Mrs. Collins glanced towards the staircase to ensure nobody was watching before slipping a small plate of sandwiches into Arabella's hands. "Eat something before your mother finds another task for you." Arabella smiled. "Thank you." "You're welcome, sweetheart." For a brief moment, Arabella felt something she rarely experienced in that house. She felt cared for. Unfortunately, the moment did not last. "Arabella!" She closed her eyes briefly. Of course. She turned around. Standing at the bottom of the staircase was her elder sister. Seraphina Sinclair. At twenty-six, Seraphina was everything their mother believed a daughter should be. Beautiful, confident, fashionable and effortlessly charming whenever she wanted to be. Her long brunette hair fell in perfect waves down her back. She wore a silk dressing gown, and a diamond bracelet glittered around her wrist. Arabella had always admired her sister's beauty. Unfortunately, admiration had never been enough to make Seraphina treat her kindly. "What are you doing with that plate?" Seraphina asked. "I was just going to eat something." Seraphina glanced at the sandwiches. "You're eating now?" Arabella frowned slightly. "Yes. I haven't had breakfast." Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Today is my engagement celebration. Do you honestly think this is the appropriate time to be eating?" Arabella stared at her. "I've been working since morning." "And?" The single word made Arabella fall silent. Seraphina stepped closer. "Listen, I don't want you embarrassing me today. There will be important people here, including Sebastian's family. So please, try to look presentable and don't wander around looking miserable." "I'm not miserable." "Good. Keep it that way." Seraphina turned and climbed the staircase. Arabella looked down at the plate in her hands. She slowly placed it on a nearby table. Perhaps she would eat later. She always ate later. By four o'clock, the Sinclair mansion had been transformed. White roses decorated the entrance, elegant candles lined the dining tables, and a large crystal chandelier illuminated the ballroom. Guests had begun arriving. Arabella stood near the entrance, dressed in a simple champagne-coloured gown selected by her mother. It was beautiful, but compared to Seraphina's extravagant designer dress, it looked almost ordinary. She had spent nearly an hour getting ready, carefully arranging her hair and applying light makeup. For once, she wanted to look pretty. Not because she wanted attention, but because she wanted to feel good about herself. "Arabella." She turned. Victoria approached her, adjusting the diamond necklace around her neck. "Why are you standing here?" "I'm waiting to welcome the guests." "Well, don't stand there looking uncomfortable. Smile." Arabella forced a small smile. Victoria examined her dress. "Did you really have to wear that?" Arabella glanced down. "Is something wrong with it?" "It's too simple." "You chose it for me, Mother." Victoria gave her an irritated look. "Don't be clever with me." Before Arabella could respond, Seraphina appeared. "Mother!" Victoria immediately brightened. "There is my beautiful girl." Seraphina smiled and kissed her mother's cheek. "How do I look?" "Absolutely stunning." Seraphina laughed. "I know." Victoria gently adjusted her daughter's hair. "Sebastian will be arriving soon. I want you to make a good impression on his family." "Don't worry, Mother. I've got everything under control." Arabella watched them quietly. Sometimes she wondered what it would feel like to receive affection so effortlessly. To have someone look at her with pride. To hear her mother call her beautiful without immediately finding something wrong with her appearance. But those thoughts were quickly interrupted. "Arabella, go and check whether the champagne has been served." She nodded. "Alright, Mother." As she walked away, she heard Seraphina whisper. "Honestly, I don't know why she always looks so miserable." Victoria laughed softly. "Just ignore her, darling. Today is about you." Arabella continued walking. She had become very good at pretending not to hear things that hurt her. The first important guests arrived shortly afterwards. A black luxury car pulled into the driveway. Then another. The Sinclair family immediately moved towards the entrance. Richard Sinclair adjusted his expensive suit. "That's the Blackwoods." Victoria straightened her dress. Seraphina's expression brightened. Arabella stood a little behind everyone else. The first person to step out was a tall, handsome young man with neatly styled brown hair. Nathaniel Blackwood. He smiled as he greeted Richard. "Good evening, Mr. Sinclair." "Ah, Nathaniel! Welcome." They exchanged pleasantries. Then another car door opened. And he stepped out. Sebastian Blackwood. Arabella had seen photographs of him in business magazines, newspapers and social media. But photographs did not prepare her for his actual presence. He was tall, broad-shouldered and impeccably dressed in a black tailored suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his expression was unreadable. There was something intimidating about the way he carried himself. He did not appear to be a man who needed to raise his voice to command attention. His presence alone was enough. "Sebastian!" Richard greeted enthusiastically. Sebastian shook his hand. "Mr. Sinclair." "Please, come in. We've been expecting you." Seraphina stepped forward. "Hello, Sebastian." His eyes moved towards her. "Seraphina." She smiled warmly. "You look handsome." "Thank you." It was a polite response. Nothing more. Arabella lowered her gaze, intending to return to the ballroom. But before she could move, Nathaniel noticed her. "And who is this?" Arabella looked up. Nathaniel smiled. "Hello." "Hello." "I'm Nathaniel. Sebastian's younger brother." "I know. I'm Arabella." "Arabella Sinclair?" She nodded. "Nice to meet you." "Likewise." Sebastian glanced briefly in her direction. Their eyes met for a moment. Arabella immediately looked away. She did not know why she felt nervous. Perhaps it was because he looked like the sort of man who could see through people. Or perhaps she was simply uncomfortable around strangers. "Let's go inside," Richard announced. And just like that, the moment passed. Dinner was served at seven. The ballroom was filled with wealthy businessmen, influential families and close friends of the Sinclairs. Arabella had been assigned to help coordinate the serving arrangements. Although she was technically a guest, nobody seemed to remember that. She moved between tables, checking the food and making sure the staff had everything they needed. At one point, Mrs. Collins approached her. "Arabella, your mother wants you to take the wine to the main table." Arabella nodded. "Alright." She picked up the silver tray. It was heavier than she expected, but she carefully balanced it as she walked towards the main table. Unfortunately, one of the guests suddenly stepped backwards. Arabella tried to avoid him. The tray tilted slightly. A small amount of wine spilled onto the tablecloth. "Oh!" She immediately stopped. "I'm so sorry." The guest frowned. "Be careful!" "I apologise, sir. I'll clean it immediately." Before she could reach for a napkin, Richard's voice interrupted. "Arabella!" She turned. Her father was standing behind her, his expression dark. "What is wrong with you?" Her cheeks immediately warmed. "I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mean to—" "Is this how you intend to behave in front of our guests?" "I'm sorry." Richard looked at the stained tablecloth. "Can't you do anything properly?" The surrounding guests became noticeably quiet. Arabella wished the floor would open beneath her. "I'll clean it, sir," she whispered. Richard shook his head. "Unbelievable." Seraphina, who had been sitting beside Sebastian, watched the entire exchange. She took a sip of her drink before speaking. "Father, perhaps Arabella is simply nervous. She's not used to attending events like this." A few guests laughed. Arabella looked at her sister. She knew exactly what Seraphina was doing. She was making the situation worse while pretending to defend her. Richard sighed. "Just get someone to clean it and leave the table." Arabella nodded. "Yes, Father." She turned away. As she walked towards the kitchen, she felt tears gathering in her eyes. She blinked rapidly. Not here. Not in front of these people. She would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Sebastian had observed the exchange. He leaned back in his chair, watching Arabella disappear through the ballroom doors. "Is she always like that?" he asked quietly. Seraphina turned towards him. "Like what?" "Your sister." Seraphina laughed. "Oh, Arabella? She's just very clumsy sometimes." Sebastian looked at her. "She seemed embarrassed." Seraphina shrugged. "She embarrasses herself quite often." Nathaniel, who was sitting opposite them, raised an eyebrow. "That's an interesting way to describe your sister." Seraphina smiled. "We're very different people." Sebastian said nothing. But he found himself wondering why a grown woman seemed so comfortable humiliating her younger sister. Arabella remained in the kitchen for several minutes. She helped clean the tray and wiped away the remaining wine. Mrs. Collins noticed her expression. "Are you alright?" Arabella nodded quickly. "Yes." The older woman sighed. "That man shouldn't have spoken to you like that." "He's my father." "That doesn't make it right." Arabella forced a smile. "It's fine." Mrs. Collins looked at her carefully. "Come here." Arabella stepped closer. The housekeeper gently straightened a loose strand of her hair. "You look beautiful today." Arabella's lips parted slightly. "Really?" "Of course. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise." Arabella smiled, but her eyes became watery again. "Thank you." Mrs. Collins patted her shoulder. "Now go and enjoy the rest of the evening. You've done enough work." Arabella nodded. She returned to the ballroom after making sure everything was in order. This time, she stayed near the far end of the room. She watched Seraphina laughing with Sebastian. Her sister looked happy. And perhaps she was happy. Arabella genuinely wished her well. She simply wished that, for once, somebody would look at her with the same admiration. At nine o'clock, Richard stood to make a toast. He raised his glass, and the conversations gradually stopped. "Good evening, everyone." The guests turned towards him. "First, I would like to thank you all for joining us on this special occasion. Today is a very important day for my family." He smiled proudly at Seraphina. "My daughter, Seraphina, has always been a source of joy and pride to me. From the moment she was born, I knew she was destined for greatness." Seraphina smiled. Victoria looked emotional. Richard continued. "And today, I am delighted to see her beginning a new chapter with a remarkable man like Sebastian Blackwood." The guests applauded. Arabella clapped along with everyone else. She genuinely was happy for her sister. But when Richard mentioned his daughter, something inside her tightened. He had two daughters. Yet whenever he spoke about his pride and joy, he always referred to Seraphina. Never her. Not once. She lowered her eyes. "To Seraphina and Sebastian!" Everyone raised their glasses. "To Seraphina and Sebastian!" Arabella lifted her glass too. But before she could take a sip, a guest approached her. "Excuse me, young lady." Arabella turned. "Yes?" "Are you Seraphina's cousin?" Arabella blinked. "No. I'm her younger sister." The woman looked surprised. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realise." Arabella forced a smile. "It's alright." The woman walked away. Arabella stared at her glass. Even strangers found it difficult to believe she belonged to the same family. Later that evening, Arabella decided to return to her bedroom. She had a slight headache, and the noise was becoming overwhelming. She climbed the staircase quietly. As she approached her parents' study, she heard voices. She recognised them immediately. Richard and Victoria. She was about to continue walking when she heard her name. "Richard, I don't want to discuss this tonight," Victoria said. "Then when exactly do you want to discuss it?" "Lower your voice." "I have spent twenty-three years wondering whether that girl is even mine!" Arabella froze. Her hand tightened around the railing. "She is your daughter," Victoria replied. Richard gave a bitter laugh. "Stop lying to me, Vivienne." "I'm not lying." "Then explain why she looks nothing like me. Explain why I have never felt that connection with her." There was a brief silence. Then Richard continued. "I don't know why you expect me to treat her the same way I treat Seraphina." Arabella felt her throat tighten. "Richard, she is still a child of this family." "She is twenty-three years old. She is old enough to understand that I have never been convinced she is mine." Victoria sighed. "Please. Seraphina is getting engaged today. Can we not have this conversation now?" "That's exactly the problem. Everything in this house revolves around Seraphina." Arabella's eyes filled with tears. For a brief moment, she wondered whether her father was about to say something that would make everything better. But then he spoke again. "At least Seraphina has always felt like my daughter." Arabella felt her heart sink. She slowly stepped backwards. She had heard enough. She did not need another explanation. She returned to her bedroom and quietly closed the door. For several minutes, she stood in the middle of the room, unable to move. Then she sat on the edge of her bed. She stared at the photographs on her bedside table. There was one of her and Seraphina as children. Another showed her standing beside Victoria. And another showed her entire family at a birthday celebration. She picked up the photograph of herself and Richard. She was about five years old in it, sitting on his shoulders while he smiled at the camera. She remembered that day. She remembered how happy she had been. She remembered believing that her father loved her. A tear slipped down her cheek. "Was any of it real?" she whispered. She placed the photograph back on the table. Then she covered her face with both hands. She had spent so many years wondering what she had done wrong. Perhaps she had been too quiet. Perhaps she was not pretty enough. Perhaps she was not clever enough. Perhaps she simply wasn't the kind of daughter her father wanted. But tonight, she had finally heard the words that confirmed her greatest fear. Her father did not believe she was his. And her mother had done nothing to change the way he treated her. A little later, there was a knock on her bedroom door. Arabella quickly wiped her cheeks. "Come in." Victoria entered. She looked irritated. "Why did you leave the celebration?" "I had a headache." Victoria glanced at her. "Well, I hope you aren't planning to spend the entire evening hiding in here." "I'm not feeling very well, Mother." Victoria sighed. "Arabella, please don't start. Today is an important day for your sister." Arabella looked at her. "Mother, can I ask you something?" "What?" "Do you love me?" Victoria stared at her. "What kind of question is that?" "Just answer me, please." Victoria folded her arms. "Of course I love you. You're my daughter." Arabella swallowed. "Then why does it always feel like I'm not?" Victoria's expression changed. "Arabella, don't be dramatic." "I'm not trying to be dramatic." "Your sister has always needed more attention. You know how she is." Arabella looked down. "And what about me?" "What about you?" "Don't I need attention too?" Victoria sighed impatiently. "You're too sensitive. You need to stop taking everything personally." Arabella felt her chest tighten. She wanted to tell her mother that she had heard everything. She wanted to ask whether Richard was right. She wanted to ask why she had to spend her childhood begging for affection. But the words remained trapped in her throat. Victoria turned towards the door. "Get some rest. And please, don't come downstairs looking upset. We have guests." Then she left. Arabella stared at the closed door. She had asked her mother a simple question. And somehow, she had still managed to make her feel guilty for asking. The following morning, the Sinclair mansion was quieter. Most of the guests had departed, and the staff were busy cleaning the ballroom. Arabella sat at the breakfast table, slowly stirring her tea. Richard entered. She immediately straightened. "Good morning, Father." He barely glanced at her. "Good morning." He sat down and opened his newspaper. A few minutes later, Seraphina walked in wearing a silk robe. "Good morning, Daddy!" Richard immediately smiled. "Good morning, princess." He kissed her forehead. "How did you sleep?" "Very well. Yesterday was wonderful." "I'm glad." Seraphina sat beside him. "Did Sebastian call?" "Not yet." "He probably will later." Richard smiled. "I'm sure he will." Arabella watched them quietly. She took another sip of tea. "Arabella." She looked up. "Yes, Father?" "Your mother wants you to help with the arrangements for the upcoming wedding." Arabella nodded. "Alright." "And make sure you don't interfere with Seraphina's preparations. This is her wedding, and I don't want unnecessary problems." Arabella looked at him. "I wouldn't interfere." "Good." He returned to his newspaper. Seraphina smiled into her cup. Arabella lowered her gaze. She was beginning to understand something. In the Sinclair family, there was always room for Seraphina. Arabella was simply expected to fit wherever space was left. That afternoon, Arabella was in her bedroom when her phone rang. She glanced at the unfamiliar number. "Hello?" "Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Miss Arabella Sinclair?" "Yes. Who is this?" "My name is Eleanor. I'm calling on behalf of Blackwood Enterprises." Arabella sat up. "Blackwood Enterprises?" "Yes, ma'am. Mr. Sebastian Blackwood would like to invite you to a private dinner at the Blackwood residence this coming Friday." Arabella frowned. "Me?" "Yes, Miss Sinclair." She looked towards her bedroom door, almost expecting someone to tell her there had been a mistake. "May I ask why?" "I'm afraid I wasn't given further details. However, Mr. Blackwood specifically requested that the invitation be extended to you." Arabella was silent. Sebastian Blackwood. Her sister's future husband. Why would he want to invite her to dinner? "Miss Sinclair?" "Yes. I'm listening." "Would you be available?" Arabella hesitated. "Yes. I believe so." "Wonderful. I'll send the details to your phone. Have a lovely afternoon." The call ended. Arabella stared at her phone. She read the message that arrived moments later. PRIVATE DINNER INVITATION Mr. Sebastian Blackwood requests the pleasure of Miss Arabella Sinclair's company at his private residence this Friday evening. She read it twice. Then a third time. Something about the invitation felt strange. She had barely spoken to the man. Why would he invite her? Just then, her bedroom door opened. Seraphina walked in without knocking. "What are you looking at?" Arabella quickly locked her phone. "Nothing." Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "Really?" "Yes." She walked towards the bed and sat down. "By the way, Sebastian called earlier." Arabella said nothing. "He asked Mother about the family. I think he's becoming very interested in everything concerning us." Arabella nodded politely. "That's nice." Seraphina studied her face. "Don't get any ideas, Arabella." Arabella frowned. "What ideas?" "Whatever you're thinking. Sebastian is my fiancé. I don't want you embarrassing me by trying to get his attention." Arabella looked at her sister. For once, she wanted to defend herself. But she simply said, "I have no interest in your fiancé, Seraphina." Seraphina stood. "Good. Keep it that way." She walked towards the door. Before leaving, she turned around. "And Arabella?" "Yes?" "Try to remember your place in this family." The door closed. Arabella remained seated. She looked down at her phone again. The invitation was still there. She had no idea why Sebastian Blackwood wanted to see her. But something told her that the quiet life she had always known was about to change.