The beautiful sunlight streaming in through the windows, combined with the sound of birds chirping, just added to the joyful sensation. On the bed, a young girl was snuggled close to her pillow, unable to leave her warm bed. When her alarm went off, she wriggled and groaned. She attempted to search her phone but was unable to do so. Her phone was on the table, but it was a long distance away. As a result, she had to get out of bed.
"Aria! Are you awake? You are awake right?" From downstairs, the girl heard her mother's voice. Hearing her mother's voice made her squirm since her plan to go back to bed was no longer viable. She silenced the alarm and said loudly, "Mamma, you are correct. I'm already awake."
She dragged herself to the shower now that she was fully awake, so she could start her day with a refreshing shower.
Aria chose casual clothing and put it on fast. She wasn't the kind of girl who wore a lot of cosmetics. She didn't require it as well. Her lovely skin was accentuated by her well-trimmed hair and blue eyes. Even if no one saw her, she was the city's beauty.
She slid down the stairwell like a small child.
"Aria, put down your game. Come quickly, your grandparents will be up and about shortly," Layla, Aria's mother, stated. "Okay, mamma," Aria said with an obvious pout. When her father, Eric, entered the living room, she was going to walk out. "Good morning, pumpkin," he said happily. "I am not a pumpkin, father," Aria said, her pout widening even more. Her father guffawed at her adorableness. He ruffled her hair.
Aria's mother was going to reprimand her over being late again, but Aria was quick to notice the ramifications and bolted from the home, walking towards the main mansion.
Aria was in charge of making her grandparents' morning coffee. She had no idea why her grandparents insisted on her doing this morning ritual.
Aria Edwards is George Edwards and Zuri Edwards' youngest granddaughter. Her grandfather is one of the country's most powerful businessmen. Brandon Edwards, Brian Edwards, Brody Edwards, and Eric Edwards are his four sons, with Aria's father being the youngest. It's no mystery why Aria and her parents stayed at the outhouse. Her father married the woman he loved. And that was the case. Aria's mother, Layla, hails from a middle-class household, thus this did not sit well with his parents. Layla did not add much to the family in comparison to the other daughters in law's positions. As a result, everyone avoided them, and they were frequently mocked for the same reason.
Aria hummed a melody as she approached the Edwards mansion's kitchen. In the kitchen, a few employees were getting ready for the morning breakfast. "Good morning, everyone," Aria greeted everyone happily. Her greetings were met with equal enthusiasm by the personnel. Aria was adored by the majority of the Edwards' estate employees due to her cuteness and positive attitude. Aria was a Goddess in manners and attitude when compared to her older cousins. As a result, most people adored her.
Aria got right to work on her morning ritual. She made fresh coffee and served it alongside a dish containing her grandfather's morning medicine and a little biscuit to offset the bitterness of the medicine.
Aria could hear the staff murmuring as she worked.
"Don't make supper preparations for tonight"
"Why? Is everyone going out? or something?"
"How can you forget? The Carter family is having a get-together today."
"Oh!! Right!! I, for one, would not miss Carter's party."
"As if they'd invite a maid. Don't waste time and get right to work. The senior ladies have ordered a salon day, so be prepared."
Aria headed upstairs to her grandparents' room, picking up the large dish containing everything.
"Knock, knock," Aria murmured softly, giggling. When her hands were full, it was her way of pounding on the door. Her grandmother, Zuri, was the one who opened the door. She opened the door and let Aria in.
Aria said, "Good morning, Grandpa, Grandma," with a big smile on her face. Her grandfather returned the greeting with a faint smile. Aria's grandmother just nodded in acknowledgement of Aria's greeting.
Aria continued to give her grandfather the pills, then the coffee. Her granny prepared her coffee on her own. Aria's grandmother seemed intrigued by Aria's increased excitement. She made the decision to inquire further. "What's the deal with your smile today? Is there anything particularly interesting or amusing?"
Aria's excitement grew as her grandmother inquired about it. "Everyone has heard about Carter's estate party."
"So?" her grandmother inquired, her brows furrowed. She was trying to figure out what Aria was saying. "If you don't mind, I'd like to come to the party as well..." Aria said, a little cautiously. She was allowed to attend most of her family's parties, but only on rare occasions to parties hosted by others. She was baffled as to why. Or she knew but didn't want to think about it.
"And why would I allow that to happen? Have you forgotten that you're not allowed to go to events outside of the Edwards estate?" Zuri, her grandma, inquired sharply. She appeared slightly enraged by Aria's audacity in asking her such a question.
Aria became agitated and stepped back a little. "Grandma, I just...," she stuttered.
"You just? what? say it," Zuri pressed Aria for an answer.
Aria's grandfather, George, who had been sitting quietly, decided to intervene at this point. "Don't put too much pressure on her. She, like everyone else, must be curious to tour the Carter mansion. After all, they own the world's largest and most magnificent property."
Zuri grimaced as she listened to her husband's comments. She didn't want Aria to be near the Carters since it would ruin her plans for the evening.
"George, don't be so foolish. Aria is not welcome to Carter's party. They are extremely influential persons. I don't want to embarrass ourselves by introducing her to anyone there," Zuri retorted fiercely. Her nostrils were already flaring. George had already thrown in the towel. He was no longer interested in interfering. He got up from his chair and walked outside.
"Assist your cousins, Harper and Jennifer, in getting ready for the party. Don't try to sabotage their plans." Zuri got out of her chair with that. She went to take a shower in the bathroom.
Aria was the only one remaining in the room. She didn't feel like sobbing, but she was clearly upset. She had no idea why her paternal family treats her this way. What was wrong with her mother's family situation? They made a solid living and had raised her mother well. In her maternal family, Aria felt more like a grandchild than in her paternal family.