ASHES TO JUSTICE

JENNY I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes tracing the delicate lace of my wedding gown. The image should have filled me with joy, but a heavy sense of dread had settled in my stomach. Marrying Eric Williams was supposed to be my fairytale ending, the conclusion of falling madly in love in under six months. But now, standing in the grand bedroom of Eric's family mansion, I felt like a stranger in my own life. Eric's mother, Vivian Williams, had made it clear from the start that she disapproved of him. No matter how hard I tried to get Vivian to like me, the old woman portrayed nothing other than frosty politeness and severity towards me. I could feel the weight of Vivian's contempt every time I entered a room, and it was wearing me down. The door creaked open, and my mother-in-law entered inside. Her sharp eyes scanned me from head to toe. “Early riser,” she comments, scorn heavy in her voice. “Can’t sleep, I suppose?” Even though my heart was pounding, I forced myself to smile. Just wanted to get a head start on the day. Vivian's lips curled into a smirk. "How diligent of you. Pity that diligence doesn't seem to extend to your manners. I noticed you failed to greet the guests properly at dinner last night." My smile faltered. "I-I didn't mean to. I was just—" "Excuses,” she snapped. “In this family, we don’t tolerate excuses. You’re Williams now, and it’s time you started acting like one.” I swallowed hard, the sting of her words piercing through me. "I'll do better," I promised, my voice barely above a whisper. "See that you do," she said, her tone icy. "Eric deserves a wife who can uphold our family's standards, not some... charity case. "The words hit me. I’d given every damn thing up for Eric; my prestigious family name, my successful career, and my independence. And yet this woman still seemed to think I was unworthy? "I'll try harder," I said, my voice trembling. Vivian's eyes narrowed. "Don't try, Jennifer. Succeed." As Vivian swept out of the room, I sank onto the edge of the bed, my heart heavy with despair. I had known that marrying into the Williams family wouldn't be easy, but I hadn't anticipated just how cruel Vivian could be. The constant criticism, the snide remarks, the subtle but cutting insults—it was all taking a toll on me. A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I quickly wiped my eyes and stood up, smoothing down my dress. "Come in." The door opened. Eric’s ex-fiancée, Claire Reynolds, stepped inside every moment of every day. She was a threat to my relationship with Eric. The house reminded me constantly that he’d been in love before. Every time I set eyes on her, I hated the insecurity which welled up inside of me. “Morning, Jenny,” Claire sang in the sweetest voice she could manage. “I just wondered if you were settling in okay? Claire’s eyes were gleaming with just a touch of malice. “I’m glad to hear it. You know, Eric and I spent so much time in this room… We have … wonderful memories here.’’ The implication was clear, and my heart tightened. "That was a long time ago," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Claire shrugged, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Perhaps. But some things are hard to forget." I clenched my fists to my sides, determined not to let Claire see how much her words had hurt. "I need to get ready for the day," I said, my voice firmer now. "Of course," Claire said, her smile widening. "Don't let me keep you." As Claire left, I sat back down on the bed, my resolve crumbling. I felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of my new life. The mansion, with all its grandeur and luxury, felt more like a prison than a home. I had thought that marrying Eric would bring me happiness, but instead, it had brought nothing but heartache. The sound of footsteps in the hallway made me tense. I quickly stood up and adjusted my dress, preparing myself for whatever confrontation lay ahead. Vivian appeared in the doorway, her eyes cold and appraising. "Jennifer, we need to talk," she said, her tone brooking no argument. I followed her out of the bedroom and down the grand staircase to the drawing room. The room was imposing, unwelcoming, and sparsely furnished. Vivian gestured for me to sit, and I complied, my heart pounding in my chest. She sat down opposite me and looked at me with a fixed stare. "I'm not going to mince words, Jennifer," he said gravely. "Your place in our family is... problematic." My breath caught in my throat. "What do you mean?" Vivian leaned forward, her expression severe. "You are not made for Williams. You have no pose, sophistication.... pedigree necessary to keep up family prestige.” Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. "I'm trying my best, Mrs. Vivian. I love Eric, and I want to make this work." Vivian's lip curled in disdain. "Love? Do you think love is enough to sustain a marriage in our world? Love is an emotion, Jennifer. Fleeting and pathetic. No, it is power and influence and standing which truly matter - none of which you possess.” I felt a surge of anger. "I may not come from a wealthy family, but I've worked hard to build my career. I've achieved success on my own merits." "Your achievements mean nothing here," Vivian said coldly. "In this family, we value lineage and legacy, not the empty accomplishments of a social climber." The words cut deep, but I refused to let Vivian see me falter. "I won't give up on Eric," I said, my voice steady. "I won't let you push me out." Vivan’s eyes flashed with anger. “You are nothing more than a temporary inconvenience, Jennifer. And mark my words, I will do whatever it takes to remove you from this family.” My heart pounded as Vivian stood up and walked to the door. "Enjoy your stay while it lasts," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "It won't be for long." As the door closed behind her, I slumped back in my chair, tears streaming down my face. I felt utterly alone, abandoned in a world that was hostile and unforgiving. The love that had once seemed so powerful now felt fragile and insubstantial, unable to withstand the onslaught of Vivian's cruelty. But even as despair threatened to overwhelm me, a spark of determination ignited within me. I’d worked too hard to build a life for myself, and I would be damned if I let Vivian—or anyone else—ruin it. I’d work my ass off to prove to them, to everyone that I did belong in the family, no matter what. I wiped away my tears, stood back up, and straightened my dress. Meeting the day that’s still far ahead of me head-on. I wouldn’t let Vivian’s hatred break my spirit. I would fight for my place in this family and for the love that had brought me here in the first place. As I left the drawing room and walked back upstairs, I knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But I also knew that I was stronger than Vivian gave her credit for. And I would prove it, no matter the cost.