His Invisible Wife

The Montana dining hall was beautiful tonight—gilded chandeliers glowing like fallen stars, polished silverware gleaming under the light, crystal glasses filled with red wine that reflected wealth and pride. But for Genie Hale Montana, it was just another evening of silence. She sat at the farthest end of the long mahogany table, posture perfect, eyes lowered. Her siblings laughed at their father’s stories, their mother’s sharp remarks sending them all into polite fits of amusement. The table was alive with chatter, yet Genie might as well have been invisible. Her plate was full, her appetite gone. She was used to this—being overlooked, dismissed, forgotten. Her brother basked in their father’s pride, their youngest sister was adored like a jewel, and Genie… Genie was simply there. A shadow in her own home. She felt like she's an outcast within the family. One time it was Genie's birthday but coincidentally that day was her little sister's performance day to school, they left her at home, Genie waited until night only to be told that, the master and madam with the eldest and youngest went out on a night outing at the amusement park, completely forgetting her. Sad? Genie is not sad she has grown numb to it, at first she was sad, she'd curl up at the corner of her room and sob quietly, but now, it's like a normal occurrence, even the maidservants forget her Everytime, sometime they'll forget to prepare her meal when she woke up late. She's that invisible and neglected within the family, Genie couldn't help but think.. I'm also part of the family, I was born and raised here with your flesh and blood, why? Why do you ignore me? Did I do something wrong? Genie pursed her lips... Her father’s voice cut through the clinking of glasses. “It is settled,” he declared, the weight of his authority silencing the room. “The marriage will take place in two weeks. The Versales family has agreed.” The chatter stilled. Even Genie lifted her gaze in surprise. Marriage? Her mother’s cold eyes flicked toward her briefly, then away, as if checking whether the pawn on the chessboard understood its place. Just then Genie understood it was a wedding for her, she's wasn't even informed, she can't even choose her love life, she quietly put down her utensils. “You will marry Jairus Gael Versales,” her father continued. His tone was final, unquestionable. “The eldest son of Versales Famiky. This union will strengthen the Montana family’s ties with the Versales syndicate. You will not embarrass us.” Her youngest sibling whispered excitedly, wide-eyed at the mention of the Versales heir to her mother. Everyone in high society knew his name. Jairus Gael Versales—dangerous, powerful, untouchable. The heir cloaked in rumors of ruthlessness. The youngest who has a terrible competitive and supreme aura looked at Genie and sneered. The eldest just had a expressionless face as if everything happening is none of his business. Genie’s fingers curled lightly against the fabric of her dress, she heard the sneer and double meaning words of her younger sibling. She had heard of him, too. Whispers of a man both feared and admired, whose charm was as dangerous as his silence. Why me? I don't want to! I'm not your chesspiece, not your sacrificial pawn! Genie wanted to shout and express her feelings but she doesn't have the courage to, she has been trained her whole life to not talk back. Her father looked at her at last, though not with affection. Only expectation. “Well, Genie?” She swallowed the tightness in her throat. Her heart pounded, yet her voice came out soft and steady, almost practiced in obedience. “Yes, Father.” No one responded. No one praised her. The conversation shifted back to politics and business, laughter returning to the hall as if nothing had been decided. Genie lowered her gaze once more, staring at her untouched food. They hadn’t asked her. They never would. To them, she was not a daughter, not someone to cherish. She was a bargaining chip, a quiet sacrifice. And yet, deep inside, something flickered. Perhaps this was better. To leave this house where love had never existed for her. To finally walk away from the golden cage where she had never been seen. Her lips trembled faintly before curving into the faintest, most fragile smile. Even if her groom was a stranger. Even if he was cold. Even if she was marrying into darkness itself… At least she would no longer be the forgotten daughter of the Montana family. Maybe just maybe I will start a new, a flash of hope emerged within her heart.