The Forbidden Shoes: A Family's Deadly Secret

At any Cost

A few years later, the children had grown up.
In a year from now, the contest would commence. Applications are now opened for anyone interested.

Thomas Shoes sat at the dinner table with his family, the warm glow of the chandelier casting soft shadows across their plates.

“So, you’re really entering this contest, huh?” His mother asked, though it was less of a question and more of a confirmation.

Thomas nodded, still chewing. “I’ve got my designs all planned out.”

“Why do these shoes matter so much, Mom?” Selina, his younger sister, piped up, her curious eyes darting between them.

His mother smiled patiently, setting down her fork. “It’s more than just shoes, sweetheart. Whoever wins the contest gets a bigger say in the family business.”

Selina wrinkled her nose. “So... it’s like a big deal?”

Thomas chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s a huge deal. And I’m enjoying my freedom while I can.” He leaned back in his chair, casting a glance around the table. “A month locked in that workshop is going to feel like a lifetime.”

Selina’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’ll be *locked away*?”

“Pretty much,” Thomas said with a sigh. “No contact with anyone. They give us everything we need to make the shoes, but we’re on our own. No help. No distractions.”

His mother’s smile tightened, though she tried to hide it. “It’s tradition. Keeps everything fair.”

“Fair, but brutal,” Thomas muttered, taking another bite. “One month to design something that could change everything for us.”

James burst into the room, his face pale, as if he'd seen something otherworldly.

“You guys won’t believe what I just saw,” he blurted out, his voice unsteady.

Reagan looked up from his book, eyebrow raised. “What is it this time?”

“Who did you see, a ghost?” Olivia teased, rolling over lazily on the bed.

“I wish it *was* a ghost. I’d be a lot less freaked out.”

Olivia sat up, hugging her pillow with growing curiosity. “Then who was it?”

James hesitated, swallowing hard. “Sarah… and Kevin.”

Both Reagan and Olivia gasped in unison, eyes wide. "Oh no," they groaned sympathetically, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Sarah, the daughter of a powerful lawyer in the kingdom, had been the object of James’s silent affection for as long as they could remember. But he’d never had the courage to confess his feelings.

“What were they doing?” Olivia asked, her expression shifting to one of pity. “Honestly, I think you’re right. A ghost would’ve been a better sight.”

Reagan smirked, stepping forward to pat his brother on the shoulder. “You’ve lost a wife, brother.”

The siblings burst into laughter, despite James’s obvious distress.

“You’re not funny,” James muttered, crossing his arms.

“True,” Reagan said with a grin. “But I am definitely more handsome.”

“Ouch,” Olivia mocked, pretending to wince.

James narrowed his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, Reagan.”

“If I were you, I would! I mean, at least I can say I’ve never had a woman stolen from me.”

James threw a pillow at him, laughing in spite of himself. “You bloody…”