He is Family

"Since when did you arrive?"

Mrs. Matilda questioned her daughter, trying her best to ease the frustration in her mind.

"Two weeks ago. Why? You've been calling me non-stop."

"So, you knew I have been calling and yet you didn't pick my calls, let alone call me back? Penelope!"

She could never understand her daughter. Penelope was always so focused on work, acting like nothing else mattered.

"Mother, I was busy. I didn't want distractions. But I'm here now, so what's the problem?" Penelope shrugged, earning a glare from her mother.

"You think just being here fixes everything? Not answering my calls is okay to you?"

"Mom, please calm down. You'll give yourself high blood pressure. I was going to call you back."

"When?" Mrs. Matilda snapped.

Penelope rolled her eyes at her mother before proceeding to cross her legs.

"I was going to call, but I got caught up with work. I figured if it was really important, you'd come see me. But you never do. You'd rather shop, attend fancy parties, and build your reputation than visit me. You only call when you need something from me"

"Penelope!" her mother yelled.

Penelope arched her brows at her mother's sudden yell of her name.

'What was getting her mother disturbed? Why was her mother so worked up? It felt like she had been even more intense this past week. All this nagging was giving her a headache.'

Mrs. Matilda's nose and ears were red fuming with anger with her daughters 'I don't care attitude."

After a minute, she inhaled deeply then let out her breath sharply before her anger dissipated a little.

"If that's all, Mom, I'll be leaving now."

"Aren't you going to ask why I called so many times?"

Mrs. Matilda couldn't believe her daughter's indifference. Ever since Penelope started that unprofitable job, she had changed.

"What is it, Mom? I'm exhausted and need to go soon."

"I suppose you already know what to say to your father when he tells you to quit that job and take over the family business. And when Callous gets divorced, you'll be the next choice."

"What?!" Penelope turned around abruptly only to be met with her mother's back. "What did you just say?"

Mrs. Matilda smiled to herself at getting her daughter's attention.

'I thought she didn't care? Good it will give her something to think about'

"Since when did you go deaf. If you didn't hear a word I said, why did you turn back?"

Mrs. Matilda spat back, turning around to face her stubborn daughter.

Penelope's heart pounded. If there was one person she feared, it was her father. He had always given her freedom, Even though he allowed her to do whatever she wanted, it didn't mean, he completely neglected her.

When she wanted to do volunteer work, he allowed it. When she wanted to move out, he didn't stop her. But now, he wanted her to take over the business? And marry Callous?

She couldn't deny that she had feelings for her cousin, but she had never planned to act on them. Now her parents were handing her everything she secretly wanted—but it felt wrong.

"Mom, don't be like that. I just wanted to make sure I heard you right. But this is crazy!" Penelope softened her voice, trying to reason with her mother.

Mom, see I was just a little bit tired."

Mrs. Matilda raised an eyebrow. "Tired? I don't think so. You love that job so much, you were about to leave right now for it."

"Mom, please, let's not waste time. What is this about Dad suddenly wanting me to take over? And Callous? I thought Dad said I had a choice."

"Apparently, plans changed. Which is a good thing. So, be prepared."

Penelope sighed. This was unexpected. But the real problem was Callous. He had just gotten married. What were the chances of him divorcing? Could she wait?

She had worked hard to keep herself busy and avoid these feelings, but now everything was being laid out in front of her. Should she be happy? Or worried?

'Does Callous even love Berlin?'

"I'm not sure about this," Penelope mumbled, her hands falling to her sides.

"Not sure? Listen to yourself. You can't let your guard down now. Your father and I have a plan. And I assume you know what to say when your father talks to you."

"I don't want to be part of this scheme!" Penelope shouted. Her parents were giving her what she wanted, but not in the way she wanted it.

"Mom, Callous walked into that marriage with his eyes wide opened."

"He does not love her. It's so obvious," Mrs.

Matilda Caldwell retorted coldly. 'That wench! I won't rest until she packs her things and leaves. Over my dead body will I give up.' This was the perfect time to strike, when the iron is still hot.

"I think he does, Mom."

"Don't be naive."

"This is wrong! Callous is my cousin! He's family!" Penelope yelled.

"And so was Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. But they married in the end," Mrs. Matilda whispered. "Now lower your voice before someone hears you."

"Guess what?" she added.

"What, Mom?"

Mrs. Matilda's smile widened. "The plan is already in motion. And no one is going to save her."