The Switch:Anna and Stephanie

Anna walked in the kitchen to grab a drink. With the hot weather she really needed to cool down and quench her thirst. She preferred water to any other drink and so she took a bottle of water. As she was about to open the bottle, Kathryn, her step mother in law walked in. Anna politely, "good afternoon ma'am?" Without responding Kathryn gave her a disgusting look. It was as if Anna was something disgusting.

Anna was already used to this woman's cruelty. She always mocked her and never wanted anything to do her since her childhood. Being the mansion's head maid's daughter was not easy and now that she was in her third year as a daughter in law in the same mansion. Anna had not been able to bear a child for her husband Sebastian. Now this was Kathryn's attacking weapon and she always made Anna's life a living hell.

"What would be good in this afternoon when a barren woman who has no shame is blocking my way? What kind of a woman are you? A miserable wife who cannot even make her husband a father? What else does being a wife mean??? But I understand why you cannot bear a child...it is due to the things you did to your body during your youth and all the abortions you've had!!! You are such a hypocrite!"

In Anna's eyes you could see the pain. She clenched her fists controlling her rile. She could not believe what Kathryn just told her. She grew up under her rules and she was never allowed to leave the mansion unless when necessary. Adams, Kathryn's husband and Sebastian's dad took her to school and she was always a good girl until when she graduated.

What she did not understand was when she did all the things Kathryn accused her of. She was married still a virgin and it was her husband Seba who broke it. Now Kathryn claimed that she had several terminations and therefore destroyed her system.

Tears rolled down on her cheeks, "You more than anyone else know that I was not that kind of a girl...I don't know when, but I believe that one day I'll be a mother and I'll have kids!!! "she picked her bottle and was about to leave when Kathryn held her hand.

"Sebastian must remarry! He needs a wife who will make him a father and happy. Poor thing is always sad because of you. I will make sure that you get replaced! "She madly let Anna's hand go and left. Anna ran to her room upstairs and busted into tears throwing herself on the floor.

She loved Seba and now he was going to marry another woman. But she knew that she had no power to avoid what was going to happen. Afterall Kathryn was right, she had not been a good wife. She knew that deep down Seba wished to have a child and be a father. All this thoughts broke her heart. She cried furiously her heart out.

Dinner was ready and Teresa led in making the table. She noticed that her daughter was not there and so she decided to go upstairs and check why she wasn't joining the rest. It was obvious that if Adams came and found her not with the rest, Teresa or Seba would be forced to get her.

As she drew closer to her room she heard sighs. She definitely knew that Anna was crying. She slowly opened the unlocked door and saw Anna on the floor. "Anna..."she solemnly walked towards her and held her shoulder."Anna, what's wrong? Talk to me am your mother."

Anna turned and hugged her. "Ma'am Kathryn wants Seba to remarry. She says that he deserves a wife who will make him a father... But mum I can't watch him marry another woman." Teresa was surprised. How dare could Kathryn make such a decision. Was she insane? She had gone nuts. She wouldn't allow her to make such a decision.

"Calm down Anna, that will not happen. I won't allow that I promise. I will do everything in my power. But honey you know that you cannot afford to miss your meals,"in her voice there was an assurance that she'd do everything to stop Kathryn.

"Am not hungry. If they ask for me say that I am unwell. Please mama," she pleaded. Teresa nodded in agreement and helped her daughter to stand. "Let me go and try talking to her. Try not to think about it so much." Teresa left Anna's room and she walked downstairs clenching her fists. The rile in her was noticeable. As she approached the dining table she walked respectfully since Adams was already home and she did not want to create a scene. Adams had already noticed her presence and cleared his throat.

"Where is Anna? Teresa I told you that she cannot eat with the maids anymore she is my daughter now!!" Adams was disappointed this was because he really loved Anna and ever since she was a kid he raised her like the rest with all the love he could offer not knowing that she would become an official member of his family. Now she was his daughter in law. The love of his son.

Teresa bowed her head and politely and answered, "am sorry sir but she cannot join. She is unwell. I have tried to plead with her but she is so stubborn and won't leave the room."

"Did she visit the doctor?"

"Not yet sir but tomorrow that will be the first thing to do."

"Okay make sure that you keep me posted."

"Sure, I will."

Teresa bowed again gave Kathryn a cold impression and left. She would not let Kathryn do what she wanted this time she would fight for her daughter. She was preparing the drinks when Kathryn walked in.

"I din't know that your daughter was sick...and what was that look you gave me back there? I was scared you would kill me," she laughed sarcastically. "Kathryn are you crazy? Why do you want to add more pain to Anna?"

"What do you mean Teresa?"

"Don't you dare pretend that you have no idea of what am saying! You want Sebastian to remarry? Why? That can never happen!"

"And who do you think you are? I just want Adams to be happy that's all! He needs a grandchild and your daughter can't do it"

Teresa held Kathryn's hand and talked in a low tone, "we both know why she can't give birth and we can easily fix it don't dare play the victim here Kathryn!"

"I don't care Teresa! Sebastian must marry another woman!! That is final," Kathryn was so sure as she said these words.