Insignificant doormat

Genevieve gasped, her eyes widening as Audrey's hand jolted forward, causing some tea to spill on her lap. The layers of her skirt prevented the tea from reaching her skin, but it ruined the fabric, making Genevieve flush with anger. This dress had cost her forty gold coins!

Audrey pretended to be shocked, looking at Genevieve innocently. "Sister, are you okay? Did you get burned? Does it hurt?"

Rosalind quickly rose from her seat and went to Genevieve's side. "Have the butler bring a first aid kit to Genevieve's room," she instructed a nearby servant.

Genevieve appeared hurt, gazing at Audrey with teary eyes. "Sister, I forgive you."

Audrey raised an eyebrow casually. "Why would I need forgiveness when I did nothing wrong? You know what you did."

The young ladies continued to whisper among themselves. The Morriston family had shown great patience in tolerating this unruly red-headed girl!

"If Genevieve has wronged you in the past, you should try to resolve it instead of resorting to sneaky tactics for revenge," Rosalind lectured Audrey, who rolled her eyes.

"Sister, I apologize, I won't talk about Cedric anymore," Genevieve sobbed.

The reason behind Audrey's attempt to scald her sister became clear, causing more murmurs among the young ladies!

Audrey's face twisted in disgust. Cedric. That whore of a man - pardon her language - who was even more foolish than her sister. In this lifetime, she would ensure those two ended up together no matter what! Nothing she did ever pleased that man, especially after her face was scarred by acid. Instead of consoling her, he was repulsed by her. Even if she harmed Genevieve, it would be for revenge, not for Cedric.

"Why are you still sitting there? Weren't you scalded by the tea? Don't you need first aid anymore or have you forgotten about the pain?" Audrey prodded, a faint, wistful smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you all for coming. It's been delightful having you here," Rosalind dismissed the guests.

Before all the guests could depart, Audrey quietly slipped away, making her way to her room. The room held a special place in her heart, offering the comfort she needed. Seven wishes, her mind whispered. Seven wishes to be made. What could she possibly wish for now? The Morriston family's demise? Or her parents returning to life? She shuddered and buried her face in her pillow. Regardless, she had to come up with something within three days. Thinking of Benjamin's innocent face, Audrey sighed. She still didn't understand what he gained from their deal. She needed to find out, no matter what. And why did he reside in such a massive castle? Pondering carefully, she couldn't recall any wealthy elite or high society member with that level of wealth, nor had she seen him at any social events. Who was he? Audrey groaned, tired of her racing thoughts. She decided to give in to sleep, snuggling under the sheets. She moaned in contentment at the comfort. Her long, lush lashes almost touched her freckled cheeks, her plump, pink lips were slightly pouted, and her slightly upturned nose was pink, likely from the cold. For the first time in a long while, she slept peacefully. When Audrey finally opened her eyes, the sun had already begun its descent, casting a fiery orange hue across her room. She sluggishly sat up, letting out a yawn and rubbing her tired eyes. She wiped away the drool that had gathered at the corner of her mouth and proceeded to take a shower before joining the rest of the family for supper.

Sebastian, Audrey's stepfather, sternly warned, "No disrespectful daughter of mine sits at the dinner table." His words caused Audrey to pause as she was about to pull out a chair for herself. Was he really trying to prevent her from sitting at her own table? This man certainly had some nerve, she thought to herself with a sneer.

"Father, what have I done wrong?" she questioned, her eyes catching the satisfied glances exchanged between her mother and sister.

"You still have the audacity to act ignorant? Where were you last night?" he interrogated, his gaze hardening upon the young lady. Day by day, minute by minute, second by second, Audrey began to resemble her mother more and more, despite her freckles and red hair that belonged to her biological father. But those piercing blue eyes... he would never forget them.

"I was at home," Audrey replied patiently, playing the role of the dutiful daughter.

"At home? Do you take us for fools? Or have I been too lenient with you lately?" Sebastian growled. "Your mother informed me about the dress - give it to Genevieve."

Audrey arched an eyebrow at him. She had no intention of handing over that dress to Genevieve. It served as a reminder of her agreement with the mysterious man. Plus, it was the only silk dress she owned. Genevieve probably had a closet full of silk dresses. Why should Audrey sacrifice her one silk dress for someone as manipulative as Genevieve?

Upon hearing Sebastian's demand, Genevieve's mood brightened. She had been disturbed about wasting the forty gold coins all day. Purchasing that dress had depleted her allowance, only to have it ruined by Audrey. And that red dress Audrey had worn was truly exquisite.

"I can't," Audrey stated firmly, finally taking a seat and cutting her steak with deliberate slowness.

"You've ruined her dress. Compensate her," Sebastian insisted. He couldn't recall the last time Audrey had been so obstinate.

Audrey chuckled softly, popping a piece of steak into her mouth.

"Father, it's fine. It's just a dress, even if it was expensive," Genevieve murmured, causing a small smile to tug at Audrey's lips.

"Wouldn't giving the dress to your sister be a kind gesture?" Rosalind interjected.

Audrey sighed. Did these freeloaders think they could milk her for all she was worth?! Ha! They should dream on! They were lucky she even allowed them to dine with her!

"I will give the dress to her," Audrey announced, causing Genevieve's face to light up with joy. "But only after I ensure that everyone has seen me in it."

Genevieve's anger boiled within her as she clenched her fists. "That's fine, Sister can keep the dress..."

The sudden shift in Audrey's attitude surprised everyone at the table. Where did this newfound confidence come from? It seemed like she was growing bolder with each passing day. If caution wasn't exercised, she might even start claiming her parents' properties... but that was just a fleeting thought, right? Audrey was still just an insignificant doormat, wasn't she?

Rosalind intervened, "Let's forget about it. Sisters should forgive each other. By the way, I forgot to mention that Aunt Helen is coming to stay with us for a few weeks. Both of you need to be on your best behavior."

Audrey wrinkled her nose at the mention of Aunt Helen. In her previous life, the woman had treated her with indifference, avoiding her like the plague. Aunt Helen also had a mischievous and stubborn son named Ezra, whom even the 'kind-hearted' Genevieve couldn't tolerate.

Genevieve, intrigued, asked, "When is she arriving?"

"Tomorrow. She might bring gifts from abroad," Rosalind replied.

"Shouldn't we throw her a welcome party? She hasn't been in Achwold for such a long time," Audrey suggested, and Genevieve immediately nodded in agreement.

"A small gathering wouldn't hurt," Rosalind agreed, glancing at her husband for the final decision.

As they all looked at him expectantly, Sebastian let out a sigh. "Do whatever you want."

Audrey's eyes twinkled with mischief, while Genevieve subtly smirked, exchanging knowing glances with her mother.

After the evening meal, Audrey returned to her chamber, taking her place in front of the vanity mirror. She gazed at her reflection, running her fingers over her smooth skin. It was as flawless as it had been before. Since becoming a scarred baroness, she never imagined she would see her face like this again. Her fiery red hair, now matching the fury in her heart, flowed in waves down her back, reaching her waist. Her eyes shifted towards the contract on the dressing table, causing a shudder to run through her. She wondered what her first wish would be. Despite having the privilege of seven wishes at her disposal, she desired nothing more than to tear this family apart with her own hands, satisfying her unquenchable thirst for revenge.

Everything she had done for them had been in vain. They were like an endless abyss - no matter how much she gave, it was never enough. She had bestowed upon them her parents' legacy, allowed herself to be forced into a loveless marriage, and sacrificed her own face for her sister. Yet, the love and warmth she yearned for were never reciprocated. She had endured so much suffering. If her parents were truly watching from above, how would they feel?

Her blue eyes met her own reflection in the mirror. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the end for the Morriston family. Her fortune would be their downfall. With a faint smile, she extinguished the candlelight and drifted off to sleep.