In our social circle, we recognize the existence of werewolves and their success in matters of power, influence, and wealth.
My family wasn't on par with the werewolves. But we were highly respected.
My mother, an only daughter of a rich and famous couple, would have been married off to a much powerful family, if not for her unparalleled business acumen.
Father was the fifth son of what we call “a new money”. With no redeeming qualities, he was married into mother’s family, and carried her surname.
Their union sired two daughters – Shelly, and me.
Shelly, a year older, was ambitious, headstrong, and assertive; never backing off from getting what she wanted.
I, Serena, was a year younger. Described by people as kindhearted, and loyal. Others believed it impressive, but it only made me miserable since I’m often driven to a corner for being timid.
When I turned ten, my mother started to complain about father’s irresponsible choice of acquaintances.
She was getting concerned for our future. Having daughters meant marrying us off, which will lead to usurpation of our assets.
When I turned fourteen. Mother was on the verge of divorcing our father for being useless.
It was then that we crossed paths with Cain.
It was a fine day, we decided to celebrate my birthday by picnicking near the river within our territory. Truth be told, we were just showing off a happy family for the sake of appearances.
Wandering around, I noticed a young man with bloodied hands and a swollen face. I brought him over to our parents.
When mother questioned him, he told us that he was driven out of the family estate, because his older half-brother unjustly accused him of conspiring with a rival family.
Father took pity on his situation and proposed to adopt him into the family. Mother immediately agreed, obviously seeing him as someone she can utilize to our family’s advantage.
However, it did not save our parents’ marriage. A year later, they still divorced.
Mother chose to have me, despite Shelly’s insistence to stay with her. She reasoned out that Shelly already made her debut in society, staying with our socially inept father will not hurt her. Rather, she can help father properly manage his assets.
Cain, who openly showed his affection for Shelly since the day we met him, insisted on staying with them for obvious reasons. But mother ordered him to stay with us.
“Serena, is about to turn sixteen and make her debut in society. Are you suggesting that I let a stranger accompany her?” she asked.
Unable to contradict her words, Cain stayed with mother and I; Shelly stayed with father.
On my sixteenth birthday, mother didn’t simply introduce me to society, she also announced my engagement with Cain!
“Let’s toast to the engagement of my daughter, Serena, and Cain!” she announced.
Cain was none too happy with it. He left that night and stayed at our father’s place.
After the party, mom told me the truth.
Not too long ago, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given less than a year to live. She didn’t want to leave me all alone.
“Cain seemed to be enraged with your decision, though.” I forlornly said.
“My dear daughter, does his opinion even matter?” She asked me.
“But mother, we all knew Cain was smitten with Shelly!” I protested.
“And you’re in love with him.” She told me.
“He wouldn’t even look my way…” I sobbed.
“My dear Serena, never sit under a tree waiting for apples to fall,” she said, as she gently held my face.
The next morning, Cain returned. He went to mother’s study and had a long talk with her. It lasted until late afternoon.
The next thing I knew, I was told that our marriage was happening in a month.
Prior to our marriage, Cain was the epitome of charm, as if it was me whom he was genuinely smitten with.
Mother gave in to her illness right after we were married.
In her will, she explicitly mentioned that her funeral must last only a day. Obeying her wishes, she was buried the next day.
My husband, going a full 180 on me, ignored my request for mourning and went on with the honeymoon.
It was a nightmare of sorts.
I ended up not only with a ripped nightdress, but with a broken lower lip as well.
Cain claimed my innocence in a very callous way. He left finger marks on my breasts, bite marks on my nipples, bruises on my thighs. My nether region felt ripped and I had a hard time moving the next day.
Right after his release, he stood up and left. I haven't heard from him since.
Three weeks later, I found out that I was carrying our child. I called him on his mobile phone to tell him of the good news, all I got was a “damn it” from him.
I found out that he went to my father’s place and was staying with Shelly ever since the night of our honeymoon.
Feeling forlorn, I wandered the metro. I ended up visiting the restaurant where Cain proposed to me. Sitting by myself, my eyes drifted to the table where Cain and I shared a meal, prior to his proposal.
What I saw shook my very core.
