The Return of the Heiress: Caught between a Shadow & a Dream

Gleaming lights, statement dresses, glasses of champagne clinking, the laughs of billionaires, a decor that spelled ‘elegance’. That was the suitable LA atmosphere. New Year's celebrations were ongoing, and boy! The Cobbin family loved to go big. I had just changed from my previous dress and was walking amongst the crowd of LA’s finest big shots. I was dressed in a sleeveless flowing silhouette silver dress which complemented my pale skin. My hazel eyes scanned my guests as I walked elegantly in my Gianvito Rossi heels. My black waves bounced around my slender curves, reaching my waistline, with some of it covering my light diamond tennis necklace and studs. Heavy makeup was an insult to my features, so I kept most of my look natural. Everything had to be perfect for Sebastian! And there he was looking impressed as we made eye contact. His eyes were deep-blue, like the ocean, sitting perfectly into his chiseled face. Blonde hair, a tall frame that wore a white tuxedo and an aura that screamed ‘dashing!’. That was my husband! “You look like a movie star babe,” Sebastian said as he walked up to me. “Thank you, my charming husband,” I reciprocated the compliment with a kiss. “The definition of the perfect couple!” a guest gestured. Perfect indeed, right next to my dream man. We spent the night enjoying amazing performances from singers and choreographers, laughing and chatting over some wine and delicacies, positive speeches from guest celebrities, and shows of fireworks to welcome the New year. Eventually, the guests began leaving. I stepped away for a while, feeling dizzy. Where did Sebastian go? I walked into the Cobbin mansion, the polished marble floor stretched beneath my heels, veined in soft grey. No overwhelming chandeliers — just a series of sculptural light fixtures suspended at different heights in the foyer, creating a bright yet comfortable ambiance. Straight ahead, the staircase rose in a clean sweeping split, its design more modern than ornate. The railings were, however, wrapped in greenery and strands of white lights, suiting the occasion. I gestured to a few guests before I alighted the stairs. By the time I reached the end of the corridor, the noise of the party softened down— just what I needed. I walked into my room and headed straight for the king-sized bed anchored in the middle of the room, resting on the layered silk and linen. Some minutes later, my phone rang from my purse. Gesturing in annoyance, I felt hesitant to pick the call until I saw the name of the woman who earlier left me some missed calls. “Hello, mum.” I greeted. My voice was subtle, yet loving. “I thought you wouldn't answer Onica-Tania,” Mum said. “I'm so sorry, I forgot my purse and was preoccupied with the party downstairs.” “It's no issue, after all, the most important things come first,” I could feel the emotions in her voice. “Don't say that mum, not on such a beautiful day — you're the only blood relative I have, you know I really wanted you to be here.” The phone fell silent for a while. “You know there's no room for me in your castle, Tania… but that aside, my prayers are always with you my dear child.” A teardrop rolled down my cheeks with her words, “Love you too mum, happy new year.” I dropped my phone. The silence pierced through the atmosphere — and my soul. The happiness I deeply sought for, truly, I was still searching. Growing up as an only child in a small town in Georgia, I didn't have such a great childhood. Dad was a retired soldier who spent most of the time I knew him in and out of the hospital. He made home lively even though he was constantly playing a game of chess with death. Eventually, death had its way with dad when I was just ten years old and since then, I had to ask for mum's permission to live, myself. It was unbearable and yet it was the only home I knew. ‘Home.’ It wasn't a place, it was a mindset harbored in the hearts of loving people. Yet, it seemed rather quite beyond my reach. ‘But don't you have it all now?’ A voice echoed in my head. I stared at the framed photograph set above the console. It was mine and Sebastian’s wedding photo. I gave out a faint smile before leaving the room. Downstairs, I noticed that the guests had all left, and the servants were now cleaning up. “Oh there you are!” a voice said. I turned towards it, eyes meeting a petite middle-aged woman dressed in a colour matching mine. “Here we go again.” I whispered to myself. “You had a good show playing Cinderella now, didn't you? And you left me, ‘your servant’, to see our guests out, right?!” She growled in annoyance. “Mum…” I paused. This vile woman I called ‘mum’ was Cynthia, Sebastian’s mum, who I apparently married also the day I walked into the Cobbin mansion. “I'm sorry I left for a little while, I had to catch my breath beca…” “Oh enough of your nonsense excuses, Onica!” Cynthia interrupted, her voice full of spite. “You only had one job!” She pointed out with her left index finger, “To joyfully welcome the guests, make sure they are well attended to and see them off. But you're so good for nothing!” “Mum, please you're insulting me in front of the workers.” My voice fell. I could count the eyes fishing in on the drama even without looking. This was a normal routine in the Cobbin mansion. “I don't care! It's good, so you can make corrections. After all, are you any better than the servants? You lazy woman!” Cynthia fired. “That's enough now, ladies.” Someone said in a low yet authoritative tone. It was Sebastian, walking into the mansion. “Don't defend her this time, Sebastian, can you believe she left me to see the guests out!” Cynthia barked out like a child eagerly waiting to report a wrong act to her teacher to get someone whooped. “Mum, you know Onica isn't used to all these things. She's bound to make mistakes,” Sebastian said as he rested his hands on her shoulders. I didn't know if that comment was meant to settle the problem, but it rather stung my heart. I had tried so hard to make the night perfect for him. “Then when will she adjust?! This is what happens when you take a simpleton into a place she doesn't belong!” Her vile words sent a tear rolling down my cheek. “Whatever I'm going to bed now, I had a very exhausting day.” “Onica, don't do that to mum again,” Sebastian said. He walked past me to the stairs, his back turned, not caring to hear what I had to say. Cynthia scoffed and followed behind her son shortly. Mandy, one of the maids and two others, walked up to me and apologized. “It's alright… You may all continue as you were.” I said weakly, as I walked towards the stairs. The cameras were down, the lights were out, the reality of my darkness revealed itself— reminding me that my beautiful castle was only but in the sky.