11
323words
The jeers and whispers of the crowd were driving me insane, but I couldn't bring myself to run away.
For the first time,I fought back.
I rushed in,kneeling before Mom,tears streaming,begging,“It’s my fault.I seduced him.It’s not his doing.Please,let’s just go home.”
My grip on her skirt loosened,falling limp.
I couldn’t meet Caleb’s eyes,fearing his scorn,his disappointment.
I hated myself.
Little did I know that all I would have found in his eyes was pity.
At home,Mom left for a call.
In the vast mansion,Lucas lounged on the sofa,legs crossed,smirking.
My disheveled appearance seemed to amuse him greatly.His fingers tapped rhythmically.
“Caleb Reed,right?”he drawled,chin propped.“Not bad-looking.No wonder he caught my sister’s eye.”
I froze,dread creeping up.
Lucas rarely called me sister—he forbade me,“filthy trash,”from tainting their bloodline.
When he did,he was furious.
I knelt before him.“Lucas,I promise I'll be good.I won’t ever contact Caleb again.”
He patted my head,voice tender.“You know what happens if you break your promise.”
He sighed,“What am I going to do with you,Lily?Why don’t you get it?You're just trash. Who else would ever really want you?”
I cut Caleb off,blocking him everywhere,burying his memory deep.
Lucas took complete control of my life.
I wasn't allowed to go to school alone, talk to other people, or have any freedom. He locked me in the house, hired private tutors, and forced me to study hard so I could follow him to his university.
I became his puppet.
At college,I met Mia.
I asked her what love was supposed to be.
She said it’s obedience,never leaving,clinging forever.
Did I love Lucas?
I thought Idid.
I really believed loved him.
“Lily,you nearly gave me a heart attack,”Caleb said now,sighing,ruffling my hair.“Have you been getting bullied again?”
I stayed silent,his familiar embrace—warm,like sun-soaked blankets—calming me.
I nuzzled him,and he blushed,flustered by our bridge embrace,patting my back awkwardly.“It’s okay,Lily.I’m here now.No one will hurt you ever again.”
