Beyond the Mansion's Gates || TAENNIE

chapter 1

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The little bird locked in a big cage.

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𝙹𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎'𝚜 𝙿𝙾𝚅

"Miss Jennie, do wake up. The sun has risen and we should prepare you for breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Kim is waiting for you at the dining table,"

The head maid scolded, shaking my shoulders. I slowly blinked my eyes, sitting up rubbing my eyes.

"I will go, please prepare the warm bath,"

I ordered, pulling my sheets down as I pulled my feet on the soft carpets. I let out a yawn as I headed towards the bathroom where the maids prepared my warm bath.

I sighed as I played with the rose petals on the water, thinking deeply about the unwanted arranged marriage.

I bit my lower lip and sank deeper into the bath. Never once in my life that I was given the freedom to choose.

I would never want to marry a man that I do not love, I don't want any power nor riches. All I want is freedom and true love although it seems impossible.

Father and Mother had always been strict and forced me to do things that a Kim should do. As their only child, I took classes every day and never got the chance to play like the workers' kids.

I got jealous slightly as they seem to enjoy themselves whilst I was alone in the enormous library, reading books as the future heir.

I was a lonely child, I never received any affection from my parents as we are quite distant. No, not quite but not close at all.

I've tried various ways to gain their affections but they ignore my efforts. They only act that they care whenever investors or important guests visit the mansion.

I even went far as appointing an audience but they never showed up.

At present, they arranged a marriage between me and the mayor's son. I barely know the guy and they forced me to marry him, without even asking for my consent.

Days before the marriage, I often think of plans inside my head as the whole household prepared for the upcoming wedding. I never tried anything reckless like this but for the sake of my freedom, I would do it.

"Lady Jennie, Lord Kim would like to have an audience with you,"

What would Father want?

He never asked for me ever since I came to this world. How weird.

I truly never expected that this day would come.

I quickly stood up and grabbed my robe as I hurried to prepare myself. I feel excited, having the chance to talk to my father. If it goes well, he might cancel the arrange marriage.

"Please find the most beautiful dress, I want to impress father,"

I excitedly told the maids and they chuckled at my huge smile on my lips. I couldn't contain my happiness.

The maids helped me prepare myself and I must say, I look stunning.

"Thank you,"

I bowed, thankful for their help, and exited my room. I fiddled with my fingers, slowing approaching father's waiting room. My family had always passed down the traditions of the past, not wanting to ruin its honored name.

Our house had always been old-style, most people would say that our family was still in the past.

In the "modern-era" that my maids speak-of, they have these weird gadgets that I do not understand.

Well, back to the main topic. Our family is always old-style or what I would call the previous generations and I want to try my best to impress my father with what I could offer.

"My lady, your father, and mother wanted to meet you in the dining hall. Do be careful while going down the stairs,"

The head maid looked at me worriedly as she straightened my dress. I smiled at her reassuredly and gave a small curtsy before leaving the room.

I'm the kind of girl who doesn't speak much since I'm raised in a patriarchal family and women are taught to be well-behaved and quiet.

I couldn't change even slightly, I would get a scolding if I do.

I slowly descended from the stairs while lifting my dress, carefully walking down and not miss a step. The maids offered help but I shook my head in decline, I believe that a lady should know how to walk down the stairs.

I safely arrived and walked towards the big oak doors, where our dining area is placed. I let out a huge breath, straightening my posture before pushing the doors open.

I bowed once I saw my parents on each end.

"I greet my parents, good morning,"

They both glanced at me and nodded their heads, muttering their good mornings. I slightly coughed to avoid awkwardness and sat on the mid chair, in between my parents.

"Did you enjoy the food?"

My mother asked as she cut her steak, I looked at her and nodded my head. It became quiet afterward.

"I'll get straight to the point,"

Father suddenly spoke up, sighing while crossing his fingers. He looked at me with a look full of expectations that makes me want to run away somehow.

I had his odd feeling that I might like not this...

"You'll get married to the mayor's son this week, we need more power and honor for our family name,"

"Pardon?"

Did I mishear everything?

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First Chapter :)

What do you think?
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Planet_A