Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 5: Unfair Treatment

Ciara's POV

Since we walked into the room, Emily hasn't said a word. She's just quietly sipping her tea, completely zoned out. I can't help but wonder what's bothering her so deeply.

"Hey Emily..."

"Hey," she replies, distracted.

I wave a hand in front of her face to get her attention again. "What's going on with you? You've been so quiet since we got here."

"You know you can talk to me, right? Don't bottle it up. Or... do you not trust me enough to share it?" I tell her hoping to get it out of her

"Don't say that, Ciara," she says quickly. "You're my best friend. That's why I came because I do trust you and actually came to talk about everything."

"Okay," I say shortly , feeling a bit relieved. "So, what's up?" I ask again

"It's about my sister, Melanie," she begins.

"Oh? What about her?"

"She brought Samuel home."

"Okay... and?"

"Well, he came to ask for her hand in marriage." She adds

"Wow, that's great news! I always thought those two would end up together ,they're adorable. But... why the long face then?"

Emily sighs, "My dad didn't approve. I know, it sounds strange, but apparently Samuel's family has a shady past, and they're going through financial problems. So, in my dad's eyes, Melanie even thinking of marrying him is just unacceptable."

"Wait, then why did she start dating him in the first place if she knew it wouldn't work out?"

"She says it started as just friendship, but over time it grew into love. She didn't even realize how deep she'd fallen until it was too late."

"So what's your dad's final word?"

"He said if she goes through with the marriage, he'll disown her. She'll never be allowed back into the house."

"What? That's so unfair. Melanie doesn't deserve this. She's such a kind soul."

I pause, then ask, "Is your mom okay with all this?"

Emily shakes her head, "Of course not. Melanie's her first daughter but what can she do? She feels like she has to support whatever Dad decides. It's frustrating."

"All these traditions and roles... they're so unfair. What if the husband's decisions tear the family apart? Now I get why you're so down. If I had a sister going through that, I'd feel just as terrible."

"I hate going home now," she confesses. "The atmosphere is too heavy. And seeing my sister cry every day? It's heartbreaking."

"What's Melanie going to do?"

"Honestly, she's thinking of letting go of Samuel. My dad's serious once he makes a decision, there's no turning back. And Melanie loves our family too much to go against him."

"Poor girl. She must be hurting so much."

Emily sighs, "Seeing what's happening to her has made me scared."

"Scared? Why?"

"What if I fall in love one day, and Dad doesn't approve either? I don't think I could handle this kind of pain."

"I get it," I say gently. "But don't let this stop you from falling in love. Just because Melanie is your sister doesn't mean your story will be the same. Things could turn out differently for you."

"Maybe... but I doubt it. Dad's word is always final."

"Well... we never know. Maybe he'll come around and let them be together. Miracles do happen." I say trying to brighten up her mood.

"Thanks, Ciara, for listening to me." She says not wanting to discuss the issue any further.

"Please don't thank me. That's what I'm here for. You don't have to keep all this to yourself. You're not alone, okay? But I also think you need to stay strong for Melanie. She needs your support now more than ever. Just be there for her. you're amazing, and she's lucky to have you and so am I."

Emily smiles, a little teary-eyed, and hugs me tightly. "You have no idea how much I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm really lucky to have you too."

"Alright, enough with the sappy stuff, you're going to make me cry too," I say wiping imaginary tears from my cheeks.

She chuckles, "Let's go for a walk at the park, clear our heads a little." She suggests

"I wish I could... but I'm kind of grounded. Remember the last time we stayed out too late? Yeah, Mom wasn't thrilled. So now I'm stuck inside for a week or two."

"Oh no! That sucks."

"It's okay. Honestly, I'm just glad you came over. I was starting to wonder how I'd survive another boring day."

"I'll try to visit more often then," she promises sweetly.

"Thank you! I'd really appreciate that. Being stuck indoors is no fun at all."

"I'll come by as much as I can," she says, holding my hand warmly.

"Just don't get yourself into trouble like me. I can't lose you!" I tease dramatically.

"Oh please, enough with the drama," she laughs, rolling her eyes.

She stands to leave. "It's getting a bit late, I should head home."

"Yeah, till next time," I say, hugging her again.

As we walk out, we pass by the kitchen where Mom is cooking. Emily insists on saying goodbye, even though I could've easily done that for her . she's always so polite.

"Auntie, I'll be heading out now," she says respectfully.

"Emily, stay for lunch!" Mom offers.

"I'd love to, but I don't want to worry my parents by staying too long."

"Alright dear if you insist , take care and say hi to your mom for me." She tells her

"Mum, when did you even get home?" I ask, cutting in.

"About an hour and a half ago. Didn't want to disturb you girls."

"Oh, okay."

"I'll walk Em to the door," I tell her.

"Don't forget to lock up there are thieves around!" she calls out.

"Okay!" I say as Emily and I walk to the door.

We hug again. and She promises to keep visiting since I'm stuck at home. Once she's gone, I lock the door and head back to the kitchen to ask if Mum needs help, but as always she says no.

So, I head back to my room and curl up for a nap before lunch.

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