Chapter 1

Boisterous and joyous music began playing in the air, creating a harmonious and entertaining vibe.

Luxurious cars began to fill the entryway as the party preparations began.

From a hidden corner of the guard house, stationed a teenage girl who was observing her surroundings in a vigilant manner.

Her petite figure was wrapped in an oversize black hoodie, tight jeans, and rubber shoes, ready to run whenever the gate tore open.

She was supposed to be in her room by now getting dressed and fully dolled up to entertain her guests. However, she found a reason to sneak out.

'Come on! Bumukas ka na! Please lang…' Pagsusumamo pa niya habang palinga-linga sa kanyang paligid.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, bumukas ang lagusan and entered two vehicles in tow. A black van and a Land Rover and it drove past from the guard house patungo sa entryway ng villa. Lulan sa magarang sasakyan ay walang iba kundi ang Don at ang mga bodyguards niya.

The teenage girl cleverly used this golden opportunity to escape. She ran as fast as she could!

Today is Roselle Ruella Ventura's 18th birthday celebration, the daughter of Don Antonio Ventura.

A well-known notorious and cold-blooded billionaire of their city.

It was said that the party was the breaking point for everything. A formal occasion to announce her way of living for the next 10 years or more and this fact alone creeps her to the core therefore she bowed to run away but...

”Catch her! Don't let her get away or I will shoot you all down!" Don Antonio's voice was stern and loud.

Everyone can tell by the look on his chiseled face that he was apparently pissed as he strode briskly toward the guard house, barking like a mad dog.

Pagkababa pa lamang nito sa kanyang Land Rover ay sinalubong na siya ng makeup artist telling him that his daughter was missing and they were looking for her but they failed to find her therefore he never wasted another second. He marched directly towards the guard house to get her daughter back!

The chase didn't take long and she was hauled back in a forceful manner by her bodyguards.

"Let go of me!" Roselle hissed while struggling hard in between her bodyguards' tight grasp.

Once again, her attempt failed! She was doomed and this time, she didn't know what would her father do to her for doing such a humiliating stunt!

"I'm sorry, Miss Ruella." The bodyguards apologized. "Please, huwag na po kayo pumalag para hindi na po kayo masaktan." Marahang paliwanag ng isa sa mga bodyguard na kumapit sa kanya.

"Bring her to the torture chamber!" Utos ng Don habang galit na nakatitig ito sa dalaga at pagtapos ay tumalikod na ito at umalis without saying another word.

Roselle's blood ran cold and her body stilled under her footing. Her face turned paler as seconds passes by and her body couldn't resist trembling in so much fear.

Was her father won't show mercy on her this time? Would he do something horrible on her for what she has done? Once again, nakaramdam siya ng matinding takot habang marahan siyang binitbit ng mga tauhan ng kanyang ama pabalik sa kanilang villa.

***

"Leave us!" The Don coldly demanded to his men after settling their Young Miss on an empty seat.

"D-Dad, I…" Roselle choked in so much fear. "I'm sorry..."

The Don stared at her sharply ng ilang segundo bago ito nagsalita.

"Haven't you learned enough lessons, Ruella?" Tanong niya rito while flicking his lighter, lighting up his cigarette. Then dragged a long breath before he went on.

"How many bodyguards on duty did you want to pay for your escape attempt this time? You of all people know that escaping from me won't hurt you physically but the people responsible for keeping an eye on you. Do you wish them dead just like our previous routines? How come you remained stubborn after all that?" Pabantang paalala nito sa kanya.

Roselle widened her eyes in horror and panic. "Dad! No! Please don't! Just punish me if you want! They have nothing to do with this! Just please, leave them alone..." She suddenly cried in despair knowing that her father would always do what he desired. 

"Then cut this bullshit and prepare for your birthday celebration! You know I'm not pleased to see you running off like a prisoner, desperate to escape, do you?" He curtly demanded.

"Dad, please. I… I don't want this!" She refused blatantly while sniffling.

Don Antonio harshly dropped his cigarette in the ashtray and pursed his lips while staring at his crying daughter. "Ano ba naman, Ruella. Are you really trying to piss me off once again, huh?"

"Dad, hindi ko alam kung talagang hindi ninyo ako maintindihan o sadyang ayaw lang ninyo akong intindihin. Have you ever asked me if I want to live this kind of life? You didn't! You never pay attention to what I truly want! Hindi ito ang buhay na gusto ko!" She lashed out while sobbing.

"Tell me why?" He demanded through his gritted teeth.

"I… I want to live a normal life." She reasoned out briefly between her sobs.

"What the hell do you want?" The Don asked through his clenched jaws.

"I want my freedom and nothing else. Please just let me go..." she cried.

The Don inhaled sharply whilst balling his hand into a fist. For a brief moment, he was silent and Roselle didn't know what he was thinking.

The girl wanted to comfort her father somehow because she knows how hard it was for him to take her words but before she could move, she heard him say.

"Get out! I don't want to see you ever again! You can do whatever you want! I'm cutting off my ties from you." He spat at her furiously.

Na shock ang dalaga sa sinabi nito ngunit tumango siya ng marahan at tumayo mula sa kinauupuan ng walang pag-aalinlangan.

This is it! She got her freedom but she was cast out as his daughter! Suppressing her tears from falling again, she swallowed hard and spoke.

"Tha-thank you, Dad." And with that, she left without turning back.