Sofia POV
*flashback*
At the banquet
" Miss Sofia, look over there. The Evans family is making their way to the stage." One woman from Sofia's flock said as she opened her fan.
" I bet your family won the marriage proposal with the Evans family."
" Oh, you are too kind. Nothing is set in stone yet." I replied. I knew how badly I wanted that marriage to happen after all, I have loved Ryan Evans ever since we were little children.
My heart broke when I found out that he had married a woman whom he proclaimed to be the love of his life.
I couldn't accept it, I refused, and then my dearest brother fought hard for me to get married to him.
How you may ask? Well, It was simple, get rid of that woman and give me back my rightful place. And that's exactly what happened.
The woman died in an accident but left her wrenchful son whom she should have taken with ,to her afterlife!
" I agree. Who did Miss tella think she was to compete with you for this?" Another one of them said buttering me up.
I let out a hearty laugh, hiding my devious smile behind my mask. " Ladies, let's not get ahead of ourselves. In life, all is fair in love and war. We must be civilized." I said with a polite fake smile.
" Wow, spoken like a true duchess!" another said, and I gave them a glorious smile.
"Oh, look! Old master Evans is going to the stage!" Miss Tricia said, and we all faced the stage. I tried my best to hide my smug face, but I knew that this time I was the best candidate, and I was going to get married to my one and only true love!
"Ahem, ladies and gentlemen, may I still your attention for a while." Old master Evans, former Duke and Ryan's father, said
" Today we are here to celebrate an old friend. He has found a second chance to love. A toast to you marquess," He said, lifting his wine glass.
" And while we are on the subject of truelove. I am sure all of you present were aware that I had sent marriage proposals for my son, the Duke, to prospective families in the city and that only one family would be chosen after a series of trials." he paused.
"Here it comes, get ready to celebrate, Miss Sofia." I heard Miss Tricia's voice whisper.
" So here I am stealing my old friend's limelight to announce that my son, the Duke, would be engaged to one of the marquess's daughters." he paused 6 old man was getting to be annoying. Just announce my wedding date already!
I heard murmurs all around from these jealous ladies, and I put on a humble smile and gave slight bows to those who made eye contact.
" Marquess, please come to the stage with your wife and share the good news." He concluded, I knew that daddy would certainly choose me, his favorite child out of all us.
" Ahem, this was meant to be a surprise, but then the former Duke couldn't wait to announce the news, so I played along." The marquess started making everyone laugh.
" Sophie, my baby..." Here he goes. I knew that daddy wouldn't disappoint
" Yes, father?" I answered with a smile
" Father loves you so much, and I will make sure I find you a proper marriage proposal." My smile dropped. What was he saying?
" Ladies and Gentlemen, please celebrate with us the engagement of my new eldest daughter Charlotte Smith and the Duke, Ryan Evans." No, no,no! I screamed internally, but the shock was visible on my face. How could father do this to me?!
Everyone clapped, and I felt like they were taunting me. I looked at my eldest brother, and he looked unhappy, but he was concealing it perfectly.
He shot me a look, warning me not to throw a tantrum and maintain my good daughter facade. I did, I exhaled sharply and clapped alongside everyone only, I was thinking about how to get rid of my newly found step-sister.
*end of flashback*
After that announcement, I felt like puking, so I left the venue. I was so mad I could not wait to get to my room to vent. How could my own father do this to me?! He knew how much I love Ryan! I killed for this man, and yet he took away my chance to be with him!
" Miss Sofia." someone called. It was my maid.
" What?!" I shouted irritated
"Sorry to disturb you, but they said I should inform you that young master Jack is missing, and everyone must go back to the venue for a search." She stammered
"Who's that? And what does he have to do with me?" I asked, annoyed.
"Miss, h-he is the Duke's son." My maid continued
"Oh?" A smile crept on my face
" Go search for him. Make sure you find him before they do." I said dismissing her
"Understood, milady." She said and disappeared.
She came back quickly with interesting information, and she told me that they saw Charlotte and master Jack jumping over the balcony.
The banquet was on the ground floor, so they could actually jump over it, but I could not believe how unladylike my step-sister was. In any case, this was an opportunity. If she was with master Jack without permission from the Evans family, then I would seize this opportunity to accuse her and let her get punished. That way, this marriage would be revoked!
While everyone was looking for master Jack, I instructed my maid to tell them their location without implicating me. I went back to the venue and waited patiently.
"Old master, young master is in the kitchen! I saw a lady feeding him, and I am afraid he might be poisoned, " one of the guards exclaimed.
"What? Lead the way!" Old master Evans said in a panicked state.
"Master Evans, I know a shortcut. Please allow me to help." I said as I did a curtsy. He did not grant me a verbal response, but this was more than enough.
I offered to lead the way as I knew a shortcut there. I was also rushing so that my new step-sister wouldn't be tipped off and she would make a run for it.
We would get there, and the guards banged the door open. I saw my sister fitted close to a little boy and I got excited! She did not run. What a fool!
Sister, you already won the marriage with master Ryan Evans. Why did you have to take it to the extremes and kidnap young master Jack?" I said in a shocked and sad tone.
(gasps, murmurs) Hearing those gasps made my blood boil, and I plotted how to bury my newfound sister.