Under The microscope
567 Words
Khan had never felt more like an outsider.
The Carter estate was grand, its halls lined with portraits of ancestors who had built the empire. Every inch of the mansion screamed wealth and tradition—two things she had never truly known. And yet, for the next two days, she was expected to act like she belonged.
Easier said than done.
The first “test” came during breakfast the next morning.
The dining room was a vision of luxury, with sunlight pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows. A long table was set with silver trays of pastries, eggs, and fresh fruit, attended by a silent team of staff.
Khan had barely sat down before Harold cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Khan,” he said, his voice calm but calculated. “Tell me, what do you think is the most important quality in a Carter wife?”
The question was a trap, and Khan knew it.
She sipped her coffee, stalling for time. “I suppose that depends on who you ask.”
Harold’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m asking you.”
Khan set her cup down. “If you’re looking for a textbook answer, you’d probably want someone polished. Someone who understands business, social etiquette, and power.”
A few family members, including Vivian, nodded slightly.
“But,” Khan continued, her tone light but firm, “if you’re asking what makes a marriage strong? Then it’s loyalty. Respect. And a little bit of patience—because, let’s be honest, Liam is not the easiest man to deal with.”
A few quiet chuckles rippled around the table. Even Liam, who had been sitting silently beside her, smirked slightly.
Harold studied her for a long moment before nodding. “An interesting perspective.”
Khan exhaled internally. Round one—survived.
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The second test wasn’t so easy.
After breakfast, the family gathered on the terrace overlooking the vast gardens. Khan found herself standing next to Khloe, who had been eerily silent since the previous night.
“You’re quite the actress,” Khloe said suddenly, her voice smooth as silk.
Khan turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
Khloe’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “This little performance. The ‘accidental’ romance. It’s cute. But we both know it won’t last.”
Khan refused to let her confidence waver. “You sound awfully invested for someone who’s supposed to be over Liam.”
Khloe’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not over him. And neither is he.”
A prickle of irritation ran down Khan’s spine, but she kept her voice even. “If that were true, he wouldn’t be engaged to me.”
Khloe stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Liam and I have history. Real history. You’re just a temporary solution to a problem. And when he’s done playing house, he’ll come back to me.”
Khan clenched her jaw. “We’ll see about that.”
Khloe smirked. “Yes. We will.”
Before Khan could respond, Harold’s voice cut through the air.
“Khan,” he called, drawing her attention. “Why don’t you join us for the afternoon polo match? Let’s see how you handle yourself.”
Another test. Another chance to fail.
Khan squared her shoulders and smiled. “I’d love to.”
If they wanted to test her, she’d show them exactly what she was made of.
- Writer
