UNBROKEN PROMISE

~47~ True Intentions

The next day after breakfast, Oma made her way to the main house with Logan by her side. The air heavy with unsaid words. Logan walked beside her silently, his hands tucked into his pockets to keep himself calm. As they reached the porch, Mama Becca greeted them warmly, though her sharp eyes studied them both, sensing the tension.

When they entered the main house, they found Ezra and Clara already seated in the parlor. Clara was fanning herself, her nose tilted upward as if even the fresh country air offended her.

Caleb darted past them, cookie wagging his tail and following close behind. Ezra reached out to ruffle Caleb's hair as he passed, but the boy ducked away, causing Cookie to let out a sharp bark. Ezra straightened, annoyed, before plastering on his usual smug smile.

"Ah, just the person we were waiting for," Ezra said, directing his gaze at Oma as she stepped into the room. Logan's shoulders tensed beside her, his jaw ticking.

Oma frowned, her stomach sinking. "Waiting for me?" she asked, her voice wary.

Ezra nodded, gesturing toward the empty seats. "Why don't you do us a favor and call the rest of the family? There's something important to discuss."

------

Once everyone had gathered in the parlor, Megan guided Caleb upstairs, Cookie trailing behind, after giving Ezra a sharp glare daring him to say something. Jacob leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed, while Mama Becca sat on her chair, her expression calm but watchful. Logan stood by the fireplace, his posture rigid, his eyes never leaving Ezra.

Ezra cleared his throat, the sound grating in the otherwise quiet room. He adjusted his coat and then began, his voice carrying an air of self-importance. "Now that we're all here, let me get straight to the point. Just two days here has shown Clara and me that this..."he gestured around dismissively-"this is not a proper life for our dear Caroma."

Megan snorted, rolling her eyes, while Oma stiffened, her hands twisting together. Logan's scowl deepened, but he remained silent for the moment.

"The way this family has treated both us and Caroma is nothing short of appalling," Ezra continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "And as for her husband..." He turned to Logan, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Incompetent doesn't even begin to cover it."

Jacob pushed off the doorframe, his voice low but firm. "Who gave you the right to come here and talk like that?"

Ezra sighed as though Jacob were an errant child. He turned back to Oma, ignoring Jacob entirely. "Your father made promises, Caroma. Promises to a very influential man back in the city."

Oma's stomach dropped. "What kind of promises?" she asked, her voice tight, though she already feared the answer.

Clara leaned forward, her icy smile widening. "Your hand in marriage, dear. To settle his debts."

A sharp intake of breath swept through the room. Logan's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white.

"She's already married now," Logan said, his voice low and controlled, carrying an unmistakable edge of warning. "Any deals her father made are null and void."

Ezra chuckled, a condescending sound that made Logan's blood boil. "Barely a marriage, if you ask me," Ezra said, his smile smug. "you two don't even share a bed. The union might as well not exist."

Logan took a step forward, his eyes blazing, but Oma quickly placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. She looked at Ezra, her voice trembling but steady. "I'm already married. That's the end of it."

Ezra's laugh was sharper this time. "Look at yourself, Caroma," he said, gesturing to her. "Married to a man who beats you. Don't think we haven't noticed the way you're walking."