LARISSA

Chapter 7

MATILDA LAURENT-SMITH

Flashbacks.

“Matilda! Come on, let's go. Your father is waiting for you! Get moving!" My mother yelled from the ground floor.

I pouted as I continued to apply mascara on my lashes. I had already informed them that I had no intention of attending the boring family dinner. But, as is customary, our father is a law unto himself. You can never breach his promises or be better prepared to lose your inheritance in the future if you do.

Many men and women my age are fascinated in my life. They told me how fortunate I am to be a Laurent and live a life of luxury. I'm currently enrolled at the city's prestigious university. My family is powerful, and I have two attractive brothers, so I can have anything I desire with a single snap of my fingers.

Clint is my older brother, and Franco is next to him. And I'm Princess Matilda, the youngest.

I despise my existence at times. Yes, I do have the most gorgeous and branded possessions. I have a beautiful room. We have a large number of chambermaids. We don't have to scrape the bottom of the barrel simply to make ends meet. We are the epitome of grandeur.

But then... I'm not happy. Our parents aren't always home. They are preoccupied with the WIC Company. They don't have a lot of time for me. And they never make an effort to compensate me. They just perceive my wrongdoings and never acknowledge the wonderful things I've done in my life.

My parents are sticklers for detail. Particularly our father. They don't want us to go down without a fight. And if we did, they'd regard us as the world's biggest loser.

They have high expectations of us. That's why I sometimes wish we weren't so wealthy. That we're simply an average family. Maybe we're happier now.

“Matilda? Matilda! What exactly are you doing inside? We're just waiting for you!" My mum comes to my door.

As the final step of my makeup, I groaned and applied my scarlet lipstick. "Coming, mom," I said, my voice bored.

I took my handbag and opened my door room.

My mother's brows furrowed. "What was it that took you so long? Your father is already mad, Matilda,"

Your father is already mad, Matilda," "And, mom, what's new about that? He is usually furious. We're used to him," I said as I walked towards her.

My mum does not appear to like my tone. "You've got a sharp tongue, Matilda. You'll never say it in front of your father," she forewarned me.

"Oh, mum, I'm aware of it. I know how to act and behave in front of my father, the all-powerful parent. Otherwise, you two will take a portion from my fortune."

“Matilda! I can't believe you sound so unappreciative! Your father works tirelessly to provide a better life for you all!"

"I'm aware of that, and I appreciate everything. It's simply that... sometimes I wish we weren't so wealthy."

My mother made a pouting motion with her lips. “Huh! Not wealthy? Matilda, I doubt you can live a normal life! Imagine your designer items being taken away from you... I doubt you'll be able to live even one day!" She gave me a sneer.

I move towards the car, my head tilted.

My father, as usual, is irritated with me. "Oh my goodness, Matilda! We're not going to a bar; we're going to a family dinner!"

I took a glance at my clothes. “What? It's the current trend."

I'm seated next to my brother Franco. My father is in the driver's seat, and my mother is sitting behind him.

Clint, Franco, and I are sitting in the backseat.

"Don't worry about her. Simply drive. I don't want to be late for the important dinner," my mother yelled.

As he started the car engine, my father took a deep breath and gave me a dagger look.

Clint, my elder brother, is currently napping. And Franco's expression is solemn.

We arrived at a beautiful mansion after an hour.

I'm guessing this is Alice's parents' home.

Yes, we will begin the process of merging their family into ours today. Alice and my brother Franco are getting married.

It's a pre-arranged marriage. But, much to my amazement, I never heard my brother or Alice complain.

Do they have feelings for each other?

Or do they simply accept their fate and admit that there is nothing they can do?

Whatever the matter may be, it is no longer my concern.

But I can't help but be concerned about my brother, Franco.

What if he was dating someone? What if he falls in love with another woman and like to marries her? What about the happiness of my brother?

The chambermaids greeted us. Our home is regarded as one of the most stunning in the city. However, Alice's mansion is next on the list.

It's no surprise that Alice's family is also immensely wealthy.

I soon noticed Alice's parents greeting my parents. Alice approached us and greeted us.

"Hello, Clint,"

Clint gulped, and his cheeks reddened as I watched him. My brow furrowed at sight. Why does my brother Clint appear uneasy and nervous?

“H-Hello,”

He's stuttering as well.

Alice offered me a beautiful smile as she gazed at me. "Wow, Matilda, you looked lovely in person. I really like your curls. It's no surprise that men would give you a second glance."

Her compliments made me feel honored. She appears to be quite kind and sweet. And as lovely as a Goddess. "Thank you, Alice. But I should be the one complimenting you. I'm really insecure right now. You're gorgeous," I'm not exaggerating.

Behind me, my brother Franco chuckled. "Wow, this is the first time I've heard you complement another woman while feeling insecure about yourself. Matilda, this is not you. Are you certain that you're my sister?"

I clenched my teeth at him.

Alice patted Franco's shoulder. "Oh no, don't embarrass her. I'm sure it's good insecurity. She's stunning on her own. There's no need to feel inferior to other women's beauty."

I cast an unintentional glance at my brother Clint.

I noticed him averting his gaze from them. "Let's get ready,"

My thoughts wandered to an idea.

The evening begins, with my parents and Alice's parents discussing business and the two approaching marriages.

All I could hear was a discussion about the company's performance and their post-merger plans. Alice and Franco aren't joining them in their talks.

After dinner, I go on a tour of Alice's mansion. I'm not sure where everyone went. I went upstairs and stared in astonishment at the lovely house.

I was walking silently. I don't want to disturb anyone.

I could hear murmurs and whispering. I noticed a light reflection in one of the rooms. I pushed the door gently, trying not to make a sound.

I saw my mother. And I swear this is the most surprising thing I've ever witnessed in my life!