Upon reaching the camp, there wasn’t much to do, so I stretched my limbs and decided to sort through my clothes. I rampaged through the mess, folding and rearranging, though it was more of an excuse to keep my hands busy. The thing about being alone is that unwanted thoughts start creeping in, uninvited. The memories I claim to have buried, the people I say I’ve forgotten—none of it is true. They always crawl back into my mind, haunting me like shadows that refuse to disappear.I thought about the first day I returned home. Richard, the butler, had opened the door. His eyes had widened with shock, his lips parting as though he was unsure if he was seeing a ghost. Maybe he recognized me, but at that moment, I didn’t recognize him. His face was a blur, a distant piece of a life I had long abandoned. He scurried away, most likely to inform them that their long-lost daughter had returned.“My God, Claire!” my mother gasped when she saw me. Her hand flew to her chest, tears spilling from
It is Monday already. I was heading to work, the weight of the weekend still heavy on my shoulders. The agent had shown us places way outside our budget, and it was a struggle—honestly, a draining, frustrating struggle. We wanted a decent place, something that didn’t look like it would fall apart with one strong breeze. But our budget had us cornered, leaving us at the mercy of what little we could afford.We had to settle for something in a lower-class neighborhood—a ghetto, really. But it wasn’t too bad, considering the other places we were shown. It was decent enough, and that’s all we could ask for. Two bedrooms, small but comfortable. At least Maryam and I would have our own spaces. It wasn’t much, but it was something. We’ll move in completely tonight, scraping by with just mattresses. Sofas, home décor, and the little touches would come later, once we could save up again. One step at a time."Good morning," I greeted the watchman as I entered work. His smile was warm as he ans
Sebastian’s POV:After my time with Ella, I decided it was best to freshen up before bed. I entered my room, pulling off my black shirt, when something—or rather, someone—caught my attention. There she was, on the CCTV feed connected to my iPad. I’d tuned in earlier to check on things, a habit I developed to ensure my branches ran smoothly when I wasn’t there.I’d forgotten to exit the feed.Something about her always felt off. Sketchy. And I couldn’t figure it out. Daphne had a habit of being the last to leave the café, always staying after hours when no one else was around. It was just her and the security outside, and I’d noticed this pattern more than once. That day, when that sick bastard laid his hands on her, something inside me snapped. The rage I felt was enough to ignite the world. I despised men who acted like animals, treating women as if they were property. I imagined how I’d react if someone touched my little girl that way. Daphne may not be my daughter, but she was som
Daphne’s POV“Wh... what if—”“Shhh, nothing is happening,”Maryam says, projecting a calmness I didn’t know she possessed. “Nothing will happen to you, as long as I’m here. No one can hurt you.” The weight of those words hung in the air, but the truth was that my heart raced with uncertainty and insecurity. “But Nate… he saw me. He knows I’m alive.” Maryam’s hands trembled as she handed me a glass of water, the liquid sloshing slightly as she passed it to me. We sat on the cold, empty floor of our new apartment, the chill seeping through my clothes and into my bones. I had looked forward to this day, the promise of a fresh start, a chance to escape the shadows of my past. But now, as I surveyed the barren walls and the unadorned space, it felt like none of it mattered. The excitement I had envisioned seemed to evaporate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of loss. I couldn’t shake the feeling that joy had slipped through my fingers like sand.I had dreamed of this moment—of new begi
Slowly opening my eyes, I found myself in my room, lying on the mattress. My body felt as if a train had wrecked through me, each muscle protesting in agony. A dull ache pulsed through my head, and as I glanced at the window, I realized it was well into the afternoon. My stomach growled in hunger. My lips felt cracked and dry, a parched desert in desperate need of relief.As I attempt to sit up, Maryam walks in, her expression a mix of concern and relief. “Hey, easy there,” she says, gently supporting my back. “W… what happened?” I mumble, my voice raspy as I glance around, disoriented.“Here.” She hands me a glass of water, the cool liquid feeling heavenly against my throat. I gulped it down like a hungry lion as if I hadn’t seen water in years. Just as the haze began to lift from my mind, panic coursed through my mind. “My baby, Alex!” I shouted, my heart racing as the gravity of everything that happened hit me.“Jeez, calm down! Baby Alex is fine,” Maryam reassures me, and I let o
“I…I don’t understand.” My voice quivers, barely audible as I fight to hold back tears. “Don’t make me repeat myself.” His voice is cold, almost cruel. “Pack all of your things and leave. Now.” The sharpness in his was like a dagger aimed directly at my heart. This wasn’t the Mr. Hawthorne I thought I knew. No warmth, no familiarity. Just a stranger—a boss with no empathy.“I… I can explain,” I stammer, my voice cracking under the weight of my desperation. My hands tremble as I clutch the fabric of my dress, pleading silently in my mind. Please, don't do this. I couldn’t afford to lose this job. My life,—everything—depended on it. This opportunity, though a miracle by chance, had been my only lifeline. No qualifications, no experience—just pure, undeserved grace. “Save it,” he snaps, cutting through my words like a whip. “I don’t want to hear your excuses.”I fall to my knees, my pride crumbling with me. “Please… I won’t go. I need this job. Please.” My voice cracks, heck it, this i
After several more hours of waiting, my stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten all day. I’m on medication and neglecting the one thing I should be doing to keep going. And then there’s little Alex, I sigh. It’s unfair how poorly I’ve been treating him, too.Just as I finish the last bite of my sandwich, Paula steps out of the café, her eyes widening in surprise. I can tell she hadn’t expected me to still be here. But the look in her eyes spoke louder than the words she was trying to convey. Even without saying anything, I knew what the answer was. So I just nodded, tears pooling my eyes.“Don’t lose hope, okay?” Paula says softly, her voice filled with empathy. “I’ll keep trying. You know how difficult he can be.”I manage a weak smile. “I know. Thank you for trying, Paula.”She pulls me into a hug, her warmth a temporary shield against the storm raging inside me. “If you ever need anything—anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Advice, a shoulder, anything. I’m here, oka
“Don’t worry, everything is going to be alright.” Maryam taps my back, her voice a soft reassurance. It’s going to be fine, but for how long? How much longer do I need to endure? One good week, no feedback, nothing. I’m tired of returning to the café and having Paula tell me, “Have faith.” Faith? How many more days must I hold on before it all falls apart?She sprays her perfume and secures her jersey scarf around her head, looking fresh and ready for work. And here I am—no job, no prospects, just... hopeless. As she leaves, I finish the chores, dragging myself through the motions before wandering aimlessly. I can’t stand staying at home it’s suffocating, and unsafe.Sighing, I remind myself that today, at least, I need to get a new phone. And a new SIM. Maryam promised to come with me later in the evening, after work. My old phone broke, though I’m still unsure how, But after retrieving it from him—the man I don’t want to think about—it was already shattered.I yell out in frustratio
Daphne’s POVWalking down the street, tossing rocks at my feet, I tried to convince myself I was doing better. But then, everything came crashing down yet again. I refused to let it break me, even though everything about Sebastian affected me in ways I didn’t want to admit.I hailed a taxi and got in. I was back in the same cycle I swore I’d moved on from, relying on others to make myself feel worthy. Maybe it was time to seriously reconsider seeing a therapist. “Where to, ma’am?” the taxi driver’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.“District Street,” I said, smiling to myself. For a second, I almost wanted to say, “Just drive.” It would have been such a heroine moment, like something right out of a movie. Instead, I gave him the address and leaned back, letting the scenery blur by.Before long, we arrived, and I thanked him, hopping out in front of the house. How much I missed it. Maybe I would go to the pub and meet up with James and Liv, I hadn’t seen the
Sebastian’s POV “Oh my God, Ella. Come here.” Just then, Daphne runs over to her.“Heyyy!” Maya’s voice pierces through the fog in my mind. The man turns to us, but before I can see his face clearly, he hurries away.They approach us, and Ella rushes to me with so much excitement, unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows. “Daddy!”Maya immediately starts barking at Daphne, whose brows furrow in bitterness. “How could you be so reckless huh? Did you lose your brain cells in whatever hell hole you crawled from?”“Don’t you dare talk to me like that, Maya? Who do you think you are to question me?” Daphne snaps back.“Didn't you see it? How could you let her wander around like that? What if something had happened?” Maya challenged.“But nothing happened, did it? You were clearly putting meaning into things. The man you saw has a daughter Ella’s age and they had been playing together.” Daphne defended, shaking her head in disbelief. But that wasn't it, her attitude was becoming into
Sebastian’s POV“Dang it!” I throw my phone across the couch as the phone rings with no answers yet again, I pace back and forth in the living room, with unease settling at the pit of my stomach.I came home to an empty house, every appliance turned off. I looked everywhere for them, and dread slowly overtook me as I wondered if something had happened to them. It felt like not a single soul lived in the silence of the house.But then, the estate watchman told me he saw Daphne with Ella, hailing a cab but he doesn’t know where they went.“Calm down, Seby. They’re alright,” Maya says, approaching me and placing a freshly manicured finger on my shoulder.I plop onto the couch, nodding, though I am anything but calm. “Did you hear him? A cab? My Ella in a fucking cab?? You don’t get it, Maya. Wait—hold on.” My eyes widen with a terrible realization dawns on me. I’ve completely forgotten about Daphne’s appointment. What if they’re at the hospital? For a split moment, guilt washes through m
It was already the next day, and I hadn’t done much except some minor chores while I anxiously awaited Ella’s return from school.When she finally burst through the door after school, her energy filled the space between us. We slipped into our daily routine, the kind of easy camaraderie that felt like a warm blanket. But as the afternoon wore on, the time moved very fast and I still hadn’t dressed for my appointment.After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a summer dress with a plunging V-line that showcased my cleavage. I brushed my hair, carefully applying a touch of makeup, but the reflection staring back at me made my stomach churn in a way I couldn’t quite articulate. Fresh tears stung my eyes, and I pressed a hand to my mouth, fighting the wave of despair washing over me.I hated the sight of myself with makeup, the way I looked so much like Claire. Memories, dark and suffocating, flooded my mind, dragging me back to a time I wished to forget. The tears
Ever since that day, Maya’s visits have become incessant and unannounced, each time a reminder of her hidden motives. She doesn’t even try to make it subtle at all. Her intentions are practically written in the way she watches me, the way her eyes linger a moment too long. It’s so obvious she has a scheme up her sleeve, a scheme I sense but can’t quite grasp. Yet, no one else seems to notice. Not even Sebastian. He thinks I’m overreacting, “acting indifferent,” as he calls it. But he doesn’t see what I see.Tonight, we’re all sitting around the dining table, pretending that Maya’s presence isn’t as invasive as it feels. I’m trying to focus on Ella’s laughter, her innocent smile as she picks at her food when Maya’s voice cuts through the moment like a knife. She’s eyes me and her tone dripping with a mix of faux concern and thinly veiled judgment.“Daphne Dear, don’t you think it would be better to cut those grapes in half for Ella?” Her lips curl in a practiced smile, but her eyes
“Are you even listening to me, Daphne? I don’t want you to get hurt.” Maryam’s voice echoed through the phone, her tone sharp with concern. “Don’t forget he’s still your boss. You work under him, and you can’t afford to jeopardize your position. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again—this isn’t just about you anymore.”I sighed, gripping the phone tightly. “But—”“Ah, ah! No buts. I’m not saying Maya is a bad person, but you need to be careful, okay?”Her words stung because I knew she was right. The call was exactly what I needed, a grounding reminder to let things go and not think so deeply about it, especially if I didn’t want to dig myself an even bigger hole.After we hung up, I tried to calm my mind, but from upstairs, I could hear Maya’s booming voice, ringing out confidently, echoing through the walls. I closed my eyes, wondering if there was something more between her and Sebastian. She just seemed so… comfortable here. Comfortable with him. A bitterness crept up, one
As I set the dining table, I couldn’t help but watch them. They spoke and laughed together so easily. I’d never seen Sebastian this relaxed or happy with anyone before. There was something about Maya that I hated, though I wasn’t even sure why. Maybe it was jealousy, knowing she had the kind of life I had always dreamed of.Maya’s stories felt strange, like they were crafted to revolve around Sebastian and Ella. It was as if she wanted to make a point that she’d been part of their lives all along. I mean, who brings up how Ella once pooped four times in an hour? Who even remembers that? I could tell she was trying too hard, but a part of me needed to know more about her connection to them.After setting the table, I sat down, ready to eat, hoping I could blend in and not feel like an outsider in my own space.“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sugary-sweet.“Uh… trying to eat?” I answered, feeling like her question was absurdly obvious.She laughed lightly. “I know, smarty pan
“No, that way!” Ella’s giggles rang out, filling the room as I tried to focus on her voice. She bumped into my legs, making me trip over the couch. It was the weekend, which meant Ella was home all day, and we were currently playing hide and seek. I was blindfolded, trying to follow her playful laughter.“Wait until I get my hands on you!” I yelled, spreading my arms wide as I tried to catch her.“Oops!” she laughed, clearly enjoying the game as I reached out and grabbed something… a lamp.“Try again!” she teased, her laughter echoing in the room. Determined, I lunged forward, only to grab something solid and unfamiliar. My fingers ran over the surface, trying to make sense of the shape. Strangely, Ella had gone silent.“E… Ella?” I called, but she didn’t respond.Suddenly, the object moved. I gasped, quickly yanking off my blindfold—only to come face to face with Sebastian.My eyes widened. I’d caught a faint whiff of his scent earlier, but I thought I was just imagining things. Ever
It had been two days since Sebastian left for Japan. The moment he landed, he called to let us know he’d arrived safely and to wish us goodnight. Hearing his voice was a comfort, but the house felt emptier without him.Ella and I spent our days reading together and working on her assignments. She was such a smart girl—often, she ended up teaching me things about her schoolwork. I found it heartwarming, seeing how eager she was to learn and share her knowledge.That evening, I was stirring a pot of onion soup I had decided to make for her. I wanted to surprise Ella with something different, something that wasn’t part of our usual routine. The rich aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel pleased with my little experiment.My phone buzzed. It was a text from Mr. Hawthorne.**Mr. Hawthorne:** You look scrumptious in those pants. Want me to take them off? I bet you’d look better. 😉A ridiculous smile spread across my face as I read his message, feeling like an absolute fool