Chapter 6: A Room of Her Own

A marriage alliance is really great.

I skipped down the hall, clutching my decision letter like a prize from the state fair. The world seemed brighter, the air fresher. For the first time in years, I felt special.

After leaving the office, I hugged the letter and walked along, grinning foolishly.

Everyone I passed stared—some with pity, some with curiosity. I didn’t care. I was too happy.

As I walked, I saw Jason standing nearby, face stern, eyes dark.

He looked like a thundercloud. I hesitated, torn between excitement and dread.

I got scared and tried to run, but Jason caught me at once.

His hand landed on my shoulder, gentle but firm. I froze, not daring to meet his gaze.

“Maddie, do you even get what you’re signing up for? Nobody here even noticed you—why’d you have to volunteer? This isn’t some game.”

His words came out sharp, cutting through my joy. He sounded more like a worried big brother than a tutor.

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the office, like an angry kid.

I stumbled after him, letter crumpled in my fist. He didn’t look back, jaw set.

“Come with me to see Dad, and say you don’t want to go for the marriage alliance.”

I dug in my heels, refusing to let him drag me back.

“No.”

I shook off his hand. “I want to go. I don’t want to stay here. I hate you. I hate it here.”

The words tumbled out. My throat burned, hands shook.

“You’re going to marry Emily, so why are you still coming to me?”

Tears streamed down my face. I choked out, “No one here cares about Maddie. Maddie wants to leave, go far away, and never come back.”

My voice broke. The hallway felt colder, emptier. I wiped my nose on my sleeve, refusing to meet his eyes.

Jason was stunned, mouth open, but said nothing.

For once, he was speechless. I slipped away, heart pounding.

Taking advantage of his daze, I shook off his hand and ran back as fast as I could.

The halls blurred as I dashed toward my new life. I didn’t stop until I found the door with my name on it.

As soon as I saw my new room, I forgot everything else.

The bedspread was soft, the windows clean. I spun in a slow circle, taking it all in, unable to believe it was really mine.

No drafts, no rats or snakes, and even a plate of peach cookies on the table.

It was heaven. I curled up on the couch, nibbling a cookie, listening to the rain on the glass. For the first time, I felt safe.

Lying on the soft couch, I sighed again, “A marriage alliance is really great.”

I pressed my face into the pillow, breathing in the scent of clean sheets, and whispered, “Please let this luck last.”