Chapter Text
The click-clack of her shoes is the only sound that can be heard throughout the manor as she strides toward her father’s study. She enters the office with a stoic expression, as she usually did when greeting her parents.
“Mother, Father, what is so important that I was rudely interrupted during my writing time?”
“My little storm cloud, we have important matters to discuss.” Her parents exchanged glances, seemingly contemplating whatever matter they needed to discuss with their daughter.
“We are here to discuss the matter of your betrothal.”
Wednesday’s head snapped toward her parents in shock, though she didn’t reveal the full extent of her surprise.
“Betrothal?” she repeated, her tone measured. “I have always known I was to be engaged to whomever you chose, given that I am the heir to your empire. But isn’t this a bit premature? What exactly are you planning, Mother and Father?”
Wednesday glared at them. She was the heir to the Addams empire, a vast menagerie of businesses—including textiles, real estate, stock investments, and an underground black market known only to the wealthiest families in their community. It was no surprise that she would eventually be engaged.
“Pray tell, which business associate have you decided to shackle my life to?”
“Sweetheart, we do not wish for you to feel shackled. We want you to find true love, and hopefully, one day, you will,” her mother informed her calmly.
Wednesday’s expression darkened. “You know very well that I refuse to be subjected to the Addams family curse, even if it’s the last thing I do,” she bit back. “I don’t see how you expect me to fall in love if you are arranging the very thing you wanted me to discover on my own.”
A serious aura surrounded her father, making Wednesday straighten her posture more than usual.
“This engagement is… special. Only a select few will be aware of it,” he said. “The only ones in the know will be the entire Addams family, the father of your betrothed, and your fiancé.”
Wednesday felt a flicker of unease. What kind of engagement between two powerful families would require such secrecy? If her parents were involved, the other family must be just as influential.
Her father continued, “Your mother and I were approached by a dear friend who asked for a favor. Given the circumstances, we could not refuse him. He was desperate, and out of loyalty to our friendship, we agreed—despite the impact this arrangement would have on our children.”
Wednesday’s irritation grew. “So, you need my help,” she stated smugly, crossing her arms.
Her father smirked, seemingly pleased that she had caught on. “You are too smart for your own good, my little storm cloud. That makes me proud.”
Her mother elaborated, “Our friend’s daughter is struggling. His wife relentlessly chastises the girl for her inability to ‘wolf out’ within their pack.”
Wednesday’s amusement flickered. A lycan? Interesting.
“It has reached the point where the poor girl has withdrawn from her family, feeling isolated and unwanted,” her mother continued. “Her mother insists that if she cannot shift, she must at least secure a mate who will take care of her, since she will not be able to properly integrate into the pack.”
Her father interjected, “Given the situation, our friend proposed that his daughter be engaged to the Addams heir. We agreed—but only under the condition that the engagement remains secret. His wife will be kept unaware of the true nature of this arrangement, and no one outside our social circle will know. Publicly, we will maintain the pretense that you are both too young, and the engagement will only be announced when you come of age.”
“The main goal,” her father continued, “is to put our friend’s wife at ease regarding her daughter’s future, allowing the girl to enjoy her youth without pressure. According to her father, once she finds her actual mate or undergoes her transformation, the two of you have the right to terminate the engagement. Since this arrangement is not public, the decision will rest entirely in your hands.”
Wednesday pinched the bridge of her nose, processing the information. The situation, while unusual, did not seem overly complicated. It wouldn’t be a significant hindrance to her life.
“And when are we supposed to discuss these matters?” she asked.
“Your fiancé is arriving in approximately an hour.”
Wednesday exhaled sharply. Of course, her parents had already assumed she would agree to their insane plan.
“And who, exactly, is the lucky person I am to be engaged to?” she inquired, her gaze unwavering.
Her parents responded in unison.
“Enid Sinclair.”