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Chapter 22: The Storm of Expectations
Joy stepped into Eesome Manor, the familiar yet stifling atmosphere washing over her. The grand foyer was as cold and unyielding as her mother’s gaze, despite the warmth of the chandeliers casting a golden glow over the ornate furniture. She’d hoped the years would soften her mother’s opinion of magic, but the tension in the air was enough to tell her that was far from reality.
Her mother, Elena, stood by the fireplace, arms crossed, her meticulously styled hair and designer dress a sharp contrast to the home’s worn elegance. The manor hadn’t changed, but it felt hollow without her siblings, who were away at boarding school. They’d escaped this place, but Joy hadn’t been so lucky.
Elena’s eyes flicked to Dani with a disdain that she didn’t bother to hide. The fact that he was a full-blooded witch made her visibly uncomfortable, her posture stiffening as though his presence contaminated the air. Dani offered a polite nod, unfazed by her frigid reception, but Joy could feel his discomfort beneath his calm exterior.
“Mother,” Joy greeted her, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Joy,” Elena replied curtly, her eyes scanning her daughter with a critical eye. “I see you didn’t think to dress more… appropriately for a family visit.” Her gaze lingered on Joy’s attire, the damp edges of her cloak, and the mud on her boots from their long, rain-soaked walk.
“It was a bit of a rough journey,” Joy replied coolly, refusing to let her mother’s words sting.
Elena’s gaze darted again to Dani, and her lips thinned. “I would have thought you’d bring someone a little… more suited to our family’s standards.”
Joy clenched her fists, but Dani put a calming hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her forward. “We’re here to discuss this marriage arrangement, Mother,” Joy said firmly, unwilling to let Elena’s disdain control the conversation.
Elena’s expression hardened, though she nodded and led them to the sitting room. “You know how important this is, Joy,” she began, her voice a brittle edge beneath her practiced grace. “Our family’s reputation has been… vulnerable since your father left us. This marriage will bring stability and restore the respect we’ve lost.”
“Respect?” Joy echoed, frowning. “Mother, are we really that desperate for reputation? Does our future depend on an arranged marriage?”
Elena sighed impatiently. “Desperation or not, this is the reality we face, Joy. Your father remarried someone half my age and has been living comfortably abroad while we’ve been left to salvage what we can of our name.” She clasped her hands together tightly. “Carter’s family is influential, and his connections would keep us secure.”
Joy bit her lip, feeling an unsettling mix of anger and sympathy. She knew her mother felt abandoned, but forcing her into marriage as a solution felt like betrayal. Still, she forced herself to remain calm. “I understand what you’re saying, but I would like to meet him first—see if there’s any compatibility. I’m not agreeing to marry him yet, Mother.”
Elena’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she nodded reluctantly. “Fine. He’ll be here tomorrow. Just remember, Joy, this isn’t about romance. It’s about duty.”
Dani shifted uncomfortably beside her, watching Elena with a wary gaze. “It’s not my place to interfere, but I think Joy has every right to make her own choice,” he said, his voice steady but careful.
Elena’s expression twisted, her gaze darkening as she looked at him. “And what would you know about family duty, witch?” She spat the word as though it were poison, and Dani’s jaw tensed, though he remained silent.
