Chapter 3 Crossing the line

As Ruby pondered on the difference between her dream and the reality in relation to her stepsister personality , The new employee who had spoken to her the day before approached her again.

" Ma, would you like me to go to the kitchen and ask someone to prepare breakfast for you?".

it was around Ten in the morning , and even though she hadn't gotten up yet, her stepmother had already instructed the table to be cleared , leaving only a few slices of bread and a jar of jam.

" No need , I'll just eat this," she replied in a friendly manner to the employee .

Ruby didn't mind having just that since the content of the upcoming conversation would not allow her to eat in peace.

unexpectedly, the old man asked for warm milk, but before that small gesture could warm Ruby's heart, Dalton brought up the topic again.

" Ruby , have you thought about what we discussed yesterday ? if you've given it some thought , we will have dinner tonight with the Prescott family so both families can discuss the engagement."

Prescott mood changed instantly, Her grandfather couldn't even wait for her to have a slice of bread before starting with those questions, but she wasn't willing to stay quiet.

" And what if I say I don't want to ? she said with a mocking smile.

Dalton saw that his granddaughter still had the same attitude as the previous day and responded with a look of disapproval and deep voice .

" You don't have a choice. you must listen to me on this matter . you are a descendant of the Hartwell family , you have our blood running through your veins . we have raised you for so many years , and you must take responsibility in these times of crisis ."

The old man was imposing and unyielding as always. His tone of voice revealed his irritation, and everyone remained silent except Lacey, who stood by Dalton , stroking his back, trying to ease the awkwardness.

" Grandfather , this matter cannot be rushed. we should give Ruby a chance to get along with the young member of the Prescott family . As you yourself said, she had the family's blood . She will help us in this difficult situation. "

At first ,that sweet speech was meant to appease her grandfather's anger and give her some time, but as Ruby reflected on the second part of the sentence , she realized there was a certain judgement and accusation. if she ,as a family, did not get married and her grandfather lost everything, wouldn't it be her fault? That was the point of the sentence , and Ruby realized the bitterness behind the sweetness.

Ruby gave a slight smile and played with her Cutlery, wondering if her dream was perhaps a premonition .She could see that Lacey had the sweetness ,but behind every action ,she wanted to have people in her hands.

Tilly arrived and overhead part of the conversation, helping to persuade Ruby.

" Ruby, the young man is only a year older than you . isn't it natural for young people to get married and fall in love later? it's okay if you don't like each other yet, but once you get to know yourselves , feelings can develop. The Prescott family is considered one of the richest in the country. Wouldn't it be a good thing for you to marry into that family? And in the future, you find out that you really don't get along, just negotiate a friendly divorce agreement."

After speaking, Tilly nudged her husband, who was beside her . He swallowed hard and spoke in a patient manner.

" Well , normally parents have a say in the decision of a marriage , so let's resolve this."

" Are you finished talking now? it's my turn to speak. "

Ruby captured everyone's attention , observing the expression of each person there. One was stern and angry, Another pretended to be kind , another stirred the flames, while her father was monotone and compassionate . Analyzing the situation ,she couldn't help but smile. This wasn't a family ; it was a nest full of snakes where she couldn't stay.

" What are you laughing at ? she asked, becoming bothered by her stepdaughter.

" Aunt Tilly, you said it would be very lucky for me to join the Hamilton family. Why don't I pass that luck and blessing to your daughter? don't you want that?

Ruby had a beautiful pair of brown eyes that, at first glance, might seem innocent to anyone who looked at them, but they concealed an inexplicable trace of wildness in her eyes . She only pretended to be obedient, but could she show that she was not as tame as they thought , and Tilly could perceive that.

" What does this have to do with my daughter?"

she asked.

" How does it not? curved the corner of her lips, looking at Lacey. " Although she doesn't have the blood of this family , she was still raised as one of it's children, since we were talking about marriage first and love second, it doesn't matter who gets married, right? Anyway, if it's about trading the happiness of a child for money, of course she can contribute. "

if her dream was a premonition, Lacey and the young man from that family would end up meeting, but she needed to retaliate , and each word felt like a thorn piercing everyone. The old man furrowed his brow, responding angrily.

" Are you done causing problems?".

"Problems?" she picked up the cutlery, tapping the glass , her smile becoming even more mocking.

" Not yet," she leaned back in her chair , continuing the conversation.

" Grandpa, Dad, even though I was thrown out of the country by you, you are right about one thing, I am the blood of this family and the second daughter", she disliked that title, but she continued to expose her thoughts.

" While I am the second daughter, Lacey is just the daughter of Aunt Tilly with another family....."

" Shut your mouth, don't cross the line," the two reprimanded her simultaneously.

The grandfather and father of Ruby reprimanded her together.but she was rebellious by nature and determined to continue with her reasoning .She tightened the fork in her hand and smiled scornfully before she left the room to relieve herself of the doubt that was eating away with her, and it would be that morning.