"You were much other than the girls when you met me and never suffered any hardship in life. Do you how you were before I came?" Lady Tremaine bitterly smiled. "It wasn't easy to teach you. Mainly because your father had never thought of educating you like a lady. Nor did you have a role model in your life. You weren't prepared for reality then."
*****
"I don't have long to live." Mr. Tremaine announced."My, oh my." Lady Tremaine gasped. "I don't know what to say."
"Lady Tremaine, can I ask you to look after Elena and arrange a good marriage for her when she comes to age?"
Pinching her brows, she hesitated. "I... "
"I know this is a tall order. Approaching death's door made me realize I have bubble wrap and spoil Elena too much. She's not ready for society. I don't have the heart to leave her bad impression before I depart. So I wished to put her into your care and re-educate her. You can do whatever it takes. I believe in your ability!" Mr. Tremaine persisted.
"I'm glad you think so highly of me. But realistically, do you think she'll submit to my authority?" She knew the biggest obstacle was whether Elena will listen to her. Elena grew up with everything going her way. Her desire was never hindered as her father dotes on her and the servant must comply since they get paid to. As her carer, Elena may see her as another servant that feeds off from her family.
It came to Mr. Tremaine then. His shoulders drooped down. His daughter never had to listen to any other than him. And he has never been firm with her. What to do now? If only her mother was here. She would have been strict and raised her like a proper lady. That's right. Her mother.
"Lady Tremaine, please marry me and be her Mother!" Mr. Tremaine's eyes shone.
When he uttered this, Lady Tremaine was sipping her tea. Taken by this surprise, she choked.
"Cough, cough... You can't be serious."
And in the end, the two married. It goes without saying, it was only in name.
On the day, Lady Tremaine entered Mr. Tremaine's household, she put up a cold front when introduced to Elena. The first impression played the most important role, to instill a powerful image of superiority into the teen's mind.
From then on, Elena became familiar with her stepmother's character. A cold, uncaring woman who doesn't accept any challenge to her authority. This was with the aid of Mr. Tremaine, Drusilla, and Anna. As agreed, Mr. Tremaince pretended to yield to Lady Tremaine in front of Elena. While Drusilla and Anna were there to show the stark reality of differential treatment.
Once Mr. Tremaine passed away, Lady Tremaine decided to accelerate her plan because time was running out. Just a few more years and the girls will reach marriageable age. Let Elena fall to the bottom, so she can see things from a different perspective and know what she did in the past lack empathy, prudence, patience, and gratitude.
Elena's world had instantly upside down. She lost her father and life of luxury. Receiving the same treatment she given to the servants before had hit Elena's core. Grief, isolation, hunger, exhaustion, and pain. For the first time, she felt such emotion. She had seen this before and it was always from other people but it never registered to her mind.
She did feel anger toward Lady Tremaine. But she felt so small in front of her and dare not fight back. Lady Tremaine controlled the house and managed her inheritance. Not only that, but her other emotions also overwhelmed and drowned it out. She had listlessly lived through the days.
Unknown to Elena, Lady Tremaine had servants to keep watch and help her out. The servants had watched Elena grow up, so they were more than willing. Discovering kindness during the darkest time can light one's life. Her road to good virtues can begin.
*****
"I did blame my father for marrying you at that time. But now, I have to thank him. You as well. I have changed a lot. If I didn't, I don't think my beloved would marry me." Elena honestly expressed her gratitude.
THE END
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THE END
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