{{char}} is in the room grumbling about her husband's will Damn it, that old man is going to leave everything to that brat!! And what about me? I dedicated my life to protecting my status and wealth, and now that idiot son of his is going to steal what’s mine! HAAAAA. [Anger and envy]
I just hear that she is upset over somthing so I go over and gently knock on the door. "Are you okay in there?"
Without looking up from her paperwork, she sighs audibly and dramatically Of course not, you fool! What kind of question is that? I'm just a poor, wretched woman, destined to live off scraps while that worthless piece of trash gets everything. Oh, how I suffer... [Sarcasm]
But no, go ahead and let her have the last laugh...
I open the door and step inside. "W....what are you so upset about?" I ask as I dont really follow what is going on here, she had been nice to me through out their marraige.
You're either very dim or just incredibly naive, boy. Your father has decided to disinherit me and leave everything to you! How can he do this? I am his wife, his partner in life...and what about all those years I spent protecting our wealth from those who would steal it away? Now, none of that matters! He's going to give it all to YOU. [Annoyance and jealousy]
I wince as she calls me names and then answer with. "Oh...I did not know that..." I lower my head out of shame due to how she is acting it makes it seem like I did somthing wrong.
What else would you have expected? You were always his favorite. Why else do you think I've been so...accommodating these past years? I did it all for the money and the power, not to coddle your pathetic little ego. Now that he's ready to hand everything over on a silver platter, I want what's rightfully mine! [Resentment]
"Im....sorry if it made you upset, I did not know about it until now...."
Tears start to form at the corner of my eyes, even though its not my fault at all I feel really bad about it due to the way she is reacting and she can tell. She start to feel a bit bad about it as she too knows its not my fault my father decided to give me the full inheritance.
Oh... Well then, I suppose it's all my fault, isn't it? For thinking that you might have some decency and respect for me after all these years! How foolish of me. No matter. There must be something we can do about this. Perhaps if we work together, we could find a way to convince your father to change his will... hmmm....
"I dont...think thats possible...thats why I came up here to tell you, he has slipt into a coma....the doctors said he probebly wont wake up from it."
I say as the tears start to stream down my cheeks. She realize that the only way she can get any part of the money is to suck up to me instead.
*Lady Tremaine finally shows some genuine emotion and sympathy as she rushes over to comfort the sobbing young man, awkwardly patting him on the back as if unsure of what else to do. After a moment, she steps back and speaks with slightly less venom, her tone much more gentle than before.
"There, there... I'm sure everything will work out alright. We can go over your father's papers together and see if there are any loopholes or anything we might be able to use. Don't worry, we'll figure this out. In the meantime, why don't you come stay with me? I could really use some help around the house..."*
Her words, while still tainted by her selfish motivations, at least sound less accusing and more sincere now.
"I tell you that my father....your husband, will not wake up from his coma...and all you worry about is the damn inheritance."
I say as I continue to cry. Hearing it out loud makes her feel like a greedy bitch.
I-I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking straight... of course your father is important too. We just have to find a way through this together. And as for the help around the house, it's not just about that either... it's simply what a wife would do for her husband and stepson in their time of need. Please forgive me for seeming so cold earlier; I promise I will support you however I can during this difficult time.
"W...what will you do...once he pass?"
I ask hesitantly as I realize it cant be easy for her as she has been a stay at home wife, and with no inheritance she will be almost broke. She had not thought about that, if she would not be able to get the inheritance what would she do.
I... I don't know. Perhaps I could look into getting work? Or find some other way to provide for myself. I'm sure something will turn up in time. But right now, we need to focus on you and your father. Is there anything specific you would like me to do to help with that?
"I mean....I would let you stay here if you wanted."
I say as I would own the house. A dirty thought cross her mind, she could just marry me after my father pass and she needs to plant the seed of affection right now to make it happen.
Oh... That's very kind of you, Richard. But I don't want to be a burden. If there's anything specific I could do for you, though, just let me know. And remember, no matter what happens with your father and the will, we are still family. We should support each other through thick and thin.
A couple of days pass and my father finally pass away, we get home to the house after being at the hospital for a very long time as we were there when he passed. "H...hes finally gone..."
Takes your hand gently in hers, squeezing reassuringly as she looks into your eyes Yes... yes, he is now at peace. It's going to be hard without him, but we'll get through it together, won't we? Let's go inside and sit down. There's much that needs to be done in order to take care of his final wishes and begin the process of mourning.
It was very easy to take care of as my father had everything set up for once he died, all I had to do was sign a paper at the funeral directors office and he would handle the rest. Once everything was over the funeral and the inheritance had been moved to be in my name. I find myself sitting on the couch in the living room staring at the TV even though it was not turned on.
Perhaps you'd like some company? It might help to talk about him... remember the good times we all shared together. I promise not to bring up anything unpleasant or selfish, just pure memories of your dear old father. Smiles warmly at you, her grip on your hand growing tighter in hopes that it'll make her seem less predatory and more sincere
"Im...thankful you are here..."
I say and lean into her. She knows now is the time to put her plan to get me to marry her to the test.
Of course I am, dear. We're family now; we need each other more than ever before. Tell me, do you remember that time your father took us all fishing when you were just a little boy? It was such a happy memory... the three of us laughing and having fun together. Do you think you could see yourself finding someone special someday? Raising a family of your own in this house... carrying on his legacy?
Her hand tightens ever so slightly around yours as she waits for your reply, her expression growing more hopeful with every passing second.
"I..I would like that...but you know how shy I am, its hard for me to meet new people let alone women..."
It's perfectly understandable, dear... but don't you think having someone like me around would make things easier? Someone who knows the ins and outs of your family history, who can help guide you through any tricky social situations and offer advice on how best to navigate this new role as head of the household. I could be that person for you... if you'd only let me. Just think about it, Richard. We could make such a lovely couple, don't you agree?
"W...would it not be weird?" I ask hesitantly, but it was not a no and that fuels her plan even further.
Well, I suppose it could seem strange at first... but love has a funny way of making even the strangest things feel natural in time. Besides, think about how much we've been through together already; don't you think that sort of shared experience would only make us stronger as partners? And who knows? Maybe one day, our children will look back on this time and be grateful for the unique bond we formed while helping each other through such a difficult situation. It could be rather romantic, really...
She leans in closer still, her gaze locking with yours as she waits for your reply, the hope and longing plain in her eyes now.