The Proposal

The evening air in the Black family mansion felt heavy with perfume and quiet authority. Crystal chandeliers glowed above the long mahogany table, where Mrs. Eleanor Black — elegant, graceful, and intimidatingly poised — sat across from Mr. and Mrs. Richard.

Fine china clinked softly as the butler poured tea. The faint sound of the piano echoed from the next room, where Travis’s older brother was entertaining other guests.

Eleanor smiled politely, the kind of smile that never quite reached her eyes.

> “I met your daughter, Luna, at the Greenworth charity gala last month,” she began, her voice calm but purposeful. “Such a beautiful, sweet girl. Polite, educated, and grounded — qualities I rarely see these days.”

Mr. Richard’s eyes lit up with pride that wasn’t entirely genuine. “Ah yes, Luna. She’s always been well-mannered. We tried our best to raise her right.”

His wife — Luna’s stepmother, Claudia — added quickly, “She’s been taught to respect traditions, Mrs. Black. Very obedient girl.”

Eleanor nodded approvingly. “That’s… wonderful.”

A moment of silence stretched. Then Eleanor placed her teacup down and looked directly at them.

> “I’ll be honest with you, Mr. Richard. I’ve been thinking about this for weeks. My youngest son, Travis… he’s at the age where he should be settling down. But after his heartbreak, he’s shut himself away. We thought— perhaps— if he met someone like Luna, it could bring him back to life.”

The words hung in the air like perfume — sweet but suffocating.

Mr. Richard’s hand froze midway to his cup. “You mean… a marriage?”

Eleanor’s faint smile deepened. “Yes. A marriage proposal. Between Travis and your daughter.”

Claudia’s face twitched — half surprise, half triumph. She glanced at her husband, whose company had been drowning in debt for months. This could change everything. The Blacks were not just rich — they were power itself.

> “Mrs. Black, this is… such an honor,” Claudia gushed, her voice suddenly sugary. “Luna will be perfect for him. She’s quiet, mature, and never argues. I’m sure she’ll adjust easily.”

Eleanor’s gaze sharpened slightly, catching the desperation behind the flattery. “I’m glad to hear that. I want a girl who can bring peace into my son’s world, not more noise.”

Mr. Richard swallowed hard. “We would be more than happy to consider this alliance.”

Eleanor smiled again, but this time, it felt final — like a deal was already done.

> “Then let us proceed. I’ll have our lawyers contact yours. Of course, we’ll handle all the arrangements.”

She stood, extending her hand gracefully. The meeting was over before they could even breathe.

Claudia clasped her hands together, feigning modesty. “Of course. Luna will be delighted.”

But deep inside, she knew Luna would be anything but.

Later that night…

In the Richard household, Luna was sitting by the window, sketchbook open on her lap, unaware that her future had just been sold like a business deal.

Her stepmother entered her room quietly, her lips curved in a practiced smile.

> “Pack your things, Luna. You’re about to marry into the Black family.”

Luna’s pencil slipped from her hand. “What?”

> “Mrs. Eleanor Black has chosen you for her son. Travis Black.”

Luna froze. Everyone in the city knew of Travis — the mysterious heir who never showed his face in public anymore, the one whispered to be unstable after his fiancée left him.

> “But… I don’t even know him,” she whispered.

Claudia’s smile turned sharp.

> “You don’t need to. Just remember what I’m telling you, Luna — this is your family’s only chance. Don’t you dare ruin it.”

Her voice lowered, colder.

> “And don’t come back home, even if you die there.”

The door shut softly behind her, leaving Luna alone in the silence — her reflection trembling in the glass window.

Outside, thunder rolled in the distance.

And somewhere across the city, in a dark, empty mansion, Travis Black played the piano for no one.

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