The Overweighted Cinderella
CHAPTER 1- PERFECT MOMENT
A cold, oppressive silence hung over the funeral hall. Maria's sister-in-law, her face a mask of sorrow, wept silently into a lace handkerchief. A single, white lily lay wilted in her trembling hands. Outside, a sleek black sedan watched the proceedings with an eerie stillness.
"They all thought that I was dead. But I'm back. Because Iam going to send them to hell all by myself" .
A sharp pain shot through Maria's bandaged body as a memory surfaced. She was back in that suffocating house, a mere shadow in her own life.
The house was a gilded cage. Maria, a prisoner in her own home, scrubbed at the marble floor, her reflection a distorted image in the ornate mirror. The TV blared, a stark contrast to the muted tones of her existence. Janice, her sister-in-law, lounged on the plush sofa, her eyes glued to the screen.
"You're such a useless creature," Janice sneered, her voice laced with contempt.
Maria flinched, her heart sinking.
Janice's designer heels clicked on the marble floor as she sauntered closer.
"Did you even hear what Alex said? He's about to be a big shot, and you're just...well, you." Maria bit her lip, the sting of Janice's words a familiar ache. She yearned for a life beyond these walls, a life where she wasn't just invisible help.
The interview on the TV reached a crescendo. Alex, impeccably dressed, spoke with confidence about his business ventures.
"My wife, Maria, has been my rock throughout it all,' he declared, his gaze seemingly finding her through the screen. 'Her unwavering support means the world to me.'"
A flicker of warmth bloomed in Maria's chest, battling the cynicism that had become her armor. Could his words be genuine? Or was this just another act for the cameras?
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing Alex himself. The practiced smile from the interview was gone, replaced by a look of genuine concern.
"Maria, are you alright? I heard Janice was giving you a hard time again.'"
Maria hesitated, unsure how to respond. A lifetime of conditioning held her tongue, but a spark of defiance flickered within.
Maria stood when she saw him, her round face breaking into a hesitant smile. Despite her fuller figure, there was a quiet grace about her. She reached out, her hand finding his, a silent plea for peace.
"You're early," she murmured, her voice soft.
Janice's lips curled into a sneer.
"An elder sister is like a mother," she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain.
"I'm simply disciplining your wife."
Alex's eyes hardened. "Do you forget the time you were deathly ill? Maria was your sole caretaker. She sold her only home to pay for your treatment."
Maria's eyes filled with unshed tears as she lowered her head. Her heart swelled with gratitude for his unwavering support. Alex pulled her close, his arm a comforting shield.
"And she's still taking care of you," Alex continued, his voice low and dangerous. Maria looked up at him, her eyes filled with a silent question. His gaze met hers, and in that moment, she felt a love so deep it took her breath away.
"If you can't treat her with respect, then you can't stay here," Alex declared, his voice firm. With a protective arm around Maria, he began to walk her to their room.
Janice watched, her face contorted with rage, as he deliberately crushed her shoes beneath his heel. Her shrill scream echoed through the house as she wreaked havoc in her wake.
He led Maria into their haven, a room bathed in soft sunlight filtering through sheer curtains. The air was filled with the subtle fragrance of jasmine, a counterpoint to the earthy scent of the potted plants. The pristine white bedding and minimalist decor created an atmosphere of tranquility.
The room was a reflection of their love - simple, elegant, and pure.
Alex took her hands, pulling her gently onto the bed. As he began to clean the dirt from her skin, his touch was surprisingly tender. A blush crept up Maria's cheeks, a stark contrast to her usually pale complexion. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anticipation and fear.
He knelt before her; his gaze intense.
"Sweetheart, I remember everything you've done for this family," he said, his voice a gentle caress. "I won't let you suffer anymore."
Maria's eyes filled with tears.
"Alex, I'm alright," she whispered, her voice trembling.
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He gently pinched her cheeks, his touch warm and comforting. "I have a surprise for you. Something I've been waiting to give you."
Anticipation sparked in Maria's eyes.
"Roses?" she guessed, a playful smile curving her lips.
Alex chuckled.
"Of course, roses. But there's more." He handed her a bouquet of pink and white roses, their delicate petals soft to the touch.
"But this is just the beginning."
Maria's heart raced. What could be more than this perfect moment, this perfect man, and these perfect roses?