A Family Reunion
Xiaoyu descended the grand staircase, her heels clicking on the marble floor like a metronome marking time. The sound echoed through the foyer, announcing her arrival to the family gathered in the dining room. She was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, wafting from the silver coffee pot at the center of the table, and the soft clinking of silverware against fine china.
The Shen family was already seated, their faces a picture of elegance and refinement. Her "father," Henry Shen, looked up from his newspaper, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Xiaoyu's confident stride. His eyes, a piercing brown, seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for any sign of weakness. Xiaoyu's heart skipped a beat under his gaze, but she stood tall, her shoulders squared.
Her "mother," Catherine Shen, smiled warmly, but Xiaoyu detected a hint of wariness behind her eyes. Catherine's eyes, a pale blue, seemed to hold a thousand unspoken questions, but her smile never wavered. She was a master of the facade, a virtuoso of veneer.
And then there was Jingyi, the biological daughter, who glared at Xiaoyu with open hostility. Jingyi's eyes, a dark brown, seemed to burn with resentment, her gaze a palpable force that made Xiaoyu's skin prickle. Xiaoyu's instincts screamed at her to beware, but she stood her ground, her eyes locked on Jingyi's.
The tension was palpable as Xiaoyu took her seat, her gaze sweeping across the table like a searchlight illuminating a dark landscape. She knew that this family had secrets, hidden behind their masks of elegance and refinement. Secrets that she was determined to uncover.
"Good morning, everyone," Xiaoyu said, her voice sweet as honey, dripping with saccharine warmth. "I trust you're all doing well?"
The room fell silent, with only the sound of sipping coffee and awkward coughs breaking the stillness. Xiaoyu's smile never wavered as she waited for someone to speak. The silence stretched out like a rubber band, taut and uncomfortable.
Finally, Henry cleared his throat, the sound like a crack of thunder on a summer day.
"Xiaoyu, dear, we need to talk about your future," Henry said, his voice firm but measured.
Xiaoyu's heart skipped a beat. What did they have planned for her? She had always known that her life was not her own, that she was a pawn in their game of power and prestige. But she had never thought that they would try to control her future as well.
"I'm listening," she said, her voice neutral.
"We've received an offer from the Wang family," Catherine said, her voice dripping with excitement. "They want you to marry their son, James."
Xiaoyu's eyes widened in horror. James Wang was a middle-aged man, a friend of Henry's from his business days. He was a cruel and ruthless man, with a reputation for treating his women like possessions.
"You can't be serious," Xiaoyu said, her voice shaking with rage.
"We are completely serious," Henry said, his eyes glinting with determination. "This is a great opportunity for you, Xiaoyu. The Wang family is very influential, and this marriage will secure our position in society."
Xiaoyu felt a cold dread creeping up her spine. She knew that she had to escape, to get away from this family and their sinister plans. But how?
"I won't do it," she said, her voice firm.
Henry's face darkened with anger. "You will do as you're told," he growled. "You are a member of this family, and you will obey us."
Xiaoyu stood up, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she had to take a stand, to fight for her freedom.
"I won't marry James Wang," she said, her voice clear and firm. "And I won't obey you anymore."
The room fell silent, the tension between them like a living thing. Xiaoyu knew that she had crossed a line, that there was no going back now.
As the confrontation reached a boiling point, the doorbell rang, shattering the tension. The butler, Mr. Lee, entered with a discreet bow. "Excuse me, sir, madam, but you have a guest. Mr. Alexander Richardson, the CEO of Richardson Industries."