Behind that mask

Emily Walker entered the Walker residence with fear, fully aware of the storm she was about to face, but her mother's health left her no choice. The familiar scent of lavender and old wood filled her senses, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

"Hey Dad, can I borrow $50,000? Mommy needs dialysis, and we don't have any money," Emily's voice trembled, her eyes pleading.

Mr. Walker began, "Emily, the thing is..."

But Mrs. Walker, her stepmother, cut Mr. Walker off sharply, "How shameless of you to come here and ask for money!" Her voice was like ice, cutting through the air.

Emily's anger flared, but she swallowed it down, her fists clenching at her sides. "I promise I'll pay you back," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Walker, holding his wife's hand, said anxiously, "Maybe we can give her the money because her mother is sick."

"You're still thinking about your ex, huh?" Mrs. Walker again cut her husband's suggestion.

"No, no...the thing is," Mr. Walker stuttered, but Mrs. Walker cut him off.

"Should I remind you that this is your family now, George? Without me, you have nothing."

Grace Walker, Emily's stepsister, entered the room. "Aww, is my loser sister here begging for money? How pathetic." Her laughter filled the room, making Emily feel even more embarrassed.

She stood up to leave, but Grace's voice stopped her.

WAITTTTT

"We'll give you the money if..."

There was a flash of disgust in Grace Walker's eyes. She kept smiling and said, "The Griffins family only said they wanted to marry the daughter of the Walkers, and you will marry Alexander Griffin in my place."

Boom!!

This was like a bolt from the blue. Upon hearing this, Mrs. Walker's eyes lit up with surprise. She couldn't help but praise her daughter, "Oooo, my daughter is so smart. That's a good idea."

Emily couldn't believe what she had just heard. Alexander Griffin?? The illegitimate son of the Griffin family? Isn't he in jail right now?

Grace Walker sarcastically replied, "Yup. He is a dirtbag and a good-for-nothing loser. That's why I can't marry him."

Mrs. Walker intervened again, "That's right. She is also a Walker, so she can marry Alexander Griffin."

Emily's mind raced. Marry Alexander Griffin? The man who was a criminal?

The thought of marrying someone like him made her nauseous.

"WHY MEE GOD?" Emily's voice was barely audible, tears welling up in her eyes.

Grace's smile widened, "because it's a win-win for us. You get the money, and I do not have to marry a shitty man."

Emily felt suffocated, her options were limited. She looked at her father, hoping for some mercy, but he looked away like she was not present there.