Madison's POV
"What!?" My stepmother's voice cracked through the living room. "His family wants to meet?"
The disbelief etched onto her face was a sight I hadn't expected to enjoy so much. She blinked rapidly, almost as if hoping that blinking fast enough would make me take the words back.
"Yes. Shocking, right?" I said, arms crossed, wearing a calmness I didn't entirely feel.
After the heated conversation with Richard's mother, she left with a surprising air of civility. Not long after, Richard stirred awake. I had made him a warm bowl of hangover soup—just a habit by now. I knew how much he drank when emotionally burdened. After he had showered, he dressed for work using the spare clothes he still kept at my place.
By noon, I decided it was time to inform my family about the upcoming meeting. When I walked into the house, my dad, Sophia, and my stepmother were lounging in the living room. The air immediately changed when they saw me.
"They asked if this weekend will be convenient," I said, directing the question specifically to my father.
He didn't even flinch. Instead, he picked up his phone and dialed swiftly. "Hello, yes, please cancel the weekend reservation I have at Yushin Restaurant. Just tell them something came up.make it sound good."
My stepmother turned toward him, confused. "Yushin Restaurant? Weren't you supposed to meet those financiers there?"
He waved his hand dismissively, his voice light but firm. "I was going to spend money on them to strengthen our business network, but this? This is far more valuable. We're going to be in-laws with the Benjamin family. That connection outweighs any minor financier."
Of course, he was happy. As a businessman, he could already see the benefits. But what gave me joy wasn't his glee,it was the look on Sophia and my stepmother's faces. Shock, horror, and envy twisted into a delicious blend.
"B-but… we need time," my stepmother began. "To prepare and get ready…yes, that's important."
She wanted to stall. Desperately. I could see it written all over her face.
"Oh, you don't have to worry," I said, smiling sweetly. "Since Richard's mother personally suggested the meeting, I doubt she expects any grand gestures. You just need to show up. I'll let you know the time and place."
Their expressions soured like curdled milk. That alone motivated me to press on.
"Madison, you…" My stepmother started, but her words caught in her throat, the fury so thick it choked her.
I gave a final smirk, turned on my heel, and began heading toward the door.
But halfway there, her hand gripped my arm tightly, yanking me around with surprising force. Her fingers dug into my skin.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," she hissed. "Don't think you've won anything yet."
I looked her dead in the eye, no longer that fragile girl who used to cry behind closed doors.
"Really? Then why do you look so nervous?" I asked. "Try to smile when we meet them. Just like I smiled… every single day living in this house."
And with that, I left her speechless and trembling.
The day of the meeting came faster than expected.
Richard and I arrived in his sleek black car, the interior filled with a shared silence of anticipation. My parents followed closely behind. Sophia, unfortunately,or fortunately,couldn't make it due to some conveniently timed "health complications." I had my doubts.
The venue was unexpected.a serene orphanage located deep within the woods, surrounded by lush greenery and humble buildings. It was called The Big Person Foundation, a place founded by Richard's grandmother.
As we stepped out, the two patriarchs shook hands.
"Thank you for traveling all the way here," Richard's father said with a polite nod.
"It was no problem," my dad responded. "It's nice and tranquil here. A welcome change."
"If we had met somewhere public, it might've sparked rumors," Richard's grandmother chimed in, her smile warm and her eyes bright. "I thought a place like this would make everyone feel at ease."
Her aura was gentle and motherly, yet I could sense the sharpness behind her eyes. A woman who had built empires under the guise of grace.
Of course, my stepmother couldn't resist ruining the calm.
She sniffed, voice tinged with judgment. "To be honest, it's a bit hard to understand. If you had any intention of welcoming our daughter, I don't think this is the kind of setting you'd choose."
"Honey," my dad said, eyes wide with panic. "That's… rude."
Richard's mother responded before he could finish. Her tone was controlled, her words pointed.
"It's alright. You must be the renowned Mrs. Harper." She stepped forward, hand extended. "I'm Mrs. Jane Benjamin."
Their hands met. The air grew tense. Sparks flew,not the pleasant kind. Their eyes locked like two swords drawn in a silent duel.
Dad, sensing the rising tension, blurted, "Is this everyone?"
"Our daughter's on the way," Richard's mom said.
Just then, a black BMW roared up the gravel path. It parked sharply, and a woman stepped out.
She was stunning.clearly younger than Richard by about six years, but carried herself with the same striking poise. Her blue eyes sparkled like his, framed by waves of brown hair and a proud high-bridged nose.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go inside?"
We gathered around the long, rustic dining table inside the orphanage's meeting hall. Waiters moved about, serving a luxurious meal that clashed with the humble setting. Still, it was delicious.
"My eldest son couldn't make it," Richard's dad said. "He's managing a critical phase of a new project."
"That's alright," my dad responded graciously. "I heard KINGS Group is investing in better-quality medicines. It's admirable."
He turned to Richard's grandmother. "I've heard so much about this foundation. You support children and single mothers until they're back on their feet."
"Oh, the nuns do the hard work," she said humbly. "We just help with funds."
A lull fell in the conversation. My dad nudged my stepmother, silently urging her to speak. Unfortunately, that was a mistake.
"I'm learning a lot today," she said with fake sincerity. "The Benjamin family is surprisingly… informal. I almost feel ashamed for dressing up so much."
Dad gave an awkward laugh, clearly regretting the nudge.
Jane smiled tightly. "Earlier, you said that if we intended to welcome Madison, we wouldn't treat you like this."
My stepmother's smile froze. "I spoke out of line. I thought my daughter was being looked down upon. But I see now… it's the dream of any family to be joined with the Benjamin legacy."
Richard's father chuckled lightly. "We're not snobbish or materialistic. If our children truly love each other, then…"
He was interrupted.
"She's adopted, you know," my stepmother said sharply, folding her napkin with deliberate precision.
An eerie silence fell across the room.
Jane responded without blinking. "What about that? It's not her fault. Or am I wrong?"
"She tries hard, we all do. But you know how people talk. 'She's adopted, so she wasn't trained properly,' they say." Her voice trembled,part emotion, part performance.
"She studied Fine Art, hasn't sold a single piece, and barely contributes around the house. I worry you'll think we're handing off a burden."
My heart clenched. I stayed quiet, knowing anything I said would add fuel to the fire. I looked down at my plate, pushing the food around.
Suddenly, Richard's hand slipped into mine under the table. Warm, steady. I looked up. He met my gaze with a smile full of reassurance and steel.
"If you say that out of concern for us, then you needn't worry," he said calmly. "Madison is already a catch on her own. If she weren't, I wouldn't be marrying her."
Still not satisfied, my stepmother turned to me. "And what about you, Madison? Do you agree? Do you think you're worthy to marry into the Benjamin family?"
I exhaled and smiled. The trap she had laid was clear, but I wouldn't fall for it.
"You're right," I said, standing up. "I lack in many ways. As my mother said, I'm hardly good at anything."
Jane's eyes narrowed, confused.
"But… since this is our first meeting, I brought a small gift."
I walked to the corner where I had stashed it, pulling off the white cloth to reveal a framed painting.
"Did you paint this?" Richard's father asked, rising slightly.
"Yes. It's a replication of a piece by Edouard Vuillard. You could say it's a forgery."
There was a beat of silence. Then Richard's grandmother stood and approached it.
"This is extraordinary," she said with admiration. "The brushstrokes, the depth…it's nearly indistinguishable."
With a smile, she ordered it be hung in the orphanage's main hall.
From that point on, the dinner went smoothly. My stepmother, finally silenced, chewed her food with barely disguised irritation.
Author's POV
Back in the car on their way home, Mr. and Mrs. Harper sat in icy silence.
"You embarrassed us," he finally said. "You were rude to the Benjamins."
"Don't put it all on me," she retorted. "Did you not hear what Jane said? She was patronizing."
"They're the Benjamins," he snapped. "We should've handled it better. This marriage is profitable. You let your emotions jeopardize that."
"First and foremost, I'm a mother. You're Sophia's father first, businessman second."
"No," he said coldly. "I was head of the company first. You brought Sophia into this marriage."
The car stopped. Without another word, he stormed into the house and disappeared into his room.
Mrs. Harper walked in just as Sophia descended the stairs, fully dressed.
"Where are you going this late?" she asked.
Sophia paused. "How did dinner go?"
"Well…"
"You couldn't stop it, could you?" Sophia said, eyes flashing.
She stormed out, ignoring her mother's pleas. Outside, a figure emerged from the trees and followed her to a nearby bar.
*******
Inside, William sat across from her as she downed her drink.
"You're upset about Richard, aren't you?" he asked.
Sophia remained silent, then poured another shot.
"I'll talk to Madison. Maybe she's changed her mind."
She laughed bitterly.
"Do you even know what happened today?" she asked.
William shook his head.
"Our families had a pre-marriage dinner. The wedding… is well on its way."
"What!?" William bolted upright.
"where is she right now?"
"She's either with Richard… or already planning the wedding."
He fell back into his seat, stunned.
Sophia leaned in. "Do you even want her back?"
"Of course," he said. "But I don't know how."
"Then help me." Her voice dropped to a whisper, and a devilish smile tugged at her lips. "It's time I got involved."