Amidst the cozy atmosphere of the dining room, Mrs. Ward's announcement about Ella's impending marriage drew an excited gasp from Mrs. Holloway. "Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with genuine joy. "Ella, dear, congratulations! Who's the lucky gentleman?"
Ella's response, however, was less enthusiastic. With a subtle roll of her eyes and a tight-lipped smile, she replied, "Thanks, Mom, but it's not set in stone yet."
Mrs. Ward's expression remained stoic, her gaze fixed on her daughter. "Ella, don't be so dismissive," she chided gently, though her tone carried an underlying edge. "This is a significant opportunity, both for you and for our family."
Ella's facade of politeness wavered, revealing a hint of defiance beneath. "Opportunity for whom, Mother?" she retorted, her voice laced with a touch of bitterness. "For you to advance your political ambitions, or for me to sacrifice my happiness for the sake of your agenda?"
