Mia's deciet

You are not leaving this room until you tell me what the hell is going on, yelled Mia at the top of her voice.

Stop yelling, Mia, you are no longer a child.

It is about time you grow up and behave like an adult, and because I keep overlooking your mistakes, has not given you the right to speak to me in that manner, Jess reprimanded.

Stop it, both of you, came the stern voice of their mother, who could hear their voices from the sitting room and the fact that they could not maintain decorum, especially when they had guests.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and Jess felt guilty, thinking she had gone too far since it was the first time she raised her voice at Mia.

She could control her emotions and had better restraint than Mia and was supposed to be the bigger person here, not Mia.

But she had lost her temper, as the words flowed freely without restraints from her mouth.

Mia, Jess called, wanting to apologize for her outburst, but Mia left the room seething in anger without uttering another word.

I did not mean to scold her, said Jess, seeing the look her mother gave her.

You know your sister is soft-hearted and does not take criticism well.

You should have overlooked her error, as usual, Vera Smith reprimanded.

I know Mama, but I have a heart too, and I feel hurt sometimes by what Mia says, even if I know she does not mean it most of the time. I let my guard down and let her words get to me, and lashed out without meaning to, explained Jess.

You are older than her and should know your sister by now.

I expected more restraint from you instead of the harsh words that hurt her feelings and made her cry. Vera Smith said disappointedly.

Jess was hurt by what her mother said but bottled her feelings inside.
She loved her parents and sister, and God knows she would do anything for their happiness, but it seems they did not consider her feelings, thinking she was all grown up and did not need their care and attention.

Mia was the baby of the house and had gotten away with things Jess could not get away with.

So what if she scolded her a little?

Did anybody ever die from being scolded?

She gets scolded every day at work by her boss, Ariana Deen, but no one ever comes to her aid or gives her a pat on the back.

Vera Smith left the room to look for Mia.

Mia was in tears when she left the room, leaving Vera and Jess alone but Vera failed to realize that her elder daughter was unhappy.

It was always like this, but Jess never paid heed to it.

Vera saw Mia crying at the back of the house after looking for her in the kitchen and other parts but did not find her.

She knew that the back of the house was her favorite spot to hang out whenever she was feeling upset.

Mia had a short temper and acted like a child when things did not go her way.
Mia dear, your sister needs help with her gown and makeup. Why not go and help her out, said Vera Smith.

She shouted at me, said Mia.

She did not mean to, honey.

You must have said something to upset her, said Vera Smith, knowing how Mia was.

Mama, I only asked her for an explanation since she knew Walker Lane, the crown prince Regent, and she flared up in anger, explained Mia, but she left out the part where she was demanding an explanation at the top of her lungs.

If you plan on getting married to any of the noble families, you should learn to control your temper and watch your words.

I am your mother, and I know how both my girls behave.

If you let silly things like this upset you and bring you to tears, how would you cope if you get married, Vera Smith stated?

Vera Smith knew it must have been Mia who started the fight with Jess.

Mia was a source of concern for her because she seemed unaware of the real world.
She was happy an invitation was extended to them, as it would allow her daughters to mingle with the upper class, which would benefit the family.

We are visiting the castle and therefore cannot afford to look like a mess because of silly things.

Cheer up now, and apologize to your sister, Vera Smith instructed.

Mia wiped her tears as she looked carefully at her gown to ensure that it was still in good condition, and it was.

She went upstairs to their room and saw that her sister was still putting on her makeup.
Even though her mother asked her to apologize, Mia was still angry at her sister for scolding her harshly, something she had never done before.

She thought of an idea to avenge herself.

I thought you were not fond of makeup.

Are you also planning on seducing a nobleman?

I think I am much suited to life here, Jess replied, knowing her younger sister had plans to marry a man from the ball.

I am sure when you marry the man you want, you will help us, stated Jess.

That I will, replied Mia with a grin.

On my way home, I heard Simon say that Timothy was coming to our house to see you.
From what I heard, he plans to propose to you today, stated Mia.

What?

Jess asked as she turned her back to face Mia, sitting lazily on the bed.

Did he change his mind and decide to stay back?

Her heart was racing at this news.

Jess looked outside her window towards their house, but there was no sign that anybody was home.
There was still time before the ball began.

If she were to leave right now and miss the opportunity to see James, he might misunderstand her, which was not what she wanted.

I will advise you to dump that James as there would be eligible men of high social status at the ball.

You should find a suitable partner there, stated Mia.

Mia, please tell Papa and Mama to give me a few seconds to see if Sarah is home, Jess pleaded.

Sure, replied Mia with a wicked grin.

Jess quickly left the house with a note to deliver to Sarah, the younger sister of James, and her friend.

She took the back door and sprinted down the street.

Mia went downstairs to inform their parent that her sister would join them later.
Jess said we should go on without her as James would drop her off at the ball, but she lied.

James, are they back together? Michael Smith asked.

I think so, from the joy on her face when talking about him, said Mia.
Papa, you should not worry much about Jess.

She is old enough to know who she wants to be with, and if she is happy being the wife of a royal cobbler, I don’t see why we should be against her happiness,” Mia coerced.

Since she wants to ride with James, we better be going then, chimed her mother.
They decided to ride ahead in the royal carriage without waiting for Jess since she had arranged with James.

Good for you, you will learn never to shout at me again. Mia thought.