Nicole's Hidden World And Shattered Legacy_
Nicole Melbourne's icy demeanor hid a complex past. Born into the influential Melbourne family, she was groomed for greatness. Her parents' high expectations had driven her to excel in business, but at a personal cost.
Nicole's thoughts drifted to her childhood, where: Her parents' constant criticisms and arguments fueled her determination and her siblings' rivalry pushed her to excel.
As she navigated the cutthroat business world, Nicole developed a shield to protect herself. Few knew the vulnerable person beneath.
Immediately after arriving at her condo, she walks into her hot bath tube where she relaxes and refreshes her body. She ties a bath robe and locks it with a ribbon knot while drying her hair with a towel.
Her gaze drifted out the window, her mind returning to her family's estate, where memories of her grandmother, Catherine Melbourne, lingered. The grand library, with its rich mahogany shelves and warm fireplace, had been her sanctuary. It was there that Catherine's guidance and love had provided solace amidst the pressure.
A flashback unfolded, transporting her back to her 20th birthday.
*Flashback: A Family Divide
She stood frozen in the grand library, witnessing a heated argument between her parents. Her mother, Victoria, anger written all over her face, arguing with her father.
"You're suffocating her, Ed. She needs room to breathe, to find her own path."
Edward Melbourne's expression remained resolute. "I'm preparing her for the legacy she'll inherit. The Melbourne name comes with great responsibility and you know it."
"Know it? Ed, she's still a child growing up and you are burdening her with this family problems already. I just want my children especially Nicole to be happy, do what makes her happy, find some boy to settle down with and live a carefree life"
"Never Victoria, you know surely I have chosen her as my heiress to carry my mantle. The heiress of the Melbourne family has to be strong-willed, witty and brainy, strong which I have long mapped out her path which she must follow and she can not fail me".
"You have changed Edward Melbourne, for this family's benefits. You can't even spare your own daughter, I don't know why I agreed to marry back then. I don't want my daughter to suffer like I did and I'll make sure of it, I will protect her and let her carve her own part", Victoria said with her cold piercing eyes filled with resolution .
Edward finally remembers that his wife was once a business tycoon who shook the business world with ruthlessness and not even sparing her own sister because she set them up by spiking her drink which gave him the opportunity to marry her, the woman of his dreams.
Nicole steps out from the shadow and stood before her parents, her voice steady.
"I won't continue this charade. I have my own dreams, my own ambitions."
Her mother, Victoria, sighed. "Nicole, my darling. You're a Melbourne—"
"I know what it means to be a Melbourne," Nicole interrupted. "But what about what I want?"
Her father, Edward, stepped forward, his expression stern.
"You'll do what's best for this family. You'll marry well, expand our business empire."
Nicole's eyes flashed. "I won't be a pawn in your games. I'll forge my own path."
Victoria's voice trembled. "You... Do not talk to your father with that tone young lady ."
"I'm taking control of my life," Nicole declared, turning to leave.
Edward's words stopped her.
"You're just like your grandmother, Catherine. Stubborn and foolish."
"Don't you dare insult my mother again Edward, I'm warning you" says Victoria while Nicole spun around, her eyes blazing.
"Catherine understood me. She knew I deserved happiness."
Catherine, Nicole's grandmother and Victoria's mother, entered the room, her presence commanding attention. Her voice, firm but gentle, intervened.
"Nicole's happiness matters. Don't force her into a life she doesn't want. She deserves to choose her own destiny."
Victoria's eyes met Catherine's, a silent understanding passing between them.
Edward's face reddened. "You're coddling her, Catherine. She needs to toughen up."
Catherine's response was calm, yet steadfast. "Toughness isn't about suppressing emotions, Edward. It's about embracing them, and making choices that bring fulfillment."
Edward's face hardens. " I will give her two years to make do whatever future she wants then return to take her mantle "
"But,.
" And that's final!!! Edward cuts Catherine midway
The memory faded, leaving Nicole with a mix of emotions: longing, frustration, and determination.
I will not disappoint my family and especially my grandmother. My path, that I have to carve.