Novels by Liy Lah

Another day arrived so quickly, and I sluggishly sat up straight on the bed. It felt strange waking up in a new place, different from my usual surroundings.I hadn't had a chance to take in my new environment yesterday like I wanted to. Now, I looked around the slightly large room, appreciating its features. The walls were painted a warm color, casting a cozy glow throughout the space. A few pretty artworks were hung around, and a vase with rose flowers sat by the bedside. It was nothing like the fancy Douglas household or my previous apartment, but it had a sense of comfort and peace I had long yearned for.I picked up my phone to check the time. It was past 7. "Shit! I am late for work," I muttered, scrambling off the bed in a panic.But as I rushed into the bathroom, reality hit me like a cold splash of water: I didn't have a workplace to return to.I let out a loud sigh as I returned to sit back down on the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands. "This is for the best, Eliza

The next morning arrived quicker than I expected. The sunlight penetrated through the curtains, resting its glow directly on my face. For a moment, I felt a sense of peace and quietness, but then the events of the previous night came rushing back. I got out of bed and stretched my body like a baby, letting out a light sigh of relief. My body, although still sore, felt better after my brief relaxing routine. Determined to face the day with a clear mind, I went into the bathroom, had a relaxing shower, and dressed quickly. I stepped out into the living room, where I found Ethan and Matilda already up, sipping coffee and chatting quietly. "Morning," I greeted them, trying to sound more cheerful than I felt. "Morning, Lizzy," Matilda replied, smiling warmly. "How did you sleep?" "Not great," I admitted, joining them at the table. "But I feel a bit better now." Ethan poured me a cup of coffee and handed it to me. "We should start packing your things soon," he said. "The sooner we ge

My legs wouldn't stop wiggling anxiously. Sitting still was impossible with my nerves on edge. Why was she here at such an odd hour?After disowning me, they come looking for me? I gritted my teeth in anger. The thought of it filled me with disgust. I couldn't sit still any longer. Waiting for Ethan to come back was beginning to become unbearable. I couldn't let him face her wrath alone, especially after knowing she had no limits.I got up and crept toward the door, dragging my heavy feet silently on the ground. I pressed my ear to the door, as I strained hard to catch their conversation.At first, there was only silence which made me wonder if they had left elsewhere. I reached for the doorknob, ready to open it, but Ethan's voice cut through the quiet."I suggest you leave, Madame Rosette. You've done enough harm." His cold voice cracked as he spoke."What right do you have to tell me what to do?" Grandma's voice was sharp and unforgiving. "You're just a driver for the Douglas famil

"Hello Lizzy"? Ethan's voice floated through the phone like a gentle breeze, soothing the ache in my chest. His words were a balm to my wounded heart. "Hey, Ethan. What's up?" I tried to sound casual, hiding my emotions. "How are you doing? And how's our baby?" His voice sparked with excitement, the kind that made everything feel like it would be alright. His concern warmed me, a comfort I didn't realize I needed. "We're both fine," I sniffled, with my hand instinctively resting on my flat tummy, a subconscious act I developed whenever the baby was asked after. "Well, I called to let you know I found a gynecologist..." My heart sank. The word "gynecologist" filled me with panic. I remember telling him I would get one myself, why bother? I couldn't let him continue. "Ethan, I don't think that will be necessary. The baby and I are fine," I interrupted quickly, trying to end the conversation before it went further. A gynecologist would see through my lie instantly, and that

Apart from Dad, Aunt Martha was the only one who considered me a part of the family. Since childhood, whenever Grandma locked me up or starved me unjustly, she would sneak in food for me. She treated me like a daughter when others were absent. "Aunt Martha, you heard everything, right?" I shrugged her shoulder, wondering why she hadn't said anything yet. She stood still with the tray of food in her hands, her eyes darting at me, then at Grandma, then back at me again. She walked forward, freeing herself from my grasp, and dropped the tray beside Grandma before she began to speak. "Hear what, Elizabeth?" My eyes widened in awe, my ears couldn't believe what she had said. "Aunt Marth—" "At this point, I think you need to stop. You're being selfish," she blurted out. "But, Aunty— I was certain you heard." "Is the damage you've caused not enough? Don't involve me in your mess. How shameless can you be, Elizabeth?" She pointed at me with a disappointed look. I watched as the

I looked at Grandma, her stern eyes brooking no arguments. I knew her decision was final. I was the puppet after all, and I didn't want this to linger any longer.For peace to reign, I began going on my knees slowly, the cold floor graced my skin mockingly. I turned to face Chloe, whose lips curled into a snug smile despite the fake tears in her eyes. Her smile felt like a slap on my face.I couldn't take it anymore. I was halfway down my knees. The injustice of it all burned in my chest. I suddenly felt stupid. I was no longer a child to be pushed over by Chloe and Grandma.I immediately straightened myself back up and turned to Grandma. She cocked her brows, confused as to why I wasn't adhering to her order."Didn't you hear what I said, Elizabeth?" Grandma's eyes burned with fury as she spoke."No, Grandma. I won't do it," I replied.Grandma's eyes widened in shock. "What did you say?""I said no," I repeated, my voice stronger than the last. "I'm done apologizing for things I didn