Mask

A heart Of An Angel

"Hi, Granny, let me help you," I smiled, carefully holding the old woman's arm as she crossed the road.

"Oh, thank you, my sweet child," she said, her voice soft but heavy with years.

"You're most welcome, Granny. It's my pleasure to help," I replied. "Umm... if it's okay to ask, where are your relatives? Why are you alone?"

Her smile faltered. "I don't have any relatives, my child. My Amelia left the country... maybe by now she already has her own family and is living her life to the fullest." She sighed deeply, a sound that somehow stuck with me.

"I'm sorry for that, Granny. I gotta go now, Mom will be mad if I'm late. Coming!" I said as I waved goodbye and ran toward the van waiting for me.

But before I could climb in, she spoke again, her voice suddenly sharper, like she had been waiting to say it.

"I know you're a good person, my child... but I can feel the darkness living in you. Don't let everyone decide for you. Always follow what your heart truly desires. Don't let that darkness control you. Think before you do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."

I froze, confused.

"Um... I don't understand what you mean, Granny, but... okay. Everyone sees me as an Angel. I never say no to anyone. I always do what they ask. I think... they're already controlling me." I gave her a soft smile.

She smiled back, but there was something eerie in her eyes.

"Love is so powerful, my dear," she said softly. "Powerful enough to make you do terrible things you never thought you were capable of. Before things get worse... prepare yourself. For pain. For regret. But remember... everything happens for a reason."

And with that, she turned away, disappearing into the crowd like a ghost.

Her words echoed in my mind the whole ride home.

Why would she say that?

HELLO? I'm too young for that kind of thing. I'm Santa Monica's living angel. Everyone says so. I do what's right. I don't hurt people. I don't do bad things.

Angels don't do bad things.

"Young Lady Anastasia, we've arrived. Señora summoned you to the conference room," my butler announced as the van stopped.

"The... conference room?" I muttered under my breath. That was odd. Mom usually called me to her room if she wanted to talk. Why the conference room?

Knock knock. "Mommy?" I called softly.

"My Princess, come in," Mom's voice chimed sweetly. "Mr. Croft is here."

The moment I stepped inside, I saw him, an older man in a pristine suit, his smile too wide, too polished.

"Good morning, Mr. Croft. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir," I said, bowing slightly, every word coming out with the elegance I had been trained to perfect.

"Morning to you too, hija," he beamed. "They weren't lying when they said you're beautiful. Elegant. You're beyond perfect for my son! Haha!"

I blinked, confused. "Perfect... for your son?"

Before I could ask, Mom cut me off with a clap of her hands.

"Princess, Mr. Croft is Klaude River's father. Do you remember River? Your childhood friend? Mr. Croft is here to ask for your hand."

My jaw nearly dropped.

"Hand in marriage, Mom? To... who?"

"To my son, of course," Mr. Croft said with a laugh. "I want you to marry him as soon as possible. When you do, our families will be the most powerful in Asia."

"Um, Sir... I'm too young. I'm still in college. Isn't it... inappropriate for a student to get married this instant?" I asked nervously.

"Princess," Mom interjected firmly, "it's okay to marry early. Especially if it's a Croft. Tomorrow, you'll meet your fiancé."

My fiancé.

Klaude River Croft.

That name made my stomach twist.

"Okay... Mother. But is River even okay with this arrangement? I know him. He doesn't seem like the type who wants to settle down early. He's still enjoying his bachelor life, right?" I said, hoping for any sign that this could be canceled.

"Don't worry, hija. Everything is settled. River can't refuse my offer," Mr. Croft said with a grin I didn't like.

Mom clapped her hands again, delighted. "Good! Can't wait to meet my soon-to-be son-in-law. I've heard such wonderful things about him. He'll keep our princess safe. Tomorrow, we'll talk about the engagement properly with both of you."

After Mr. Croft left, I slumped back on the couch, feeling the weight of my fate pressing down on me.

A wife.

To Klaude.

I've heard so many things about him. None of them good. He's arrogant, selfish, manipulative. He makes people miserable just because he can.

And I'm supposed to marry him.

"Angelique!" Mom's sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, Mother?"

"Arthur and I planned everything. You just go with the flow. Do your work as an obedient daughter. Don't do anything stupid to disappoint us, Angelique."

"Yes, Mother," I answered, smiling weakly.

"Good. There's a dinner tomorrow night, a get-to-know each other. I want you to look your best. Your dress is already prepared. Be the elegant angel you are, darling."

"Oh, my lovely Princess!" Father's deep voice rumbled as he entered. "Excited to meet Klaude, your future husband?"

"She should be," Mom chimed in. "He's a big fish. Their name will make us even more powerful."

"I... can't wait to meet him," I lied.

"Good. Rest now, Princess. Tomorrow will be a big day," Father said, his tone final.

They left, leaving me in the heavy silence of my perfect golden cage.

To everyone else, my parents are the epitome of loving, supportive figures. To me? They're sweet talkers with sharp knives behind their backs.

They gave me everything, expensive clothes, the best education, luxury trips. Everything... except their love.

I tried everything to make them proud. To earn their warmth. I even failed my middle school exams once, hoping they'd notice me. And they did.

With slaps.

With screams.

With Dad watching, silently, as Mom called me a disgrace.

I learned my lesson.

So I became their perfect little angel.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror as I did my nightly skincare routine. Chanel, La Mer, Augustinus Bader, all lined up for me like I was royalty.

At least they want the best for me, I thought bitterly.

When I was done, I slipped into my black nightgown and crawled into bed.

"I hope tomorrow goes smoothly," I whispered to the empty room.

"And I hope Klaude and I can at least be... on good terms."

But deep down, I knew tomorrow wouldn't just be dinner.

It would be the start of something I couldn't escape.