The Lord's Bride

The scorching sun beat down relentlessly, making the air thick and heavy. Halley shielded her eyes, watching her brother Timothy struggle with a cart overflowing with logs. Since their father's bankruptcy, they were reduced to doing such menial tasks themselves.

“I hate this dreadful weather!” she grumbled, but Timothy just shrugged, covered in dust and moss.

After a brief, bickering trip home, Halley stormed inside, frustrated by the work and her brother's lack of help. She found comfort only in the kitchen, where their loyal cook, Marty, was stirring a pot of soup.

Peeking over Marty's shoulder, Halley asked about the meal, only to be playfully shooed away. Annoyed by the casual treatment, she reminded Marty of her status as a lady.

Marty chuckled, a sound that crinkled her face. "You will be," she said mysteriously, then revealed the shocking truth: Halley was to be married. Her parents were currently in the living room with the man's father, finalizing the arrangements. Halley’s face flushed six shades of red before she bolted towards the living room.