Chapter 3 Happy Birthday

• As the clock struck seven, Sofia quickly made her way to the dining table, meticulously placing each dish in its rightful place. She couldn't afford to be late with dinner, not when the Ricci family was about to make their way downstairs. Sofia knew all too well that if she didn't have dinner ready on time, she would be in hot water with the family. So she took a deep breath, double-checked everything, and waited anxiously for the family to arrive.
• Sofia always had to put in extra effort when it came to preparing dinner. It was a challenge to cater to everyone's different meal preferences. Her sister, Kat, was always on a diet and required a salad and fruit with her vegetable soup. Her stepmother, Emma, preferred egg curry with rice, while her father needed oil-free food due to his health condition. Sofia had to carefully plan and prepare meals to ensure everyone was satisfied. Otherwise, there were consequences.
• Sofia glanced at the dining table, ensuring that everything was in place and properly arranged. Then, as the wall clock chimed, indicating their imminent arrival, the sound of footsteps caught her attention. She turned her head towards the staircase as her heart raced in anticipation.
• As Kat and her mother made their way down the stairs, they seemed engaged in a lively conversation. Sofia couldn't help but notice the disapproving looks they gave her, which wasn't anything new. But before long, her father joined them, and they all sat down together.
• Sofia's father took the central chair, and Emma and Kat sat on either side. Sofia stood patiently, awaiting further instructions. Each of them filled their plate with their favorite dishes and began to savor the delicious meal.
• The room was filled with a heavy stillness. The only sound that broke the silence was the gentle clink of utensils on plates, creating a steady rhythm that seemed to reverberate throughout the empty space. The moment was so quiet that it felt like it could last forever.
• Sofia's stomach rumbled with hunger as the aroma of food filled the air. But she resisted the urge to drool over the delicious meal and patiently waited for dinner to be over. She used to eat only leftovers to satisfy her hunger. Despite her longing for a full meal, Sofia was deeply grateful to them for providing her with shelter and food.
• Finally, dinner was over, and so much food was left on the table. Sofia's stomach growled again at the pleasure of having so much leftover food. Today, she could eat her fill and enjoy every bite.
• Sofia efficiently tidied up the table, placing the used plates in the sink before thoroughly washing them and loading them into the dishwasher. Once done, she gathered the leftovers onto a plate and made her way to a cozy corner of the kitchen to enjoy her meal. Just as she was about to take her first bite, a familiar voice called her name.
• “Sophia, come to my room quickly.” Sofia heard her stepmother, Emma, calling her. She felt a pang of hunger in her stomach, but she knew she had to obey her stepmother's command. Sofia covered her plate and placed it on the slab before leaving. She couldn't risk facing the consequences of disobeying her stepmother.
• Sofia's heart raced as she hurried towards Emma's room. She knocked on the door gently and opened it slowly, trying not to make any noise. She peeked inside and saw that her half-sister Kat, stepmother Emma, and father were all sitting together, deep in discussion. It seemed something serious was going on from the cold and indifferent expressions on their faces.
• "Sofia, please come inside," her father said in his cold voice.
• Sofia came inside slowly, bending her head down because she was not allowed to look into their eyes.
• Her father came in front of her and said, "What took you so long? You know the rules of this house. You need to respect us and our authority."
• Sofia trembled, nodding silently, feeling ashamed and small. Nevertheless, she knew she had to obey her father's strict rules.
• "You will be getting married to Leonardo Morelli in just seven days. I have fixed your marriage. You should feel fortunate to become a part of such a wealthy family," her father said abruptly.
• Sofia's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She felt as if her world had been turned upside down in an instant. She had never even met Leonardo Morelli before, let alone thought about marrying him. Sofia's mind raced as she tried to process the news. She wondered if there was any way to avoid this arranged marriage and if she had any say in the matter at all.
• Sofia seized the opportunity to inquire, "Wasn't Kat supposed to be his bride?"
• Kat shook her head as she examined her fingernails. "I'm sorry, but I can't marry him. He's a playboy, and the marriage will last only three years. No way. I won't do this," she said firmly.
• Emma sighed. "But we need this alliance to merge our businesses. That's why we have to have a marriage between our families." Sofia’s eyes widened in shock as Emma continued. "...and that's why we've invested so much into you. So, one day, you could be a valuable asset in a business deal."
• Sofia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her family was discussing a trade involving her. Her father was willing to use her as a bargaining chip for a business deal. It was disheartening for Sofia to realize that her entire life was just a tool for their business ventures. She felt like she was an inanimate object in their household, and it was a heartbreaking realization for her.
• Sofia took a deep breath and summoned all the courage she could muster. With a trembling voice, she spoke up before her father, something she had never done before.
• "Dad, please don't force me into marrying someone from a wealthy family. I never asked for this. Tomorrow, I turn 18, and I promise I won't be a burden to you anymore. Just give me a chance to live my own life." Despite Sofia's heartfelt plea, her father's face remained cold and unyielding.
• “I have made a decision for your life. There is no option for you but to marry Leonardo Morelli. Though I have done so much for you, I have hated you for so many years because you are that whore’s daughter who spoiled my life. I was forced to live with her against my will. So, think of this as repayment for your mother's sin. You don't have to live with him for the rest of your life, but only for three years. After three years, the contract will end, and you will be free,” her father said indifferently, looking at her with disdain.
• She was feeling helpless and alone, thinking that no one cared about her. Even her own father didn't seem to prioritize her well-being. She was starting to lose trust in people. It seemed as though she was born under a bad star, destined to face these unfortunate circumstances.
• Sofia’s half-sister, Kat, was older than her by three years. Apparently, Kat was born before Sofia, while their father was still married to Sofia's mother. Sofia later learned that her father was in love with Emma, Kat's mother, but felt pressured by his parents to marry Sofia's mother. After Sofia's mother passed away, her father didn't waste any time in marrying Emma and bringing her and Kat to live with him.
• With a dismissive wave of her hand, Emma signaled that the meeting was over.
• "You're free to go now," she said before adding, "We'll begin preparing for the wedding tomorrow. You should feel lucky to be marrying into such a wealthy and influential family." She couldn't hide the smug smirk on her face as she spoke.
• Little did Emma know that Sofia had no interest in marrying a wealthy man, not now, not ever. Having witnessed her mother's suffering and eventual demise in misery, Sofia had made up her mind that all rich men were evil and heartless. Sofia walked back into the kitchen and noticed her plate was only half empty. But her hunger had died along with her thoughts.
• Sofia glanced at the wall clock and saw that it read midnight.
• "Happy Birthday to me," she whispered to herself.
• No one else would be around to wish her a happy birthday. She had just turned eighteen. She had been looking forward to this day for so long. But now, she felt like everything was falling apart.
• Sofia retreated to her room and grabbed her mother's photo frame, holding it close to her chest as tears streamed down her face. The night seemed endless as she cried about the unfairness of her life.