Sebastian’s POVAfter the successful meeting at Greys Tower with Mr. Anthony, I lingered for a bit, hoping the rain would ease. It was close to 10 p.m., and I fought the urge to call home. Every second, I glanced at my phone, waiting, hoping for some notification—anything. But there was nothing.Ella’s probably asleep by now. She’s with Mrs. Tee; she’s safe, I kept reminding myself, though the pit in my stomach refused to ease. Every time I check in, Mrs. Tee scolds me. “I’ve been watching over Ella for years, Sebastian. Trust me, if anything were wrong, I’d be the first to call you.” She’s right, of course. Still, paranoia has always been my downfall.The rain lessened, falling in gentle sheets now, and I figured it was safe enough to drive. I hurried to my car, turning the ignition and watching as the windshield wipers moved rhythmically, clearing the view of the dark, rain-soaked streets.When I finally arrived home, something felt… off. I inserted the key, pushed open the door, an
Daphne’s POVSheer darkness… That’s all I see. Beyond the thick veil of blackness, just nothingness—just a suffocating emptiness. Then suddenly, I see me,—a frightened five-year-old girl staring up at the smiling faces of Mommy and Daddy. But their smiles morph into something darker, something sinister. "Come with us," they chant, voices haunting, their faces distorting. Strange hands reach out, pulling me, dragging me into shadows. Each day, it’s a different face, a new hand. I’m helpless, thrown into a cold, unforgiving cell, branded like an animal, showcased like a prize for lustful eyes to devour. I want to scream—to break free—but my body is no longer mine. Pain ripples through me as old wounds tear open, the stitches of unraveling, bleeding. Just when I feel like I’ll break, a voice calls out, soft but firm, beckoning me from the madness. "Daphne, Daphne," it says, drawing me in like a lullaby, soothing yet powerful. My enchanter.Thud. Thud. Thud. We’re running, running so fa
Like a thief at dawn, I raced back home. I ran from confrontation, from explanations, but isn’t that what I’m best at? Running away? What was I supposed to say? That my life is a whirlwind of chaos, spinning out of control? So, I did what I’ve always done—avoid it. It was Saturday already, and I knew Maryam would be home by now. I didn’t have a clue what to do next, but at least I had her. Maryam, the only person who’s ever seen the raw, unrefined version of me. She knows it all—my days as a trafficked victim, the family trauma that haunts me, Nate’s love, his protection... and his betrayal.As I opened the front door, it was no surprise to find her already up, going about her day. She had a mop in her right hand, looking up with a grin as I stepped inside. "Well, well, look who's glowing!" she teased.I managed a weak smile. "Really?""Oh yes," she said, exaggerating her voice for effect. "It's only been a few days into this trial with Hawthorne, and look at you! Imagine what’ll ha
Monday came faster than I thought it would. Before Maryam left for work, she motivated me. "You can do it. Don’t doubt yourself. I believe in you, and if anybody doesn’t see what I see in you, screw them."Today, my fate hinges on the simplest answer: yes or no. Time moved painfully slow, the hands of the clock drawing lazily as I waited. I couldn’t go back to sleep after Maryam woke up and prayed at dawn, as Muslims do five times a day. Instead, I tried to distract myself, and at first, I succeeded. But when she left for work, I was alone again, caught in the web of 'what ifs.'I gave myself one last look, brushing my hair to look more presentable, then walked down the road and hailed a cab. Wow, Daphne, look at you. The same girl who wandered around and couldn’t afford the bare minimum is now hailing a cab. Funny how life works. I’m trying my best not to exert too much energy, saving it for my little Alex.Upon reaching the house, I punched in the security code, unlocking the door.
So far, life has been better than I could have ever imagined. I have gotten the job and it has been nothing short of peaceful. This is my second month working for Sebastian, and as I transition into my next trimester, everything seems to be falling into place. Well, apart from pregnancy pangs, the constant need to throw up and soreness. I’ve found people who love me—people who truly care. Ella is more than just my boss’s daughter now, she’s become the younger sibling I never had. It's funny how close we've grown. As if we were mates. There was that one night when she fell ill with a high fever. I spent the entire night in tears, panicking. Hawthorne had to comfort me, which was ironic since it should've been the other way around. But at that moment, I realized just how much I loved her. Way more than I ever thought my heart was capable of. I’ve moved in completely now, though I still go home on weekends to see Maryam. It has become like a ritual, with us binge-watching and catching
THIRD PERSON POV Sebastian Hawthorne had been restless all day, an odd sense of anxiety eating away at him for no apparent reason. He had left the house early, glancing at Daphne's peaceful sleeping form before deciding not to wake her. Instead, he scribbled a quick note and left it on the kitchen island, thinking nothing of it at the time. Because he noticed, her constant naps these days were very alarming. Was she sick? His mind was on the trip that was set to Japan to meet a client in a week, finalizing work in California before he could leave. The meeting with Arthur, a business partner for the collaboration with Cafe Luxe, on the upcoming trade fair, had gone smoothly. Unknowing to him, the calls from Daphne, because he had put his phone on work mode before the meeting commenced. "Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne, I look forward to working with you.""Likewise," Sebastian responded, shaking Arthur's hand, his mind already shifting to the rest of his day.As Arthur left, Sebastian fin
Daphne’s POVUrghh! Why does my body feel like I’ve been hit by a train? I tried to move, but my limbs were heavy, like someone had filled them with lead. A wave of sterile hospital smell flooded my nostrils, making my stomach churn. Great! I thought bitterly. I blinked against the blinding white lights overhead, trying to adjust. Slowly, my vision cleared, and I saw Seb slouched in an uncomfortable chair beside me. His large frame looked comically cramped, like he could barely fit. If I weren’t in this mess, I’d have laughed at how grumpy he looked.But then it all rushed back, hitting me like a punch to the gut. The anonymous call... My baby.. My baby!Panic shot through me as I tried to sit up, the sudden movement making Seb jerk awake. His eyes locked onto mine, sharp with worry, and a hint of something else—disappointment, maybe? "No, no, lie back down," he barked like I was a child.“But… but… my baby!” I stammered, my voice shaky as my gaze darted around the room, searching
We walked back home, and everything was as if I had never left. Seb was still distant, and it killed me. I knew I said I didn’t want to be confronted, that I wanted to run away from my responsibilities like I always did, but today… today, I needed him to say something, anything. His silence, though—his silence was slowly tearing me apart.“Go freshen up. You need to take your medication. If you need anything, call for me,” he said, pulling Ella along with him, giving me the space I didn’t ask for.I nodded, shame gnawing at me as they left. Standing alone in front of the mirror, I hesitated, raising my shirt over the small bump. It barely looked like anything, more like a little belly fat. But it was there, undeniably present. This was the first time I had looked at it without layers of clothing between us.My eyes fell to the branded scar on my stomach. The sight of it sent bitter, hot tears streaming down my face. I could feel that day as if it were happening all over again.FLASHBA
Charles soon turned, leaving the room with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment, thinking he might bag a contract by the end of the day. “Let go of me!” I screamed, thrashing with every ounce of strength I could muster. My nails clawed at his arms, my legs kicking out blindly. His grip only tightened, and I felt his hot, sour breath on my neck.“Stop fighting, Whore,” he growled, his tone laced with menace. His filthy hands roamed where they shouldn’t, and panic clawed at my chest. Fear flooded through me like a wildfire—not just for myself but for my unborn baby and Claire.Claire… Is this what she endured? I couldn't imagine her calling such a man Father, even after all he had put her through.I was always jealous of their relationship, always wondering why it couldn't be me, why he constantly chose her before me. I doubted myself, wondering if I acted a little bit more Claire, I would be more…loveable. If I perfected her tone, manner, and everything else. Tears blurred my visi
Sebastian’s POVThe first time I saw Daphne, something shifted in me. There was something about her—fragility masked by a fiery determination—that captivated me in a way I couldn’t explain. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was magnetic, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.But tonight, it wasn’t just her strength or her sharp tongue that caught my attention. It was her vulnerability, the way her body stiffened under the watchful eyes of those twisted old men in the room. Their gazes lingered on her like predators sizing up prey, and it took every ounce of self-control I had not to lose it there and then. I clenched my fists, fighting back the rage boiling inside me. This wasn’t the time or place. I had to play the part, no matter how much it sickened me. When the bidding began, I raised my paddle without hesitation. I wasn’t bidding for art; I was protecting her from the leering eyes of monsters.When the hammer fell and the art was “mine,” I felt a twisted mix of relief and disgust.
“Daphne? Don’t panic.”I tried to respond, but my voice came out raspy, my throat tightening as though invisible hands were choking me. I gasped, desperate for air, as the room began to spin. My mind slipped into the past—dark, horrifying memories clawing their way to the surface.I was back in the stone room, surrounded by cold, damp walls that whispered torment. We were tied, naked, and broken. We didn’t dare believe escape was possible. Our captors paraded us like art, like objects. They said they were bidding on portraits, but we knew better. They were bidding on lives.My legs refused to move. I stood rooted to the spot, my trembling hands betraying the anxiety creeping in. It felt as if taking even one step closer to reality would shatter the fragile illusion that I’d escaped that life. What if I never truly had? What if this life—my freedom, my hope, Sebastian—was all a lie? A cruel trick my mind played to survive?“Was I even real?” I whispered to myself. My breath hitched. “I
I stared at the mirror, barely recognizing the face reflected back at me. My skin was pale, my lips painted deep red, and my eyes hollow but sharp. I settled for a ball gown, enough to hide my baby bump. Elegant and dangerous, this wasn’t me. It couldn’t be. But tonight, I had to be someone else —I had to be Claire. “Daphne.” Sebastian’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Are you there?” He called out from the miniature transmitter he gave me in a pin form. “Nate will be there,” he said quietly. “Stay close, blend in, and follow my lead.” I nodded, forcing down the lump in my throat. I couldn’t mess this up. I went down to the living room my heard thundering, and heels clicking against the floor. I had threatened Claire to stay and pretend to be me. It was cold and silent, the ticking clock pounding in rhythm with my heartbeat. Every breath was tight in my chest as I waited, shoulders straight, fingers trembling at my sides. Footsteps echoed behind me. “Claire.”
“I… I…” My voice faltered as my breath hitched. “Daphne? Is everything alright?” Sebastian’s voice cut through the mic, steadying me. I straightened my posture, forcing control back into my trembling hands. “Richard?” I snapped, turning to face the butler. “You caught me off guard.” His eyes widened, and his hands shook slightly. “Miss Claire… I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He bowed his head respectfully. I bit back a laugh, savoring the rush of dominance. Since my return, I’d noticed Claire had dyed her hair back to brunette, making us nearly identical again. Apparently, not even Richard could tell the difference. Lifting my chin, I channeled Claire’s practiced poise and walked out of the room, heart drumming in my chest like a distant war drum. Back in my room, I locked the door and retrieved the stolen documents, snapping photos and sending them to Sebastian. His reply came quickly: We need to act fast. Time isn’t on our side. Collapsing onto the bed, I FaceTi
It was the next day already, I was left yet again alone in the house. Father and mother were invited by the Stones for a buisness negotiation, while Claire is out to see her “doctor.” I knew she was up to something.Currently standing outside my father’s office, my palms were slick with sweat. The hallway was deathly quiet, My heart pounded so hard I thought it might echo through the empty corridor.I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out the small lockpick set Sebastian insisted I carry. My fingers trembled as I held the cold metal. Memories of my father’s punishments clawed at my mind, the only times I came here was when I did something wrong or received scoldings. The slaps, harsh condescending words, and unforgiving eyes, always compare Claire and me. This was his space. I was never supposed to be here.Suddenly, Sebastian’s calm voice crackled in my ear through the tiny microphone he’d given me.“You’ve got this, Daphne. Slow breaths. In and out.”I inhaled sharply, holdi
“Yes, you heard me right. I’m six months pregnant… and it’s a boy.”The room went silent. The air felt heavy like the walls themselves were holding their breath. Claire’s face turned ashen, her eyes widening as she struggled back to sit up.“That’s… that’s not possible,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “But…”I folded my arms, keeping my voice steady though my chest felt tight. “What’s not possible, Claire? That I’m pregnant? Or that you all thought I couldn’t have children?”I turned to my father, who stood stiff and unreadable, as always. “Nathaniel is investigating Dr. Matthews. It seems he’s been deliberately giving us false results… like he’s working for someone.” I stepped forward, holding my father’s gaze. “So… please, Dad… I’ll need your help.”His expression darkened a bit, the sharp edge of suspicion flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing.Claire squirmed like a cornered animal, her hands trembling at her sides. “N-No… don’t.” Her voice was thin, almost a plea. She looked
She let out a blood-curdling scream, her voice echoing through the house as she gripped her ears, her body shaking. The smirk that had been playing on my lips vanished instantly, replaced by shock. “Miss Claire!” Richard rushed to her side, his face pale. “Claire… Are you okay?” “No! No! Stay the hell away from me!” she shouted, her voice frantic, her legs kicking as she writhed on the floor in a fit of hysteria. I could hear frantic footsteps pounding the hallway, and the door flew open. “What is—” Her sentence was cut short when she gasped, covering her mouth. “Daphne? You’re alive?” I could hardly believe it myself. “Mother, Father!” I cried, running to them. I fell into their arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “I never thought I’d see you again.” “Are you okay? What happened? How?” Father croaked, his voice strained as he looked me over, his gaze scanning me as though he couldn’t believe I was standing before him. “You… You’re alive.” “Yes, Father, I’m alive.” But before I could
“Please, take care of yourself, okay?” Maryam cried, pulling me into a tight hug. Her voice was shaky with concern as she wrapped her arms around me. “Eat well… and take care of Alex too.” “I will, I promise,” I whispered, squeezing her tightly. I couldn’t help but feel my heart break as I hugged her back. “Eww, get your snorty body off me,” I fake-gagged, making her laugh and slap my arms lightly. I turned to Ella, who was standing just behind Maryam. Kneeling down in front of her, I pulled her into a warm hug and kissed her forehead. “I’m going to miss you, my Ella bear. I’ll FaceTime you every day, okay?” “Okkkk,” she replied with a cheerful smile, wrapping her little arms around me. She wiped away the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks. “Big girls don’t cry, Daphne.” I pinched her cheek, dragging it playfully. “You’re right, I’m not a big girl,” I teased, giving her a wink. My heart ached at the thought of leaving her, but I knew I couldn’t back out now. After a brie