Dark skin is beautiful

When she returned home, she was a bit exhausted. But her condition will soon return to normal for she isn't any ordinary being. She undid all of her jewellery and hair fasteners after ordering the maids to prepare her bath.

When the bath was ready, she sent all of them out to change out of her clothing. Then she soaked herself in warm water. It was pure bliss.

Even an undead like her took pleasure from it. She could feel her muscle relaxing as she delicately washed her body. But soon it was time to get out of the water as somebody knocked on her door.

Knock! Knock!

"Yes?"

"Young miss, mother is calling you for dinner"

"Alright, I will be down soon." she replied

"I will inform that to madam"

"Hmm, go and feed yourself too, char" She encouraged

"After I finish my duties, I will" The maid replied softly. She could hear the retreating steps of the young maid. Marie was new but worked hard.

sigh!

Anais got out of the water even though she didn't want to. She was already late for dinner if her mother sent a maid after her.

So, she quickly rinsed her hair as best as she could and got into a sleeping gown and pyjamas. Then she made her way to the dining room.

Carved meat with gravy game bird was served for dinner along with rice. The circus was going crazy. Her father was already on his second plate and Evie and her mother only ate salad to keep their figure and discussed her cousin's wedding.

Irvine ate perfect portions, not one to care for her figure but also not bearing the habit of overeating.

"Mother, did you know?" Evie asked around a mouthful of salad.

"What, honey?" Marianna asked without bothering to look up from her food.

"I've read in today's magazine that if you chew meats for a longer period, you won't gain weight"

"That's bullshit, honey. For ages, women ate a small portion of meats and mostly salad to keep their figure." Her mother dismissed the young girl.

"The magazine says it's a new scientific discovery"

"Those male scientists have no idea what is important for a woman. Also, don't talk with food in your mouth. Bad manners" she nagged.

"But mother, I want to try" Evie was insisted.

"Go ahead, don't tell me I didn't warn you"

"You will see I won't gain any weight" Evie beamed picking up a small portion of carved meat onto her plate.

"You could just exercise, you know" Irvine finally spoke up.

"No no, that's too much for a delicate woman like me to handle" Evie quickly dismissed her.

"Mother, there is a new gym opened in the city" Irvine disclosed. That got her father's interest piqued though he usually ate himself to death. Was he thinking about getting back in the game?

"But only men go there, Irvine" Her mother dismissed her words with a shake of her hand as if she was swatting those words away.

"Yeah, it won't be right for the girls to go there" Mr Marcelo agreed with his wife. Usually, he didn't bother.

"But mother-" Irvine started

"I want to go and check it out" Anais suddenly spoke up earning everybody's stare. She won't miss an opportunity to get away from her crazy mother and sister.

Evie carefully put her spoon and forks down and leaned forward "Why? You are never one to care for your figure"

"I'm of age. I need to find myself a husband" Of course that was a lie. Kurt was not going to marry her and she would not have an arranged marriage.

"Nobody will marry you, Anais. You're an ugly fat cow" Evie mocked earning Anais's glare.

"Don't make me angry, Evie" she warned her

"What? I'm only telling the truth"

"And what are you? A pretty face with no brains. Your husband will take up mistresses and you will never find out"

"Oh, if it helps him. At the end of the day, he will have to come to me" Evie pretended to tidy her hair and leaned close to Anais "You on the other hand can't even get that brother to marry you. What's his name? Kurt"

"Evie, you little witch!" she was angry now. Her sister always made fun of her darker skin tone so she was used to it. But this was crossing the boundaries.

So, she got up and took a fistful of her hair and shoved her headfirst into the food. Damn carved meat, Evie was so excited for those.

"Anais! what kind of misbehaviour is this?!"

"Oh god lord!"

"What a mess!"

Everyone started freaking out. But it was not uncommon for a lady like Anais. Though it would do her more good if she could fight back with people outside of her family more. She will not admit it of course.

"You guys always take this church bell's side" Anais defended herself. She was the least favourite daughter after all. So, she had to stand up for herself.

"But you did not need to do this" her mother. Irvine quickly got up and silently scuttled away. She wasn't one for drama.

"Go to your room now" her mother ordered and she followed. She did not care anymore. That little witch got what she deserved. Even if the whole family agreed that she was ugly, she would not tolerate it.

She heard her mother shout behind her

"Also you are not allowed to attend your cousin's wedding until you mend your ways"

Like she cared. In fact she was relieved to not have to travel that far in a multiple layered skirts. She went to her chamber and slammed the door hard.

And that's how the night at Marcelo's mansion ended. With Evie utterly destroyed and Anais sentenced to confinement in her room. Hell of a way to end a night.