Mallory stood in the dimly lit kitchen, her blonde hair tied in a loose braid, the air filled with the savory aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise tense atmosphere. She glanced nervously at the clock, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the silverware for the third time. Having no idea whether tonight would be perfect, she wiped the sweat off of her face.

Her mother, with a perpetual look of disapproval etched on her face, hovered nearby, occasionally casting critical glances at Mallory's handiwork. "Mallory, are you sure you want to eat that?" her mother sneered, eyeing the small piece of bread Mallory had nibbled on while cooking. "You know, you really can't afford the extra calories."

Mallory's heart sank, but she bit her tongue. "I'm fine, Mom. It was just a taste."

Her younger sister, Eliza, sauntered in, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Wow, Mallory, I didn't know you could actually follow a recipe," she teased. "Maybe if you spent as much time on your schoolwork as you do on cooking, you wouldn't be such a disappointment."

Mallory's chest tightened, but she forced a smile. "Thanks, Eliza. Always so supportive." Her mother had never said anything to Eliza, she was the perfect princess who everyone preferred.

Despite the oppressive tradition that dictated that women should cook, Mallory found solace in the kitchen. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the soothing simmer of sauces offered a brief escape from the constant scrutiny. She had always been forced to cook yet found solace in the kitchen when she couldn't feel it elsewhere.

Tonight, however, was different. Tonight, they were hosting her future in-laws and her fiancé, an arrangement she had initially dreaded but had come to accept.

As the doorbell rang, Mallory's heart skipped a beat. She quickly wiped her hands on her apron, trying to steady her nerves. Her fiancé, Noah, was the epitome of kindness and understanding, a stark contrast to the constant criticism she faced at home. His family, too, had always treated her with warmth and respect, making her feel like she belonged.

Mallory's mother straightened up, a forced smile plastered on her face. "Remember, Mallory, everything needs to be perfect tonight. We don't want them to think you're not good enough."

She glanced toward her mother and nodded, her nerves bubbling inside her like a storm through a desert.

Taking a deep breath, Mallory opened the door to greet her guests, her anxiety momentarily forgotten as Noah's warm smile met hers. "Good evening, Mallory," he said softly, his blue eyes filled with genuine affection as he handed her the flower bouquet that he and his family had brought. "Here, this is for you."

"Thank you, Noah," she replied, taking the flowers gently, her voice steadier than she felt. "Please, come in. Dinner is ready."

She placed the beautiful flowers inside a periwinkle glass jar that sat atop her refrigerator.

The dining room buzzed with the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversation. The table, laden with an assortment of dishes, was a testament to Mallory's hard work. She sat quietly, trying to focus on her food, but her nerves made it hard to swallow.

"Everything tastes wonderful, Mallory," said Noah's mother, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "You've outdone yourself. This chicken is absolutely divine."

Mallory blushed, offering a small smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Dawson. I'm glad you like it."

Eliza, sitting across from her, smirked. "Yeah, it's impressive she didn't burn it this time. Remember that time you almost set the kitchen on fire, Mal?"

Noah, sitting next to Mallory, looked puzzled. He glanced from Eliza to Mallory, trying to make sense of the jabs. "Really? That doesn't sound like Mallory. She seems pretty capable to me."

Mallory's cheeks reddened, and she kept her gaze down, wishing she could disappear. Noah had no idea how Mallory was treated at her home. The physical abuse was less but mentally she was drained.

"I don't think that's true," Noah said gently but firmly. "Mallory has done a fantastic job, and we should all be grateful."

A short silence bestowed upon the dining. Nobody had said anything. The air crackled with unsaid tension and unease which could be seen very clearly.

Her mother interjected, her tone clipped. "Yes, well, let's just hope she manages to keep this up. You know, Mallory, maybe this marriage will finally help you get your life together."

Mallory's heart sank further, and she struggled to keep her composure. The sting of her mother's words cut deep, but she remained silent, not wanting to cause a scene. Her words were supposed to bring happiness or joy yet here she was, always criticizing her daughter when all she wanted was to do her best.

"Anyway," Mrs. Dawson said, trying to steer the conversation back to a more positive note, "I think Mallory will make a wonderful addition to our family. Don't you agree, Noah?"

Noah smiled warmly at Mallory, his eyes twinkling with glee. "Absolutely. I couldn't ask for a better partner." Mallory's cheeks turned red at the compliment, it was rare for her to get them so she'd always get shy.

Mallory's mother, however, seemed more interested in the prospect of her than in the wedding itself. "Yes, it will be... a change, having the house quieter."

Mallory's stomach churned. The message was clear: her mother saw her as a burden, and this marriage was a convenient way to be rid of her. She felt a lump forming in her throat, her eyes stinging with the threat of tears. Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to stay composed. The last thing she wanted was to draw more attention or appear weak in front of everyone.

She focused on the plate in front of her, trying to find solace in the familiar task of cutting her food into small, precise pieces. Each movement was deliberate, a distraction from the emotional storm brewing inside. Her mother's words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them aside, determined not to let them ruin the evening.

Mallory forced a smile, though it felt like her face might crack under the strain. She glanced at Noah, his supportive presence a small comfort. He was speaking with his father, unaware of the turmoil she was battling. She hoped he wouldn't notice the tightness in her voice or the way her hands trembled slightly as she lifted her fork.

"Everything okay, Mallory?" Noah's mother asked gently, her eyes full of concern.

Mallory nodded quickly, the forced smile still in place. "Yes, Mrs. Dawson, everything is fine. Thank you."

Eliza had long left the dining room as everyone else was busy conversing. Mallory, however, kept silent, focusing on keeping her emotions at bay.

As the evening drew to a close, the warmth of the dinner lingered in the air, but Mallory's anxiety began to creep back. She could feel the tension rising as the clock inched closer to the time Noah's family would leave. The inevitable moment when her mother and sister would seize the opportunity to unleash their scorn loomed over her like a dark cloud.

Noah's mother stood up, her smile radiant. "Mallory, thank you so much for this lovely dinner. Everything was perfect."

Mallory forced a smile, her heart pounding. "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Noah's father nodded appreciatively. "Yes, thank you, Mallory. You've done a wonderful job. We're looking forward to having you in our family."

Noah, oblivious to the turmoil inside Mallory, gently squeezed her hand. "We'll see you soon, then?"

"Yes, soon," Mallory replied, her voice wavering slightly. She glanced at her mother, who was already wearing a tight-lipped expression, and her sister, who had a smug look on her face.

As Noah's family made their way to the door, Mallory's mother-in-law gave her a warm hug. "Take care, dear. And don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

"Thank you, Mrs. Dawson," Mallory whispered, holding back tears.

Noah's father shook her hand. "Goodnight, Mallory. You did great."

"Goodnight," Mallory replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the door closed behind them, the warm, supportive atmosphere evaporated instantly. Mallory felt a cold chill settle over her as her mother turned to her, eyes narrowed.

"Well, you managed not to embarrass us tonight," her mother said, the words laced with disdain. "But don't think that means you're off the hook."

Eliza stepped closer, a malicious glint in her eyes. "Yeah, Mallory. Don't start thinking you're something special just because you cooked a decent meal for once."

Mallory's heart sank. She looked at Noah, who was still smiling as he was leaving, unaware of the emotional battlefield he had just left. She tried to muster a brave front, but the fear of their impending scorn weighed heavily on her.

"I'll just clean up now," she said softly, turning quickly to gather the dishes, hoping to escape before the full brunt of their criticism began.

A sigh escaped her lips as she saw Noah's car driving away, her eyes turning glossier before a tear slipped. Why must they hate me? What have I ever done to them?

At this point, Mallory couldn't wait to get married to Noah, so she'd escape the hell she encountered every day. 

A/N

Another update so early! I had some time to write so I updated again.

I was going to make this a two-shot but a short series will be better. It will be shorter than shattered dreams though, maybe around 4-5 parts.

Please vote and comment. Check out my new book Ember of Enmity btw. I update it around every sunday.

See ya soon!

xoxo

-lily