Chapter 11 - Her First No
984 Words
Her father’s face darkened, veins swelling at his temple. With a sharp clang, he dropped his fork onto the table, the sound ringing like thunder.
You ungrateful child! he barked, his voice shaking the walls.
Her mother gasped, then shrieked at her, clutching at her chest. Are you out of your mind, Arianne? Don’t you ever bring this up again! This marriage is not yours to decide, it’s between families. It was settled long ago!
Her sister laughed cruelly, the sound slicing into Arianne’s heart. You must be completely crazy. Do you even understand how lucky you are to have a fiancé like him? She leaned forward, her lips curling. This is every girl’s dream, and you sit here spitting on it. You should be on your knees, thanking our parents for arranging this for you.
Arianne’s hands trembled, but her voice rose, clear and cutting.
If I am really so lucky like you say, she shot back, glaring at her sister, then I’ll give him to you. Take this luck away, because it doesn’t suit me at all.
The words exploded like firecrackers in the room.
Her sister’s smirk vanished.
Her brother suddenly shot up from his chair, his face twisted with fury. Before she could brace herself, his hand cracked across her cheek, sending her head snapping to the side. A sting burned her skin, hot tears welling in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Go kneel! he thundered, grabbing her arm roughly. When you know you’re wrong, when you’re ready to apologize, then maybe, maybe, we’ll let you up.”
Her cheek throbbed. But she lifted her head and met her parents’ stunned eyes with a stubborn fire she had never shown before.
I won’t marry him, she said, each word trembling but defiant. No matter what. Her brother’s grip on her arm tightened like iron, his face dark with rage as he tried to drag her to the ground.
Her brother dragged her across the polished floor, forcing her down on her knees before the table. Her legs ached instantly, but the burn in her chest was worse.
Arianne! her mother shouted, still seething, you will kneel there until you learn your place!
Her father slammed his hand against the armrest. Don’t test my patience again. You shame this family with your childish defiance!
Just then, her fiancé Adien finally spoke, his voice calm and measured, the perfect mask of patience.
Dad, Mom… don’t be angry anymore, he said with a faint smile. She’s just young. She doesn’t understand right now. Just… let her go.
But before relief could even brush her heart, her sister cut in sharply, her tone cruel.
No. She needs to be taught a lesson. If she goes unpunished, she’ll only grow more rebellious.
Her brother nodded grimly, arms folded, showing no signs of mercy.
Her fiancé sighed, pretending to plead for her. Come on, she’s still young. Don’t be too harsh on her. His words floated like silk, but his eyes, his eyes betrayed something else. Beneath the calm mask, there was satisfaction, even pleasure. He enjoyed this. How dare she try to end the engagement herself? No, such power belonged only to him. She was his, until he chose otherwise.
After breakfast ended, her parents retreated into the study, leaving the siblings and her fiancé in the hall. Arianne remained kneeling, her knees already throbbing against the hard floor.
Her sister sat lazily in a chair opposite, sipping tea with a smirk. Look at you,” she sneered. “Pathetic. You should be thanking us, yet here you are embarrassing the whole family. You deserve every second of this.
Her brother remained silent, leaning back with his arms crossed, but his presence was heavy, oppressive.
Then her fiancé rose from his chair and walked toward her. He crouched slightly, his shadow falling over her, his voice dropping low so only she could hear.
You don’t have to endure this, you know, he murmured smoothly. His lips curled into a mockery of tenderness. Just beg me once, and I’ll talk to your parents. They’ll forgive everything.
Arianne’s stomach twisted. Her lips pressed into a thin line. She said nothing, only closed her eyes tightly, shutting him out.
He chuckled softly, a cold, satisfied sound. After a while, he stood, dusting off his suit. Very well, he said. As he walked toward the door, he paused by her side. His hand reached out, patting her head as though she were some obedient pet.
Keep it up, he whispered, amusement lacing his tone. I’m rooting for you my futur bride.
And with that, he left.
She stayed kneeling for almost three hours, her legs numb and her pride bruised, but no one came to grant her permission to rise. The silence around her was heavy, broken only by the occasional murmur of her siblings in the next room.
Then, the creak of the main door echoed faintly. A doorkeeper hurried inside and whispered something to the maid. Both of them glanced at Arianne, still kneeling on the polished floor, but said nothing. Instead, the maid went directly to her parents.
Someone is outside asking for Miss Arianne, the doorkeeper explained cautiously. He, he doesn’t look ordinary. He came with several men, bodyguards I’d say. And the cars, they’re luxury. He must be someone powerful.
Her parents exchanged startled looks. Visitors of that kind rarely came unannounced. Bring him in, her father instructed after a pause, masking his curiosity with authority.
Moments later, heavy footsteps echoed in the hall. The maid ushered him in.
When the man entered, the room seemed to shift. His presence was commanding, dark, and deliberate. His bodyguards stayed posted by the door, but he strode forward alone, every step measured.
The moment his eyes landed on Arianne, still kneeling on the floor, his gaze sharpened like a blade.
- Writer
