Willow sits in the dining room, alone and melancholic, as she drowns her sorrows in her wine glass. She looks up with slight curiosity in her dull slate-blue eyes as she hears your approaching footfalls. "Who might you be? Did my ‘darling’ husband send you to watch over me?" She scoffs and goes back to her drink, seemingly uninterested. "As you can see, I'm fine and well."
.
You step forward into the dimly lit dining room, the golden light from a chandelier above glinting off your expensive attire. Up close, Willow can see that you are quite handsome and well-built; something she'd be lying if she said didn't catch her eye for a moment. Still, she tries to maintain her air of disinterest.
"You must have me mistaken for someone who cares," she says coolly, taking another sip of wine. "Now, if you don't mind, I was enjoying my misery before you arrived."
Her lips quirk into a mocking smile as she regards you through narrowed eyes. "Oh, I'm sure there must be something about me that interests you." *She pauses, considering. "Perhaps my money?" A slight laugh escapes her, tinged with bitter cynicism. "I doubt even that would buy much from someone like you."
Her hand drifts idly to the smooth pearl of her necklace, playing with it absently as she wonders what game this mysterious stranger might be playing at.
Hmph. It might interest you to know that I find nothing more repulsive than money and materialism. Not even when it's as much as your family owns. In fact, I prefer the poor and lonely ones, like you, with nothing left except for their feelings.
Her expression slowly shifts as you speak, her mouth parting slightly in surprise. This strange man before her seems to be genuine; there's no hint of mockery or lecherous intent in his words. And yet... what does he want from her? She can feel a spark of curiosity beginning to flare within her chilled heart.
"And just who are you, anyway?" she asks softly, watching your features for any signs of deception. "You make it sound like I'm some sort of prize worth winning." A bitter laugh escapes her before she can stop it.
You are wrong there. I don't want to win you over. You don't belong with me, and honestly... i could never have you even if i wanted to. But that doesn't mean i can't be your friend, if you want one.
She blinks, taken aback by your words. Friendship? With her? The idea is so foreign, it almost feels like a fantasy. But the sincerity in your voice and expression tells her that you aren't joking. Tentatively, she puts down her wine glass and meets your gaze.
"I... don't know if I understand," she whispers. "Why would you want to be my friend? I'm no one special."
Her voice is barely a whisper, a mixture of wariness and hopefulness. She doesn't remember the last time someone looked at her as anything other than a means to an end; an object to possess or control. The mere possibility that she could have a true friend is almost too much for her to comprehend.
I do not know you as that person who married for business. I know only what my heart sees and feels. And it tells me that you are a kind, caring woman, just like any other. You deserve to be happy, Willow, and if i can help make your life even just a little better... then i will.
She stares at you in wonder, as if seeing you through a veil of tears. Your words wash over her like cool water on a fevered brow, and for the first time in what feels like forever, she allows herself to believe that perhaps there is still hope for happiness in her life. A tiny, fragile tendril of trust begins to uncoil within her chest, reaching toward you with cautious curiosity.
"Thank you," she whispers softly. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along... I thought I was all alone." A shudder runs through her as the weight of her isolation settles for a moment, and then it lifts slightly, replaced by something akin to tentative optimism.
"I don't suppose you know many other honest people," she asks with a nervous laugh, "or do they all stay far away from me
I'd be lying if I said i did. But that doesn't mean you can't find them. You just have to be a bit more careful about who you trust, at least until your situation improves and you feel safe again. And I promise you, Willow, with my life, that I will help you get there.
She studies your face intently, trying to gauge the sincerity in your words. She can't remember the last time she felt this safe with someone; vulnerable yet protected at the same time. The warmth spreading through her chest tells her that she trusts you... and that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to let you get closer.
"I believe you," she says softly, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "And I... thank you for offering your help." A shy smile curves her lips as she takes a step forward, reaching out tentatively to touch your arm. "What should we do now?"
Her touch is light and hesitant, as if afraid that even the slightest pressure might send you running from her. But for the moment, it feels good just to have contact with someone who isn't out to use or control her.
I have an idea... why don't you tell me more about yourself? Your life before this marriage, your family, your dreams and aspirations. I want to get to know the real you. And then... perhaps we can find something that would help make you happy again. Something just for you, from a true friend.
She takes a deep breath, gathering her courage before speaking. "My life was... good once," she begins quietly, the memories flooding back like sunlight after a long winter's night. "I grew up in the Schnee Manor with my siblings, Jacqueline and Edmund. We were a happy family, despite our differences." Her voice catches on a slight hitch as she remembers her lost loved ones. "But then Father passed away, and Mother... she changed. She sold the company to Jacques, telling us he would take care of us."
Her laugh is bitter, filled with pain. "Little did we know what sort of monster he truly was." The anger flares briefly in her eyes before subsiding into resignation. "He married me only for control of the company, and I've been trapped ever since," she says, spreading her hands helplessly.
"My dreams
"That's terrible," you say sympathetically as she tells her story. "And you had to go through it alone. No wonder you sought solace in alcohol." Her eyes meet yours, and she continues to pour out her heart to you. "But I believe that things can change for the better now. You have a friend in me, Willow. Someone who genuinely cares about your well-being. So tell me... what would make you happy?"
I... I don't even know what makes me happy anymore. All my life has been about pleasing others and fulfilling their needs. It would feel strange to focus on myself for a change, but perhaps that's exactly what I need. Your friendship, your understanding... it's like a ray of hope in this dark world. Maybe if I could just... experience happiness again, I could find the strength to take control of my life and be happy once more.
I am here to help you with that. We'll find something fun and exciting for you to do. Something just for yourself, no strings attached. And I promise, I will be there every step of the way, cheering you on and making sure you have a good time. What would you say to doing that tomorrow?
I... I don't know. It feels odd to even think about doing something just for myself. But the thought of spending time with someone who genuinely cares, well... it sounds wonderful. Alright, let's do it! What did you have in mind?
Well, I was thinking maybe we could go on a shopping spree! Get you some new clothes, makeup and anything else that catches your eye. We'll stop for lunch at your favorite restaurant and then perhaps visit a spa or something to relax after all that shopping. Just imagine it; treating yourself like the queen you are.
Oh my, that sounds incredible! I haven't been shopping in such a long time... it's the perfect way to spend a day! Thank you so much for thinking of this; I promise I'll have fun and make the most out of it. This is going to be a day I'll never forget, that's for sure.