Married By Chance: Bullied By My Knight

"Ria!" Olivia's impatient voice echoed through the house. "If you don’t get down here in the next five minutes, we’re leaving without you!" Ria sighed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face as she adjusted the delicate lavender dress she had chosen. It was modest, with soft lace sleeves that rested just below her shoulders and a flowing skirt that brushed her knees. She paired it with simple silver flats and a necklace that had once belonged to her late mother. "Coming!" she called back, descending the staircase with a steady grace. At the bottom of the stairs, Olivia stood, tapping her stiletto-clad foot impatiently. Her fiery red dress clung tightly to her figure, with a dangerously low neckline and a slit that ran high up her thigh. She looked every bit the seductress, a sharp contrast to Ria's understated elegance. Olivia turned, her gaze narrowing as she saw Ria. "What are you wearing?" she asked, her tone laced with disdain. Ria glanced down at her dress and then back at Olivia. "A dress," she replied simply, stepping off the last stair. Olivia scoffed, flipping her curled hair over her shoulder. "You look like you're going to church, not the most important party of the year! Do you even realize who’s hosting this? It’s Adrian Blake, the son of Senator Blake. This is his first party after arriving from abroad, practically every eligible bachelor in the city will be there, and you’re dressed like you’re attending afternoon tea!" Ria’s lips twitched into a small smile. "Unlike you, I’m not trying to trap one of those bachelors into a relationship. And for the record, I think I look fine." "Fine? Fine doesn’t cut it, Ria," Olivia snapped, her voice rising. "Do you know how many doors could open for me if I catch Adrian’s attention? Or any of his friends? They’re powerful, rich, and handsome, and you’re here ruining the vibe with your... cottage-core aesthetic!" Ria shook her head, walking past Olivia. "Let’s just go, Olivia. You’ll catch their attention no matter what. Isn’t that what you always do?" The chauffeur stood waiting by the sleek black car outside, opening the door as they approached. Olivia climbed in first, continuing to rant about how important it was for her to make the right impression. Ria slid in beside her, gazing out of the window as Olivia went on about Adrian’s reputation, how he made his wealth abroad, how he's back now to establish his empire here, and the rumors of his connections to elite circles. Her voice faded into the background as Ria’s mind drifted to a memory that always brought equal parts warmth and ache to her chest. Knight. She still remembered the day they had met years ago in the meadow behind her father’s estate. She had been sitting by the creek, plucking wildflowers, her feet dangling in the cool water. It had been one of the few moments of freedom she cherished before her chores began. "Are you lost, little flower?" a boy’s voice had asked, startling her. Ria had looked up to see a boy around her age, his dark hair slightly disheveled and his smile lopsided but warm. He had a mischievous sparkle in his eyes that made her instantly curious. "I live here," she had replied, lifting her chin. "Who are you?" "Call me Knight," he had said with a playful bow, as though he were a prince. "Your Knight in shining armor." Ria had laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet meadow. "And what if I don’t need rescuing?" "Then I’ll just keep you company," Knight had replied, sitting beside her. "Well then, you can call me Cinderella," she replied with a giggle, earning his warm, boyish laugh. From that day on, they had met in the same spot almost every afternoon. They shared secrets, dreams, and laughter. She told him about the chores her stepmother piled onto her, her longing for her late mother, and her father’s distant and harsh behavior. Knight, in turn, shared stories of adventure and mystery, though he never told her his real name. "It’s our secret," he had said. "You’re my Cinderella, and I’m your Knight. Let’s keep it that way." The nickname had stuck, and she had grown to cherish it. They had promised to meet every day, and he had sworn to marry her when they were older and take her out of this life of misery. "I’ll always protect you," he had said one evening, his tone serious for once. But one day, he hadn’t shown up as usual. Ria had waited by the creek for hours, thinking he might have been delayed. The next day, she went back, her heart heavy with worry, but the meadow was empty. Days turned into weeks, and she kept returning, hoping to see him again. But Knight was gone, leaving only the memories of their time together. She had told Olivia about him once, during a rare moment when her stepsister wasn’t being cruel. Olivia had feigned interest, offering shallow comfort, but the memory of sharing that secret with her still nagged at Ria. "Earth to Ria!" Olivia’s voice snapped her back to the present. Ria blinked, turning to her stepsister, who was reapplying lipstick. "What?" "We’re here," Olivia said, her excitement palpable as she adjusted her dress. Ria looked out of the window and saw the grand Harrington estate, illuminated by golden lights. The mansion loomed ahead, its elegant façade a testament to wealth and power. As they stepped out of the car, Ria followed Olivia into the grand ballroom, her gaze sweeping over the opulent decorations and the sea of well-dressed guests. The ballroom was a dazzling sight, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed crowd. The air buzzed with the hum of conversations and the soft strains of a live orchestra. She was still taking it all in when Olivia jabbed her arm excitedly. "Ria, look over there," she whispered, pointing across the room. Ria turned, following Olivia’s gaze. Her breath caught in her throat, and she froze. It couldn’t be. Her heart pounded as her eyes locked onto a familiar face—a face she had thought she would never see again. Standing across the room, his dark hair slightly tousled, was a man who looked achingly familiar. His sharp features were framed by a perfectly tailored suit, and his deep blue eyes scanned the crowd with quiet intensity. It couldn’t be. But it was. Knight.