"And what are these?" Jessica's voice trembled, her hands shaking slightly as she gestured toward her mother. "What are these far more important things than love and affection in a marriage? What could possibly be worth sacrificing your own daughter's happiness?" Her words were sharp, but the defiance in her eyes didn't waver.
Her mother, Mrs. Hayman, stood with a cold expression, her lips a thin line as Jessica's accusations hit like blows. She didn't flinch.
Jessica took a step closer, her eyes narrowing with disgust. "Is it money? Power? Control?" Her voice rose, a mixture of disbelief and anger. "Because I'm pretty sure there's something in it for you, isn't there? This whole union isn't about me—it's about what *you* can gain from it, isn't it?"
"Don't be ridiculous, Jessica. You have no idea what you're talking about," her mother snapped, her voice low and dangerous.
"Oh, I don't?" Jessica shot back, sarcasm dripping from her tone. "The way Mr. Gonzalez brags about his wealth, flaunts his money and influence—he's promised you something, hasn't he? Something more than you ever expected. Something that makes me just another piece in your little game."
"You have no idea what sacrifices I've made for you!" Mrs. Hayman's voice rose, sharp and cutting. "Do you think you'd have this life, this opportunity, if it weren't for me? You are so ungrateful, Jessica. Everything I've done—everything—has been for you!"
Jessica's laugh was hollow and bitter. "For me? No, Mother. You did this for yourself. You're using me, just like you always do. I'm not some item to be sold and traded between you and your rich old friend! I'm not a pawn in your twisted little game. This marriage—this *deal*—it's not going to happen!"
Mrs. Hayman's face flushed with anger as she stepped forward, her voice shaking with fury. "You *will* do as you're told, Jessica. You don't understand what's at stake here. You don't know how the world works."
"I understand perfectly," Jessica shot back. "I understand that I'm just a bargaining chip to you! That's all I've ever been. You think I don't see it? You've never cared about me—only about what you can get from me."
Mrs. Hayman's eyes flashed dangerously, and she reached out, gripping Jessica's wrist tightly, her fingers digging into her skin. "You have *no* idea what you're saying. You're behaving like a child! This is your future we're talking about. Do you think love and affection are going to put food on the table? Pay the bills? Keep you secure? You are being naïve!"
Jessica yanked her hand free from her mother's grip, her body trembling with fury. "No, *you're* the one who's naive! If you think I'm going to let you sell me off to some rich old man for a life of luxury, then you don't know me at all. You never have."
"You will marry him, Jessica!" Mrs. Hayman's voice cracked with anger, her eyes burning with frustration. "You *will* marry him, and you will do it for the family. For the future I've worked so hard to secure for you. You think you can just run away from this? You can't escape what's been arranged!"
Jessica's voice exploded in a furious shout, "NO! You can marry him yourself if you're so desperate for his money and status! But I'm not going to be a part of this! You can live your pathetic, loveless life, but I'm done. I refuse to be part of your twisted plans anymore!"
Her mother's face twisted in rage as she pointed an accusing finger at Jessica. "How *dare* you speak to me like that! I have sacrificed *everything* for you! You think I wanted this life? You think I enjoy watching you throw away the only real chance you'll ever have?"
Jessica's eyes filled with bitter tears as she shook her head. "The only thing you've sacrificed is me. You've never cared about what I want—only about what benefits you. And I'm done. I'm not some pawn you can move around as you please. This is my life, and I'm taking it back."
Mrs. Hayman's voice lowered, her tone dripping with venom. "You are a fool, Jessica. You have no idea what you're throwing away. You'll regret this. You'll regret turning your back on everything I've done for you. But by the time you realize it, it'll be too late."
Jessica's heart pounded in her chest, but she held her ground. "I'd rather be a fool than live a life where I'm nothing more than a puppet on your string. You've already taken enough from me. I won't let you take my future too."
Her mother's hand shot out again, this time with more force, trying to grab hold of Jessica's arm, but Jessica was quicker. She stepped back, her breathing heavy with adrenaline, her fists clenched at her sides.
"I said no, Mother. This ends now."
Mrs. Hayman's eyes were wild with anger, her voice almost a growl as she spat, "You are going to regret this, Jessica. You think you're strong enough to stand on your own? You're nothing without me. You're just a spoiled, ungrateful girl who doesn't understand the first thing about the real world."
Jessica's voice cracked with emotion, but her resolve remained firm. "Maybe I don't. Maybe I'll make mistakes. But at least they'll be *my* mistakes. I'd rather struggle on my own than live the life you've planned for me. I'd rather be free than live in a cage, no matter how gilded it is."
Her mother's face twisted in a sneer, her voice dripping with contempt. "You'll come crawling back. Mark my words, Jessica. You'll come crawling back when you realize you're not as strong as you think you are."
Jessica's voice was soft but resolute as she replied, "I'd rather crawl than stay trapped in the prison you've built for me. Goodbye, Mother."
Without waiting for a reply, Jessica turned on her heel and bolted, her mother's furious shouts echoing behind her.