Chapter 3

Isabella stood in front of the mirror, her reflection staring back at her with tired, troubled eyes. It was late into the night, and the gentle glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the room. Isabella's red hair cascaded down her shoulders, her nimble fingers deftly working through the strands with a silver comb. As she continued combing her hair, Isabella's mind was occupied with Lady Charlotte's unexpected marriage proposal. She sighed, knowing that a decision of this magnitude would shape the course of her life.

   Lost in her thoughts, Isabella was startled when her bedroom door creaked open, her stepmother, Anabelle, silently entered the room, her eyes fixed on Isabella's reflection in the mirror Anabelle was a woman of grace and sophistication, with a sharp intelligence that made her an influential figure in the rigid societal circles they belonged to "good evening, Isabella" Anabelle greeted, her voice carrying an undertone of authority Isabella glanced over her shoulder, her gaze meeting Anabelle's "good evening, Anabelle. Is there something you need?" Anabelle moved closer, her presence commanding attention. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, laced with a hint of menace "Isabella, dear, we need to discuss the matter of Lady Charlotte's proposal have you given it any serious thought?" Isabella felt a twinge of unease, her heart racing as the knowledge that her stepmother held a deep secret one that could shatter the fragile peace of their lives hung heavy in the air Anabelle had always been cryptic about her reasons for marrying Isabella's father, but now it seemed she was ready to exploit her leverage "I have considered it" Isabella replied carefully, trying to hide the flicker of fear that danced in her eyes "and I am not marrying him" she manages to summon her confidence, Anabelle circled Isabella, her movements fluid and calculated. She stopped behind her, watching their reflections intently. "Isabella, my dear, you must understand the world we live in. Our family's future depends on strategic alliances and connections The opportunity to marry Crown Prince Alexander is not one to be dismissed lightly" Isabella swallowed hard, her hands gripping the comb a little too tightly "But at what cost, Anabelle? I cannot simply agree to marry a man I do not know, without any consideration for my happiness" she said her voice softening while Anabelle's voice hardened, her words dripping with venom "Oh, Isabella, do you truly believe you have a choice? Do you think anyone would care about the daughter of a man who beat her mother to death? Your family's dirty secret would see to it that you never find happiness or acceptance anywhere" Isabella gasped, a mixture of shock and despair roiling within her the revelation hit her like a physical blow, casting dark shadows over the memories she clung to of her father the man she had long idolized suddenly became a monster in her mind, and Anabelle had ripped away the veil of ignorance. Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She turned to face Anabelle, determination now visible in her gaze "Anabelle, you may hold this secret over me, but I will not be manipulated by it I deserve to be loved for who I am, not silenced by the sins of others" she said, and Anabelle straightened her shoulders "I always knew you to be bold and do things the way you wanted it, but this time" she leaned her head closer as her gaze darkened, "you will do as she says and marry the crown prince, or I will drag you to the village square tomorrow and have you stoned to death" she threatened Isabella gasped in shock, grasping the gravity of the situation "I won't say it twice. The choice is yours, Isabella. Choose your path" she added, delivering her final ultimatum before abruptly leaving.

.....

The next morning, Bella found herself unable to sleep throughout the night, her mind was consumed with thoughts of her stepmother's threat. She dreaded the consequences of the villagers finding out about her father's actions she knew that their tradition dictated stoning her to death, and she desperately wanted to continue living with no other options, she reluctantly resigned herself to marrying Crown Prince Alexander lost in her thoughts, Bella was startled when she heard a creak from the door. Her heart raced as she quickly turned around to see Henry standing at the entrance "Henry" she said, attempting to hold back his tears, before rushing towards her for a tight embrace. Startled, Bella called out, "Henry?" she exclaimed, her surprise evident as Henry burst into tears "Why did you agree to that ridiculous proposal?" he trembled, pulling away. Bella sighed and replied, "I have no other choice, Henry." He then exclaimed, "So you're going to marry that unattractive, bald, old man?" Henry said Bella sighed once more, feeling the weight of the situation "I understand, Henry. You have been the best brother to me, even though we are only half-siblings but I have to do this, and I'm sure you don't want me dead" Bella said sadly "I will miss you" Henry replied with a hint of sadness in his voice "I will miss you too, Henry, and your ridiculous jokes" she said, forcing a smile. "Mother and Lady Charlotte are waiting for you downstairs," Henry said, rising from his seat "Okay" Bella responded, her voice filled with a mix of determination and uncertainty "and do something about your dark circles, you look terrible with them" Henry added, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of sibling banter.