Chapter 6 Something Important To Tell
Though it wasn't the first time Martha criticized her, Isabel found it hard to endure those harsh words.
"Maybe a blessing from elders like you came true," Isabel replied gently, knowing well that her aunt harbored no affection for her.
"Yeah... Yeah... Whatever. I would be happier if Emma got such a prince as her husband," Martha remarked, referring to Isabel's younger sister.
Unlike Isabel, Emma was considered flawless, the beauty of the family. Emma embraced the adoration, a sentiment that Isabel tried hard not to let affect her. Yet, the constant comparison still stung. Right now, Isabel sensed that her aunt was deliberately trying to insult and hurt her.
Emma, engrossed in her phone, couldn't hold back when Martha continued to belittle Isabel.
"I don't care whether my husband is a prince or not, because I don't judge based on looks like illiterate people. And I would be glad if you stop dragging me every time," Emma raised her voice, fed up with Martha's habitual insults toward Isabel.
"Emma, chill..." Isabel attempted to calm her sister, but Aunt Martha interjected.
"Already arrogant, just like your sister, going to be married into a wealthy family. I was being kind to you, Emma. But you just insulted me for this ugly creature," Martha spat in anger.
Martha's words brought instant tears to Isabel's eyes. Emma, shocked, couldn't believe that Aunt Martha had insulted Isabel so blatantly. With their mom not at home to shield Isabel from humiliation, Emma spoke up again.
"How dare..." Emma began to protest, but Isabel stopped her, trying to prevent further escalation.
Martha, with a furious glare, approached Isabel and said, "Don't fly too high, Isabel, or you won't even be able to stand after the fall. Do you really think your husband will accept and love you with such ugly flaws?"
Isabel's eyes welled up with more tears at the sudden attack of harsh words.
"Why not? Are you jealous that my sister is marrying into a rich family? I heard you're searching for an ideal husband for your spoiled daughter, who is literally a whre," Emma screamed at Martha, unable to contain her anger after witnessing Isabel's tears.
Martha was about to utter another harsh remark, but Emma cut her off.
"Get out. Just get out of our house right now, or I will kick you out," Emma threatened, trembling with anger.
Martha didn't say anything more. Instead, she cast a last furious and disgusted glance at Isabel before storming out of the house.
A few minutes later, Jenna, Isabel's mom, returned home to find Isabel in tears, consoled by her sister Emma. Concerned, Jenna inquired about the situation, and Emma revealed the distressing encounter with their neighbor, Martha, causing Jenna's anger to flare.
Determined to confront Martha and put an end to her mistreatment of her daughter, Jenna was ready to take action. However, Isabel intervened, pleading with her mother to refrain from escalating the situation.
"No, Mom, you won't. Please don't drag this matter anymore," Isabel implored, recognizing that a confrontation with Martha could only make matters worse.
"But she hurt you, honey. She has no right to do so," Jenna insisted, unable to bear seeing her daughter in tears.
Knowing her mother's protective instincts and fearing a potential conflict, Isabel wiped away her tears and attempted to reassure Jenna.
"Mom, at least she didn't say anything wrong. Maybe I really don't deserve to marry into such a rich family or have a good-looking man," Isabel said, attempting to downplay the incident.
In the next moment, Isabel felt a sudden, tight slap on her right cheek, catching her completely off guard. Emma exclaimed in shock at their mom's unexpected action.
"Mom!" Emma protested, astonished by the sudden slap.
"Don't you dare say a word to put yourself down, Isabel," Jenna retorted, locking eyes with her teary daughter.
Jenna left more angry and upset. It was inconceivable to her that Isabel believed she didn't deserve better. Jenna wanted to make it clear to her daughter that she was deserving of all the happiness in the world.
"You have no idea what you deserve, honey. You literally deserve the universe, and I mean it. You're brilliant, smart, kind-hearted, polite, and beyond beautiful. So, never ever try to put yourself down by hearing others," Jenna spoke, gently caressing the cheek where the slap had landed.
Isabel felt blessed hearing those words from her mom and smiled brightly. She realized how fortunate she was to have a mother like Jenna. Imperfections didn't define her worth.
She embraced the truth that just because she wasn't perfect, it didn't make her any less than others. She, too, deserved the same happiness as anyone else. Isabel hugged her mom, expressing her love and determination.
"I love you, Mom. And one day, I will make you proud for sure," Isabel affirmed.
Jenna returned the hug warmly, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She, too, awaited the day when her daughter would shine like the brightest star, embracing her imperfections with pride.
\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later.....
As the wedding day loomed closer, Isabel found herself consumed by fear and uncertainty. The nagging voices of those around her, predicting that her imperfections might doom her marriage, echoed in her mind. Despite her mother's reassuring words, Isabel couldn't shake off the negative thoughts, and frustration festered within her.
While Isabel battled her internal fears, Mason, the prospective groom, harbored a different storm of emotions. His heart resonated with anger and resentment, fueled by the pain of being denied the chance to marry his first love, Addison. The looming marriage to Isabel felt like a nightmarish phase, an inescapable fate that he couldn't shake off.
Mason, viewing his life as a cruel joke, couldn't help but laugh sadistically at his misfortune. The realization that he was about to lose Addison forever through this wedding, without even confessing his true feelings, tore at his heart.
Meanwhile, Mason's parents were busy orchestrating a splendid wedding, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing within their son. Their happiness starkly contrasted with Mason's inward rebellion.
Anna, Mason's sister, played along with the facade of joy in front of their parents. However, whenever she caught a glimpse of her brother's tormented state, a wave of sadness and pity washed over her. She felt powerless in the face of her brother's predicament.
As the days passed, Mason found the weight of the impending wedding unbearable. Suddenly, a shift occurred within him, prompting him to share something crucial with his parents.
One evening, during dinner, Mason halted his meal, clearing his throat to capture his parents' attention. With a weighty pause, he spoke, "I have something important to tell both of you."