Chapter 2

Mrs. Albright summoned the four of us to the main estate for afternoon tea, claiming she had an important announcement.

In the vast living room, crystal chandeliers sparkled, and the air was thick with the cloying sweetness of expensive incense.

I sat on the plush velvet sofa alongside the other three girls—Clara, Lena, and Isabella—like merchandise waiting to be appraised.

Our postures were the result of a thousand rehearsals: spines straight, smiles practiced to perfection.

Mrs. Albright's perfectly maintained face held a warm smile, though it never quite reached her eyes.

"Children, you've all been with the Albright family for over ten years now. Each of you has grown into such slender and graceful young women. I'm very pleased."

Her gaze swept slowly across our faces, as if inspecting her prized collection.

"Brandon is also of marrying age now, and I've watched all of you grow up, so I know you well."

"I've decided to choose one of you four to be his wife."

The moment her words fell, the three girls beside me gasped, their breathing quickening.

Clara was never one to hide her feelings. Her cheeks flushed instantly, her eyes practically overflowing with anticipation, her hands clutching her dress.

Lena kept her head down, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. She seemed calm, but her knuckles were white.

Isabella, however, straightened her back subtly, adopting the most poised and flawless demeanor, as if the title of Mrs. Albright was already hers for the taking.

They all wanted to be Mrs. Albright.

Only I picked up the bone china teacup in front of me and gently blew on the rising steam.

The tea reflected my utterly calm face.

I just wanted to leave this golden cage.