THE ACCIDENT
990 Words
Chapter :
Sara POV
Steam rose from the teapot as I carefully poured hot water over the tea leaves, the soothing aroma offering a brief respite from the tension that had become a constant in the Shelton household. The kitchen, with its polished marble countertops and gleaming appliances, felt more like a stage where I played the role of the obedient maid, rather than a place of comfort.
As I reached for a cup, my phone buzzed on the counter, its vibration cutting through the silence. Glancing at the screen, I saw Jane's name flash a beacon of hope.
"Jane," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady, "please tell me you have good news."
"Sara," Jane's voice crackled slightly, "I've found your mother's painting."
My heart skipped a beat. "Really? I…I knew it wasn't here. I've looked everywhere for it."
"It's in Noah Dempsey's possession."
The name sent a shiver down my spine. "The black sheep of the Dempsey family?
Why does he have it? Never mind. What's more important is that we get it back."
Jane sighed. "We can't, Sara. Noah Dempsey has been missing for five years, and black sheep or not, he's still the heir to the Dempsey fortune. His assets, including his art collection, are reportedly locked down tighter than the Pentagon."
Frustration welled up inside me. "I need to get that painting back. You don't know how long I've stayed in this house, putting up with my stepmother and her daughter, just for the chance that the painting might be here. I can't give up on it now."
"Sara," she continued, her tone apologetic, "we have another problem. The private investigator who found the information about your mother's painting has sent us a gigantic bill. I mean, really gigantic. He says if we need any more info, we have to pay him first."
I sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Okay, let me just worry about the money."
As the call ended, I clenched my fists, determination surging through me. Before Mom died, she told me to find the painting. I need to know why.
Suddenly, the kitchen door slammed open, and Cathy stormed in, her face twisted with anger. "Mother!" she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.
Seeing me, she marched straight over, her eyes blazing. "Get out of my way!"
I wasn't even in her path, but Cathy always found a reason to make trouble. Before I could react, she shoved me hard. I stumbled, and the remaining hot water in the cup splashed onto my arm, searing my skin.
Ignoring my pain, Cathy smirked and left the kitchen, leaving me alone with my throbbing arm and a heart full of resolve.
Cathy's voice echoed through the grand hall as she descended the staircase, her frustration palpable. "Mom! I need to speak with you."
Lucille appeared at the base of the stairs, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Calm down, sweetheart. What's the matter?"
"I just got off the phone with the Dempsey family's butler! They're on their way here," Cathy exclaimed, her eyes wide with panic. "You said you would get me out of this engagement. I will not marry Noah Dempsey."
Lucille's demeanor shifted, a sly smile curling her lips. "Who said anything about you marrying Noah Dempsey?"
Confusion flickered across Cathy's face. "What do you mean?"
"The contract did not specify which daughter," Lucille explained, her tone dripping with calculated intent. "So, Sara can marry that disabled degenerate."
Realization dawned on Cathy, and a grin spread across her face. "Oh, Mother, you're so smart."
As I continued cleaning the table, I overheard Lucille's voice, dripping with disdain. "So you can marry the true heir and leave the trash to Sara."
My heart raced as I realized the opportunity before me. Marrying Noah Dempsey would grant me access to his estate, where I might find my mother's prized paintings. I couldn't let them know I favored this idea.
Summoning my acting skills, I approached them, feigning fear. "No, ho, No, Mother, not me. I can't marry him."
Lucille and Cathy exchanged amused glances, clearly convinced of my reluctance. They burst into laughter as I sank to the floor, pretending to be overwhelmed.
As I remained on the floor, feigning distress, the front door creaked open. I glanced up to see a man in a wheelchair, accompanied by another gentleman who appeared to be his personal assistant. The man in the wheelchair wore dark sunglasses, his gaze seemingly unfocused. Lucille, Cathy, and I watched as they entered the room.
So, this is Noah Dempsey, I thought, taking in his chiseled features and strong jawline. Despite his blindness and inability to walk, he was undeniably attractive. I quickly stood up, my eyes fixed on him, a mix of curiosity and determination swirling within me.
Lucille and Cathy immediately approached the newcomers. Lucille extended her hand, her voice dripping with feigned warmth. "Noah Dempsey, I presume?"
The man in the wheelchair nodded slightly. "Yes, I'm here for Cathy Shelton. I believe we have a marriage agreement."
A tense silence enveloped the room. Cathy stepped closer to him, waving her hand in front of his face, as if testing his blindness. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh, my God! You really are blind and... you're a cripple? Who the hell is gonna marry you? Because it's not me."
Noah's expression remained impassive as he responded, "Miss Shelton, our families have a contract. Are you telling me you want to break the agreement?"
Before Cathy could retort, Lucille interjected smoothly, "Of course not, Mr. Dempsey. As you know, I have two daughters. You will simply be marrying Sara instead!"
Without warning, Lucille shoved me toward Noah. I stumbled slightly, catching myself just before colliding with his wheelchair. My heart pounded as I stood before him,
I squared my shoulders, meeting Lucille's gaze head-on. "I never agreed to this."
- Writer
