CHAPTER 3: A DREAM COME TRUE FOR SOPHIA

“Mom… are you saying the Blackwood family wants me to become their daughter-in-law?”

Sophia’s voice trembled with excitement as she stared at the sealed envelope lying on the coffee table.

The silence that had filled the living room after Richard Blackwood’s departure was finally broken.

Vivian picked up the elegant cream-colored envelope with careful hands, as though it contained a priceless treasure. She slowly broke the wax seal and unfolded the neatly typed letter inside.

Her eyes raced across the page.

With every line she read, the smile on her face grew wider.

She couldn’t believe it.

When she reached the end, she let out a delighted laugh.

“It’s true,” she whispered.

Sophia rushed to her mother’s side.

“What does it say? Tell me!”

Vivian looked at her daughter with sparkling eyes.

“The Blackwood family has formally asked for a bride from the Hayes family to fulfill the marriage agreement your late father made years ago.”

Sophia clasped both hands over her mouth.

Her heart pounded wildly.

“The Blackwoods…” she breathed.

“They’re one of the richest families in the country.”

Vivian nodded proudly.

“They are.”

Sophia squealed with excitement before throwing herself into her mother’s arms.

“I can’t believe this!”

Vivian hugged her tightly.

“My daughter is finally getting the life she deserves.”

They both laughed, unable to contain their joy.

Standing quietly near the doorway with an empty tea tray in her hands, Emma watched them without saying a word.

She knew the conversation had nothing to do with her.

She wasn’t family anymore.

Not in Vivian’s eyes.

She was simply the girl who cleaned the floors and cooked the meals.

Vivian finally noticed her.

“What are you still doing here?”

Emma lowered her gaze.

“I came to collect the cups.”

“Then stop standing there and do your job.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Emma carefully gathered the teacups and turned toward the kitchen.

Just as she reached the doorway, Sophia’s cheerful voice stopped her.

“Oh, Emma!”

She turned around.

“Yes?”

Sophia grinned from ear to ear.

“Did you hear the good news?”

Emma nodded politely.

“I heard there was a marriage proposal.”

“There was,” Sophia replied proudly, lifting her chin. “And it’s for me.”

Emma offered a small smile.

“Congratulations.”

Sophia laughed.

“I know you’re jealous.”

Emma blinked.

“I’m not.”

“Oh, please.” Sophia smirked. “Every girl dreams of marrying into the Blackwood family. You just won’t admit it.”

Emma remained silent.

There was no point arguing.

Sophia walked toward the full-length mirror in the living room, admiring her reflection.

“I’ll finally have the life I’ve always wanted.”

She spun gracefully in her designer dress.

“I’ll be attending charity galas… wearing custom-made gowns… traveling around the world…”

She smiled dreamily.

“And everyone will call me Mrs. Blackwood.”

Vivian beamed with pride.

“They’ll envy you.”

“They already do,” Sophia replied confidently.

The two women burst into laughter.

Emma quietly left the room.

In the kitchen, she rinsed the teacups beneath warm running water.

Their laughter still echoed through the house.

She wasn’t jealous.

She simply wondered…

What kind of man inspired such excitement?

She had never met anyone from the Blackwood family before today.

As far as she knew, he was simply the grandson of a wealthy businessman.

Nothing more.

She finished washing the last cup before returning to her chores.

Upstairs, Sophia had already emptied half her wardrobe onto the bed.

“Mom!” she called excitedly.

“Do you think I should order new dresses?”

Vivian laughed.

“Of course. You’ll need an entirely new wardrobe.”

“And jewelry?”

“As much as you want.”

Sophia clapped happily.

“This is truly a dream come true.”

She sat on the edge of the bed, smiling to herself.

Soon…

She would become the wife of the country’s most eligible bachelor.

Little did she know…