SILENT WOUNDS
253 Words
Episode 5
The maid led Nora back into the mansion, where her mother was waiting with a cold stare.
“Where have you been?” her mother demanded. “Roxeth’s engagement is the talk of the city, and you disappear like a child sulking.”
Nora bit her lip. “Because it was supposed to be mine.”
Her mother’s eyes flashed with anger. “Do not speak of it again! Roxeth has stepped up where you failed. You should be grateful your sister is saving this family’s reputation.”
Nora’s fists clenched at her sides. “By stealing my life?”
A sharp slap cracked across her cheek. Her head snapped to the side, her skin burning.
“Enough!” her mother hissed. “Do not embarrass us further. Learn your place, Nora.”
Her father entered the room then, his face as unreadable as stone. “If you cannot accept this, you will leave this house. We will not tolerate rebellion.”
Nora’s throat closed. Even my own parents are willing to throw me away…
Roxeth appeared at the doorway, her smile sweet, her voice dripping with venom. “Poor sister. Always crying, always weak. Maybe now you’ll learn what it means to lose.”
Nora’s eyes filled with tears, but she didn’t let them fall this time. She lifted her chin, meeting Roxeth’s gaze.
“I may have lost tonight,” Nora whispered, her voice steady, “but this isn’t the end.”
For a brief second, Roxeth’s smile faltered.
- Writer
