Carter's Beloved

A Bad Stench

Madison P.O.V

I wouldn’t be surprised if I slept through my engagement party. The entire event was as ludicrous, Father hiring dancers didn’t make it any better. People danced around me as I stood still in my soft satiny fabric, long and green.

I glanced at my appearance in the vases, so polished you could see your reflection in it. I pushed my brown hair back in a tight bun and my face caked with makeup. The sound of glasses clinking together rang throughout the garden. The garden was a sight to see.

Fairy lights stretched from one huge tree to another, with tables kept in a semicircle facing the lake and the giant rose wall. The dancers swayed around me as I waited for this to end. Slowly, they stopped and Logan stepped towards me.

His hands clenched a small box, which contained a diamond ring. I feigned surprise as he dropped to one knee and opened the box. The crowd took a deep breath and stared at us curiously as Logan looked in my eyes.

“Madison, I have only known you for a short time, but you have truly changed me for the better. Your bright look in life and courage, motivates me to live fearlessly. My feelings for you are overwhelming...” he continued to speak as I drifted off, “Will you marry me?”

I blinked and nodded sharply, fake smiling. He slid the ring through my finger and hugged me passionately. I wanted to shove him back, but I had to put on a show. I glanced at Father smiling at us,  knowing I had done the job well.

Soon, guests started coming to congratulate me. I laughed, smiled and did my best to seem happy. If this was my sacrifice to inherit the company, I would gladly do it. Also, I knew that I had a month left to earn Father’s pleasure and knowing the Grey’s fancy parties, it would take over 3 months to arrange a wedding.

“I would love to make your dress. I already have a design in mind, it will be poofy and yellow! You’ll look like a sunflower!” Madame Yun said excitedly, and I nodded in the same enthusiasm. Rather like a bright yellow light bulb. The wealth and reputation of this woman outweighed her stupid ideas, but since I needed a dress for the wedding, I agreed.

“Of course! I’ll look fabulous in your designs.” I say energetically and turn back to greet someone else. The entire event was a formality for others to believe we’re together. I down a glass of whiskey from the nearby table before someone almost rips my shoulder off.

I turn back to see a woman with black tears streaming down her face. She glares at me before she slaps me; I hold my face in shock as I gaze up to see the perpetrator. Lydia grabs me with anger and shakes me furiously. Her hair is in a mess and her long acrylic nails are biting into my skin harshly.

Father grabs her off me as she screams profanities at me. A sudden chill goes through the party as guests turn back to see the situation. She yells and twists in his arms, but no amount of soothing helps her.

“This girl! She caused his death!” Lydia shrieks and jabs a finger at me. It narrowly misses me as I back into the table behind me. Confused, Father glances at me and holds her back.

“What is the meaning of this? What did she do? You have no right to scream your bloody lungs off at a public event!” He whispers angrily. She twists one last time before falling to the floor on her knees, staring at me.

“SHE KILLED HIM!” Lydia hollers as loud as she can. The noise is so loud, Father clamps his hand shut over her mouth. A bead of sweat trickles down my back, I push the hair out of my face. Logan steps in front and motions for the photographer to take pictures of this. Is my family a joke? I wanted to scream at his face.

“What? What did she do?” Father asks her gently, but she pushes him away, crawling towards me.

“She. killed him.” She mumbles, inching slowly towards me. I look at Father, terrified, but no one seems to see my call for help. A psychotic woman in creeping towards me, claiming I killed her son. This day could not get any worse.

“Who? We can talk about this in private. People are watching.” He tells her slowly, he seems call but is seething inwards.

“I don’t want to speak in private. I’ll tell the entire world how this vermin,” she aggressively points at me,” killed my son. Were you that desperate to win the wretched company hat you took someone’s life?" She howls, clawing at my face. Her sharp nails scratch the skin near my eyes before someone pulls her off me.

Guards hold her tightly as she continues to move strenuously. Father glances at his assistant and she scurries instructing everyone to leave. I receive many curious glances as guests leave and soon we’re left all alone.

“What happened?” Father crosses his arms and looks seriously at my stepmother. She stares at me with loathe in her eyes.

“Sir, I think I may know the cause of this disruption. Collin was in a car accident recently today. He could get to the hospital in time, but his injuries became fatal, and he passes away a few hours ago.” Brenda, Father’s assistant, replies timidly and he nods. He looks strangely peaceful for a father’s who’s son died.

“She did it. Ask her. She always hated my family and finally got the opportunity to take revenge,” Lydia answers sharply. I did not commit any crime towards him. Why do they always suspect me as the culprit? The obvious killer is the person who he got into the accident with.

“Unless you have proof that she did this, don’t blame her for anything.” Father says wearily. She passes me a livid look and nods.

“I’ll have it soon enough.” Father motions for me to leave before things get out of control and I grab the opportunity. I walk away from Lydia and towards the exit. Before I leave, I spot Logan talking to the photographer out of the corner of my eyes.

“Release those photos ASAP. Our stocks will soar.” Suddenly, I wish Logan had died in the car accident and not Collin.