Finally out.
After two years in captivity while the real criminal collected award, Margaret was finally free.
“Don’t let me see your face here again,” The warden hissed, not bothering to look up.
Margaret Clinton said nothing; she simply turned and walked out while two wardens escorted her through the prison gates.
The harsh sunlight hit her first, Margaret squinted against the brightness.
Two years of gray walls and artificial light made the sun feel distant and new.
Then a shrill voice cut out through the silence.
“My baby is out!!!" Odette wailed, rushing forward with open arms.
Margaret forced a smile like it might crack her face. "How are you, Mum?" The words tasted like ash but she said it anyway.
"I was never fine without you" Odette said, "But now that I'm seeing you… I'm well again"
Margaret forced another smile. She knew that was a lie. Odette never came to visit her in the prison for the past two years, she knew all this joviality was farce so she wouldn't fall for it.
Odette linked her arms through Margret's and steered her toward the waiting Bentley. "I've arranged a family dinner at the most expensive hotel. You deserve a big meal."
They stopped before the Bentley, the window rolled down before Odette could pull the handle for Margaret, revealing a sophisticated celebrity with a sharp face.
Her eyes briefly scanned Margaret before scoffing. "Two years in prison and you look as if you've lost ten years of your life."
Margaret's throat tightened. Two years after taking the fall for him and this was the greeting she got?
Odette pulled Margaret's hand again and opened the door, "Don't be mean to your sister yet, Bianca," She scolded. "At least respect her this once"
Margaret slowly entered the car and sat beside Bianca, whose face formed an irritating scowl. "Mum, she stinks," Bianca cried, making Margaret's jaw clench. Two years of cold showed in prison soap and this was the greeting she got.
Bianca's pink Friday nails and Cartier bracelet were new and expensive, while she, who'd willingly agreed to serve prison terms in her stead, was still wearing those from two years ago. Cheap, and worn out.
But she held herself back. Not now.
The Bentley accelerated and exited the prison gates. Margaret wound down the window to draw in the fresh air of freedom, tears stung her eyes.
She was trialed and sentenced to two years' imprisonment after Bianca hit an old woman by mistake, but the old woman survived.
For two years, she was beaten by wardens, starved and battered by inmates. She scrubbed toilets and washed inmates' underwear all for a crime she never committed.
Now, it's been two years. Margaret wasn't sure whether she should be happy ,because the reaction she got from Bianca was different from her expectations.
The Bentley finally pulled up at the Clinton's house at Vineyard Estate.
Odette rushed quickly to open the door for Margaret, smiling at her more beautifully than expecting. Margaret wondered wonder if the woman really meant all these or….thiscom…back home, Marg," Bella, Bianca's quiet but dangerous twin, sister greeted, receiving her inside with a smile.
She forced a smile and was led to what used to be the store, but now her room. Margar,et fewas lt bad, but didn't protest. What's the point?
At first, she had a long, warm bath filled with tears of victory and happiness.
Every night at prison was chaos, mosquito bites, cold days and nights, finally sheAfterward
Afterward, they drove to the hotel for a family dinner and as the waiter poured wine into the glasses, Margaret realized her family's attitude was a little bit out of the ordinary.
Odette never smiled at her for free. Bella and Bianca were cartoonishly nice, and she wasn't used to it, so were most things, which she couldn't understand yet.
"Margaret" Odette set down her glass. "We have wonderful news"
Margaret waited for the calm before the storm…
"You'll marry Emmanuel Andre Quinn" Odette dropped smoothly. "He needs a wife to claim his position as a CEO"
Margaret shot to her feet "You promised me a job, not a husband!"
Bella dropped her cutlery too, "No, Marg. It's really not what you're thinking. Emmanuel's Mum wants him to get married if he wants to lead M&SONS. So you'll just marry him to get the company and…"
"I was imprisoned for two years, so Bianca could win an Oscar," Margaret reminded them. "This wasn't what y'all promised me"
"Stop shouting, did you want to ruin her life now?" Odette pulled her hand. "A paparazzi could be lurking around"
She banged her hand on the table angrily. "I don't care!!. I was your slave all my life. I refuse to do it again! So get me a better job like you promised so I can move out"
Odette stood up and slapped Margaret; all the smile and sophistication faded into malice. "Serving me and my kids for a hundred years wouldn't make up for what your foolish mother did to me! You should be grateful that you're going to be the wife of a rich man even though it's just for a day"
The slap landed so hard that Margaret's vision blurred for a second, reminding her that the reason why she agreed to take the blame was to pay for her mother's sin. Two years was never enough.
'For my mother's sin' Margaret thought. Then she agreed. "I'll only be his wife on the wedding day"
"Now you're talking" Odette smirked. "Emmanuel would compensate you handsomely if you don't mess up"
The next two days were spent preparing her for the marriage.
Margaret had given them her word that this would be the last. 'One last time,' Margaret told herself. 'Help them this time and get the fuck off!' She thought as Bianca adorned her face with make-up.
She didn't meet Emmanuel until the wedding day. Odette said he was too busy to meet beforehand.
The ceremony was brief and cold. No guests cheered or presented any gifts. Gaga Quinn was the happiest. "You've made me happy by bringing such a sweet girl as your wife. Now, I believe you'll lead the company well."
After the handover, Emmanuel and Margaret arrived at his home, he didn't even spare her a glance. "The ceremony has ended, you can go back to wherever they keep you"
Margaret frowned, wondering if he was joking or not. She swallowed, "You haven't paid for the marriage standing in. My stepmom said…"
"Why should I pay for borrowing my girlfriend's sister?" he snapped. "I guess they made all that up to get you to agree to this"
Her heart seized. "Girlfriend's… sister?"
Emmanuel's lips curved into a smirk. "Oh and one more thing," He leaned against the car, blocking her path. "Your mother already collected the payment from me. Every cent, so wether you like it or not.. you're now my wife!"
Margaret's blood ran cold.
Emmanuel's smile didn't even reach his eyes. "Welcome to the family, Mrs Quinn"
