Chapter four: The Proposal She Couldn’t Refuse
928 Words
Ruth swept the front steps in silence, lost in thought, when a voice broke through her haze.
“Mom, look!” Clara squealed from behind her.
Ruth turned and saw her stepmother and Clara walking toward her, both dressed elegantly. Clara’s makeup was flawless, her hair gleaming like spun gold. She was practically glowing, and Ruth could already guess why.
Mrs. Williams wore a proud smile. “Ruth, get ready. We’re going out.”
Ruth blinked. “Out?”
“To the Romano mansion,” Clara announced, chin tilted arrogantly. “We’re finalizing my engagement today.”
Ruth froze. So it was true. Leonardo hadn’t even come himself; his parents had agreed to it already.
Mrs. Williams glanced at her impatiently. “Stop staring. You’ll stay home. Someone has to watch the house.”
An hour later, Ruth found herself alone again. She returned to sweeping, trying to push away the ache in her chest.
By evening,
An hour later, they left the mansion, the engagement sealed. On the way home, Mr. Williams said suddenly, “Stop here. I want to buy some fruit.”
They pulled up at Mrs. Adeline’s shop. Clara stepped out elegantly, holding her dress carefully. As her mother picked bananas, Clara’s eyes drifted and froze—on Raphael, seated in a wheelchair, washing apples at the corner.
She smirked. “Mom,” she said sweetly. “You know I’ll be married soon. But I can’t leave my precious sister behind.”
Mrs. Williams followed her gaze, instantly understanding. “Oh, I see where you’re going.”
Turning to Mrs. Adeline, she smiled falsely. “Madam, would you like one of your sons to marry my stepdaughter? No bride price needed. We want her settled quickly.”
Mrs. Adeline’s eyes widened. “Ah! Of course!” She turned to Raphael excitedly. “Raphael, my boy, come here!”
He wheeled over slowly. “Yes, Ma?”
“These kind people are suggesting you marry their daughter!”
Raphael blinked. “Me?” He hesitated.
“Yes!” Mrs. Adeline beamed. “Say yes, son. You need a family.”
He looked into her hopeful eyes, seeing the happiness and excitement, he nodded quietly. “Alright… if it makes you happy.”
Clara grinned, triumphant.
her family returned—Clara grinning ear to ear.
“Guess what!” Clara burst into the living room dramatically, tossing her purse onto the couch.
Ruth looked up from where she was mopping. “What now?”
“I’m officially engaged!” Clara squealed, waving her hand—even though there was no ring yet. “Leonardo’s parents adore me. I’ll be Mrs. Romano soon!”
Mr. Williams leapt up from his seat, laughing heartily. “My daughter! You’ve made me proud!”
Mrs. Williams clapped her hands. “We’ll be living like royalty!”
Ruth forced a weak smile. “Congratulations.”
Clara turned to her, smirking. “Oh, but don’t worry, Ruth. I didn’t forget you.”
Ruth frowned. “What do you mean?”
Clara grinned wickedly. “You’ll be getting married too!”
Ruth blinked. “What?”
“Yes, dear,” Mrs. Williams said smoothly. “We arranged it today. Mrs. Adeline, the fruit seller across the street, has a son. A cripple. Handsome, but poor. She’s overjoyed at the idea of marrying him to you.”
Ruth’s jaw dropped. “What?! I don’t even...”
“Oh, don’t be dramatic,” Clara interrupted. “It’s perfect. You’ll marry the cripple and finally be out of this house. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”
Ruth stared, stunned. “You can’t be serious.”
Clara stepped closer, her voice mocking. “Oh, I am. He’s poor, he’s in a wheelchair, but hey at least he’s handsome. You should be grateful.”
Ruth’s heart pounded. “Am I not your sister?” she shouted suddenly, tears welling. “Why do you treat me like this? Why?”
Mrs. Williams scoffed and slapped her across the face, the sound sharp and brutal.
“You killed your own mother when you were born,” she spat. “You’re cursed. Be grateful we even feed you!”
Ruth staggered back, clutching her cheek.
Her father, who hadn’t said a word all night, finally spoke. His tone was cold, final. “She’s right. You’ve been nothing but bad luck. If this marriage gets you out of my house, so be it.”
Ruth’s chest heaved. “Dad…”
“Don’t call me that,” he snapped.
Clara smirked triumphantly. “See? It’s settled. Congratulations, Ruth, you’re getting married too!”
Ruth felt the ground tilt beneath her. Her vision blurred with tears. Without another word, she turned and fled to her room, slamming the door behind her.
She sank to the floor, sobbing into her hands. Their words echoed in her head: Witch. Cursed. Cripple.
Her gaze drifted to the window. Across the street, the man in the wheelchair Mrs. Adeline’s “son”was helping stack crates of fruit despite his condition. His movements were slow, careful, but determined.
Her tears slowed. So it’s him, she thought numbly. They want me to marry him.
She hugged her knees, trembling. Maybe it’s better this way, she thought bitterly. At least I’ll finally be free of this house.
---
Downstairs, Clara sipped wine and smiled smugly.
“Everything’s perfect,” she murmured.
Mrs. Williams patted her hand. “Soon, darling, you’ll be Mrs. Romano. And Ruth will be someone else’s burden.”
Clara laughed. “Exactly where she belongs.”
- Writer
