Stephanie mumbled under her breath as she stalked down the hall. She jumped with fright when Natalie jumped from behind a column
"How did it go?"
Stephanie turned to see her sister standing there with Pixie in her arms.
"You traitor!!" Stephanie said through clenched teeth.
"Sorry. That was the lion's den."
"Oh, give me my baby." She snatched her cat out of Natalie's arm, Pixie made an annoyed meow before settling into Steph's arms.
"Come on, we are all in the tea room." Hooking her arm with Stephanie's, Natalie pulled her towards the tea room.
The small tea room was the most charming part of the Denvers' sprawling estate. Its pastel walls, lace curtains, and antique furniture made it a cosy retreat for Stephanie's mother and sisters to exchange gossip.
Stephanie sank into the plush loveseat, cradling Pixie, in her lap. The cat purred contentedly, her blue eyes blinking lazily as Stephanie stroked her soft fur. Across from her, her mother, Fiona, and her sisters, Lynette and Natalie, sipped their tea with a level of elegance.
"So how did it go?" Lynette urged.
Stephanie heaved out a big sigh, breaking the silence. "Papa actually said I have to get married to join the mall project team."
Fiona placed her teacup delicately on its saucer. "He's not wrong, darling," she said, her tone as smooth as the jasmine tea she was drinking.
Stephanie's jaw dropped. "Mama, you agree with him?"
Her mother sighed, brushing a perfectly styled curl from her face. "Stephanie, you've always been... spirited. Your father and grandfather want to ensure you're grounded before taking on such a monumental responsibility. Marriage could provide that."
"Grounded?" Stephanie echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "What century are we living in? I don't need a husband to prove I'm capable."
"Sweetheart," Lynette interjected, her voice calm but firm, "it's not just about capability. It's about perception. People take you more seriously when you're settled."
Natalie chimed in, a teasing smile on her lips. "And besides, isn't it about time you joined the rest of us? A wedding is so much fun to plan."
Stephanie groaned, burying her face in Pixie's fur. "This is unbelievable. I thought you guys would understand, but apparently, I'm the only one in this family who doesn't think a wedding band is the solution to everything."
Fiona reached for the sugar bowl, adding another cube to her tea. "You may not want to hear this, but I've been meaning to introduce you to a few eligible young men."
Stephanie's head snapped up. "Mama, please tell me you're joking."
Her mother ignored the protest and continued. "There's the Johnson boy-Henry. He's a lawyer, very successful. And then there's Michael from the Byrnes family. He's running their real estate empire now."
Stephanie stared at her mother, stunned. "You're actually trying to set me up like it's some kind of auction."
Fiona shrugged. "I'm just saying there are options. You don't have to make this harder than it needs to be."
Pixie meowed softly, as if sensing Stephanie's distress. She scratched the cat behind her ears, trying to calm herself. "You're all missing the point. I'm not against marriage. I'm against being forced into it just to prove something to Papa and Grandpa. It's insulting."
Lynette exchanged a glance with Natalie, who simply shrugged. "Look," Lynette said, her tone softening, "we're not saying it's fair. But maybe it's not the worst thing. You might meet someone amazing, and this whole mess could turn into an opportunity."
Stephanie sighed heavily. "It's just... frustrating. I've worked so hard, and it's like none of it matters. All anyone sees is the girl who messed up two years ago."
Her mother reached out and patted her hand. "We all want what's best for you, Stephanie. Sometimes, that means making compromises."
*****
Stephanie lounged in bed. She had given up on coming up with designs and had decided to while away her time in bed.
"Marriage, Pixie. Your grandpa is trying to marry me away. Though I am sure you'll make one cute flower girl."
Pixie turned her back to her and licked herself, uncaring for what her Mama was saying.
"Stop ignoring me, girlie." Stephanie chuckled as she pulled Pixie in.
Snuggling Pixie closer, she murmured, "We'll figure it out, won't we, Pixie?"
The cat purred louder, and Stephanie couldn't help but smile. If nothing else, she had Pixie on her side.
******************************
YOU ARE READING
Heels, Dreams & Blueprint
RomanceA fashion-obsessed architectural engineer from a wealthy family has one goal: to join her family's prestigious design committee. But there's a catch-her traditional father insists she must get married first! When she meets her best friend's brother'...
