6. The Price of Obedience

City lights shimmered beyond the taxi window. Emma leaned her head back, closed her eyes, trying to push away the exhaustion that had piled up since morning.

Her phone vibrated, forcing her to open her eyes.

Mama Sophia.

Emma stared at the screen for a few seconds before finally swiping the green icon.

“Yeah, Mom?”

“Emma, where are you?” her stepmother’s voice sounded sweet. Too sweet.

“On the way home. Just got off work.”

“Oh, good. Mama wants you to have dinner at home. It’s been so long since you came back,” Sophia continued gently, as if they were a perfectly harmonious family.

Emma let out a slow breath. She knew what this invitation meant.

“Is something going on?” Emma asked cautiously.

“Nothing at all. We all miss you. It’s been a long time since we gathered together,” Sophia replied quickly. “Your father really wants to see you too.”

The word father made Emma’s chest feel heavy.

“I’m tired, Mom.”

“It’s just dinner, Emma. Is it really that hard to come home once in a while for a meal?”

Emma fell silent. Refusing would only make her seem ungrateful.

“All right, Mom,” she said at last. “I’ll come.”

“Good. We’ll be waiting at home.”

The call ended.

Emma turned her gaze back to the window, her fingers gripping the bag on her lap.

It has to be about the wedding again.

***

That large house never felt like home to her.

As soon as Emma stepped inside, the smell of food filled the air. The dining table was neatly set. Sophia sat gracefully at the head of the table, while her stepsister, Rose, was busy playing on her phone.

“Emma!” Sophia stood up, smiling broadly. “You’re finally home.”

Emma returned a faint smile. “Yes, Mom.”

William, her father, approached and gave her a brief hug. “You look thinner.”

“Work’s been busy, Dad.”

William did care about Emma. But Sophia’s and Rose’s whispers had slowly changed him—until one day he cruelly drove Emma out simply because she refused to give her room to Rose.

“No matter how busy you are, you should take care of your health and make time to gather with family.”

Emma chose to remain silent. Even small concern from William still touched her heart. If Sophia and Rose weren’t around, maybe her family would still be whole and happy.

Her biological mother had died after pregnancy complications she never fully understood. Emma was only ten years old when William brought Sophia and Rose into that house.

They began eating in silence. The clinking of forks and spoons echoed against each other, making the atmosphere even more oppressive.

Sophia was the first to put down her spoon.

“By the way, why didn’t Jonathan come with you?” she asked.

Emma’s body stiffened. “He had work matters, Mom.”

William also set down his cutlery. “Emma, Dad wants to talk seriously.”

Emma already knew what was coming.

“When are you and Jonathan getting married?” William asked bluntly.

Rose smiled faintly, looking at Emma with meaning.

“There’s no definite plan yet, Dad.”

“You’ve been engaged for almost two years,” William said firmly. “How long are you going to keep postponing it?”

“I want to focus on my career first, Dad.”

“Focus on work?” Sophia let out a small laugh. “That’s exactly it, Emma. After you marry Jonathan, you won’t need to work so hard. Everything you need will be taken care of. You’ll just enjoy your husband’s wealth—enough for seven generations.”

Emma clenched her fists under the table.

“What your mother says is right,” William added. “Your life will be secure. Our family business will be secure too.”

So this was the real point.

“Marriage isn’t a business transaction, Dad,” Emma said quietly.

William stared at her sharply. “As a daughter, you must be dutiful, Emma. Our family business depends on the Clayton company.”

Emma’s jaw tightened.

“That’s your concern, not mine. Besides, I haven’t been part of the Swan family for five years.”

Five years ago, she left this house. Lived independently. Worked hard. She never even accepted the allowance her father sent.

“Watch your words, Emma!” Rose snapped. “Everything we’re doing is for your good and for our family.”

“Then what about the allowance your father sent every month?” William asked irritably.

“Calm down, dear. Don’t be too hard on Emma,” Sophia said, holding William’s hand—pretending to soothe him while subtly changing the subject.

Emma knew that money never reached her. Sophia and Rose spent it all. But she stayed silent. One day, all those lies would unravel on their own.

“Just marry Jonathan already, Emma. What’s so hard about it?” Rose said casually.

Emma smiled bitterly. “How can you say this is for my good? You know Jonathan’s habit of fooling around with other women, yet you still force me to marry him.”

“Enough!” William snapped. “I don’t want to hear any more excuses.”

Emma looked straight at her father. “How can you force me to marry a cheating man? This is my life, Dad. I’ve followed all your wishes so far, but this time, don’t sacrifice me again.”

William fell silent for a moment. “As long as Mr. Henry is on your side, you’ll be fine. Besides, all men cheat at some point. It’s just a phase. After marriage, Jonathan will change.”

Those words struck Emma’s chest like a blow.

Sophia quickly intervened. “Your father is just worried about your future, Emma.”

Silence filled the room.

William let out a long breath. “I want the wedding to take place soon. No later than two months.”

Two months.

Emma slowly stood up. “Why does it have to be me? Why not Rose marrying Jonathan instead?”

Rose’s eyes widened instantly.

“Emma!” Sophia stood as well. “Mr. Henry wants you to marry Jonathan. Besides, he already considers you his own granddaughter, doesn’t he?”

“I’m leaving,” Emma cut in. It was pointless. Nothing she said would ever be heard.

“One week ago, someone offered ten billion for the house your mother left behind.”

Emma’s steps halted.

“What do you mean? Are you really going to sell it?” Emma’s voice trembled. “That’s the only thing Mom left me, Dad.”

William stared at her sharply.

“Think carefully about your decision.”