4

After what happened this morning, I've been hiding away in my room because Alfonso won't leave the house. He has been in his office but I'm scared if I leave my room, I might bump into him.

I was foolish enough to think I would even be treated properly and at this point, I realized money can't buy happiness. I was not happy It dawned on me that true happiness lies in the simplest things in life - love, laughter, and a sense of purpose. Money can provide temporary pleasures, but it can never buy contentment or fulfillment. In this realization, I made a decision to let go of my materialistic lifestyle and pursue a more authentic existence.

I missed my family so much, but then again, I couldn’t do much.

All these sacrifices were made for them and if they were happy, then I’m glad I’m the reason behind it. I cried my eyes out as I thought of the many things I could be doing right now, I never had the time to properly wish my friends goodbye neither do I know if I’m ever going to step out of this house or go to school or see my friends or even make new ones. I’ll probably die in this place out of loneliness rather than Alfonso’s rage.

I was so hungry because I didn’t get to eat anything and it was already evening, I would rather starve to death than face that man anytime soon.

“Miss” A knock sounded on my door.

I kept tired and didn’t reply as the knocking went on for about five minutes before the door burst open revealing Alfonso and two maids.

“What is this drama?” He spoke out angrily

“What drama?” My voice came out cracked and I bit my lips, shutting my eyes in embarrassment.

“You haven’t eaten anything since morning and you think locking yourself in here will make yourself feel better?” He asked with an irritated sigh.

“Why do you care? I’m just a pet anyway.” I scoffed looking away.

“Don’t give me that—“

“I don’t want to talk to you.” I interrupted with a yell. “Go away.”

The maids looked at me in shock as I saw Alfonso boil in rage.

“Fine, don’t eat.” He said with a grunt as he turned to go but stopped and turned to me again. “Starve to death but make sure you don’t die, disgusting.” He muttered the last word.

With one last irritated look at me, he left as the maids looked at me with pity in their eyes.

I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Alfonso's words stung me deeply, but I refused to let them break me completely.

The maids approached me cautiously, their expressions filled with concern. "Miss, please eat something," one of them pleaded softly.

"We understand your pain, but starving yourself won't solve anything."

Despite my hunger, defiance burned in my eyes as I stood up from the bed and walked towards the door.

“Where are you going miss?” One of the maids asked but I ignored her as I marched after Alfonso.

“You think you are all mighty and that you can just say anything to someone, hurt their feelings and move on.” I yelled making him stop walking.

“What is this now?”

“Aren’t you disgusted with the way you treat people, treating people like trash, I was so grateful that someone helped my family clear their debt but I take back all the thanks because you are nothing but a wicked person who does little things for people yet demand big things.” By the time I was done yelling, I was at a loss for breath.

“Did your father tell you how much he borrowed?” He asked as I looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Now shut up and go back to your room before I loose my temper.”

“And it makes you feel good, what? Does it make you feel generous or you think you are dealing with a charity case?” I laughed as more tears fell down my eyes. “I’ve been in this stupid house for two weeks now, I haven’t stepped my foot outside, I just sit all day in my room, no phone, no family to talk to, all the maids are scared to talk to me and I’m going to be stuck here in this empty house with a dark lonely man like you.”

Alfonso’s eyes snapped wide at my last word and before I could process what was going on, he snatched the flower case close to me and smashed it to the wall.

“Get out.” He yelled as tears fell down his eyes as he went on to break more things.

I stood there in shock, my brain finding it hard to process whatever was going on.

The sound of breaking glass filled the room as Alfonso unleashed his anger, but instead of fear, I felt a strange sense of liberation. His outburst was like a release valve for all the pent-up frustration and loneliness I had been harboring inside me.

“No," | said firmly.

“Rico.” He yelled as a man in suit ran forward. “Take her to her room now.”

The man started to come close to me but without hesitation, I turned on my heels and rushed towards the door, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, the adrenaline pumping through my veins. The front door seemed miles away, but I refused to let fear hold me back any longer. As I burst out of the house and into the open air, a sense of freedom washed over me, and for the first time in weeks, I felt alive.

With every breathless stride, determination fueled my escape. The wind whipped through my hair as if urging me forward towards my goal.

In that moment, everything became clear to me - I couldn't stay trapped in this toxic environment any longer. My heart pounded in my chest as I sprinted towards the gate at the end of Alfonso's property.

As I reached the gate, trembling fingers fumbled with the latch before it finally swung open. Freedom beckoned on the other side; it was up to me to seize it with both hands.

And without looking back, I stepped out of the house.