Reborn Rich

What will the new day bring?

The next morning, Sophia woke up very early as she had been warned the night before by her stepmother to make sure she gets everything ready for Emma, her stepsister’s return. She had to prepare her favorite dish and snacks and also be there when she gets home so as to collect her bags. Her father was also coming back from his business trip that day and so she had a lot to prepare for that day.

Sophia wasn’t sure what the fuss was all about since Emma travelled every other month but she had no choice. She felt her stepmother was overreacting but she knew better than to give her opinion.

Heading to the kitchen, she got to work and began making the dish. She was only to make the snack as the kitchen staff will be in charge of the meal for the day, for that at least she was thankful as the stress would have been too much.

Two hours later, she was done with her chores in the kitchen. Feeling a little faint, she decided to find some painkiller pills to take but in the meantime, she headed to the her stepsister’s room to clean it up. It had been cleaned regularly by the helpers but her stepmom gave her specific instructions to put in some fresh flowers and change the bedspreads.

Simple chores that could be done by the maids, but she was used to it by now.

After her chores, she was feeling more faint and went downstairs to search for the painkillers. At that moment her dad arrived home from his trip.

Going to greet him, she said “Welcome home father, how was your business trip.”

Not bothering to reply her, he grunted and moved inside the house. Stung by the rejection, she went into the kitchen to nurse her pain meanwhile hearing how her stepmother welcomed her father back home and his loving replies.

Few minutes passed and another car drove into the compound. A helper came to announce to the parents that Emma was back.

“Second young mistress is back Sir and madam”

Giving the servant a hard glare at his choice of words, she rushed to the entrance to welcome her beloved daughter.

“Welcome home my dear daughter, the apple of her father’s eyes. How was your vacation.”

“Oh mother, my beloved mom. I’m so happy to be back. I had so much fun. Dad! I’ve missed you so much.” Emma said throwing herself at her father.

Chuckling to himself, Mr Miller reciprocated the hug.

“Welcome home, it’s good that you’re back. There’s lots to discuss. Everyone to the living room; including you Sophia.”

So he knew I existed after all.

As we all headed to the living room, Emma faced me and scrutinized me. With her lips pursed, she said “Good to know you still look the same; as poor and ugly as ever. I might have gotten you something from my trip, remember to ask me for it.”

Strutting her hips, she walked away. I shook my head at her. It wasn’t her fault, she was raised this way by her mom and indulged by my own dad. I knew all this but I still couldn’t help the resentment that surged in my heart at that exact moment.

On getting to the living room, Sophia took a seat and faced her dad waiting for his announcement. It had been a while that he had acknowledged her presence so for him to do so this night and also call a meeting, it was definitely something big.

Clearing his throat, Mr Miller looked at his family and said “ I know it seems strange for me to call this gathering but it is long overdue.

As you all know I’ve been on a business trip this past month looking for a way to expand my company and also pull in more investors. One thing I understood from my trip as the easy way for this to happen is through a merger between my company and any other big company. It has been the way for generations and has always worked out.

Now, we all know that the most common way for a merger to happen is through an arranged marriage. I have spoken with the Gu family who are also in the same business as we are and they have agreed to a merger.”

Looking straight at Sophia now, he spoke with authority “The third son of the Gus will be coming to ask for your hand in marriage properly in two days time. I want you to get ready. No mistakes or slip-ups. It’ll will be done quick so as not to waste time and resources. After the introduction is done, you’ll get two weeks to prepare before the wedding which will be a small affair because of the condition of your soon to be husband.”

At this point Sophia couldn’t take it any longer and so she spoke out “But I’m too young to get married. I’m just 18 and I still want to go to college. Moreover the third son of the Gu family is a cripple. He hasn’t been active all these years. Why would you even suggest that I should marry such a man, father.

Before she could continue her rant, her stepmother interrupted her angrily “You should be grateful for everything your father has done for you. He’s marrying you into the Gu family, do you know how influential they are? You will live in luxury all the days of your life and yet you’re objecting. You’re such an ungrateful girl. How dare you even suggest that you’re above the third son of the Gu family. Do you not know that he is worth more than you could ever be worth.”

Feeling angered by her words, Sophia rose up and said to her dad “ I won’t get married into the Gu family for your selfish reasons. You have another daughter remember, so let her marry and help you merge your company. I won’t get married, over my dead body.”

Saying this, she turned and left for her room in the basement angrily.

“How dare you walk out on your father like that. Who exactly do you think you are to suggest that my daughter marry into the Gu family. She has to go to school and you know she’s to get married into the Wilson family and not some lowly Gu family. Such a rude and ungrateful girl.”

Turning to her husband, Mrs Miller continued “I know you are angered but she’ll come around. I’ll make sure she’s ready for the introduction in two days. Let’s go the the dining table, food is probably ready.”

Mr Miller guarding his expression, said nothing and stood up.

As they all went to eat, Mrs Miller instructed one of the helps to lock the door to the basement, trapping Sophia in her room.