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Chapter 34
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Caged Bird Epilogue
The wedding was done. The dress was shown, the kiss was shared, and the vows were spoken. The guests cheered, oblivious to the silent cries of the bride. The beautiful ceremony masked the impending doom that she felt deep within her heart.The bird was once again caged by a master who wanted to show his prized possession to the underworld of the modern era. He paraded her around, flaunting her beauty and grace to the other greedy men who desperately wanted to hunt down that precious lady. She was a trophy in his eyes, a symbol of his power and status.He pranced around with her, showing her off to the other greedy men, desperately wanting to hunt down that precious lady. Each night was a display, a spectacle where she was the main attraction. The lady felt miserable again. The weight of her gilded cage was suffocating. Never could she really leave her cage. Never could she spread her wings and explore the world. Never did she get the chance to feel the wind brushing through her hair,
The Caged Bird Prologue
She looked into the empty void. Tears made their way down as she could only see the glass that was part of her personal prison. Her personal hell. She could only see loneliness, emptiness, darkness as she was met by her reflection. Nothing of what was surrounding her gave her hope. She felt like a caged bird. A bird that was meant to fly the high, blue skies, but was trapped like a prized possession for her master to impress others with. She wanted to explore, venture, and observe the outside world. The freedom that was waiting for her outside, behind the glassed windows, was only an illusion. It was like offering candy to a child and right before the innocent hands would take the sweet snack, to take it away. The beautiful garden outside, on the other side of the window of her prison, was her candy. A heavenly sweetness she met every day to be only taken from her, or better, to remind her it was taken from her. The hollow and dull eyes of the
The Caged Bird Chapter 1
Concentrating. Incredibly careful I held my brush. Making sure the paint is brushed in the right places. Sticking my tongue out to help me. I picked up my brush one last time and... finished. My ten nails had a beautiful pastel pink color. I was quite proud of myself. I had made no mistake while painting my nails. I wanted to share my accomplishment with someone. I made my way down to the kitchen. Maybe Mary was on her brake. I entered the spacious room in the hope to see the woman who always kept me company when I felt lonely. "Mary?" I heard a thud and then the old lady made her appearance from behind the kitchen island. "Yes, dear?" "Did you hurt yourself right now, I heard a thud. I'm sorry I did not mean to scare you." I said guiltily. "It's alright dear. What is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked with the infamous friendly smile she had always shown me, no matter what. "Look," I held my fingers up, "I painted my nails." I showe
The Caged Bird Chapter 2
I was one week in of my horrendous punishment. It felt like the whole world was punishing me by letting time go so slowly. In the morning, my teacher arrived, and we would work until one in the afternoon. Then I would have lunch alone. When I was done eating, I would join Mary in the kitchen as our chef would teach me a new recipe. By then it would be around three in the afternoon. I would go to the library and play the piano until four and then I had nothing to do anymore. This was my routine, day in and out. I had already watched all the movies I was allowed to watch; I had done all the hobbies I was allowed to do, which were not interesting anymore, and I could not go outside of the house. I was forbidden to go anywhere outside our borders. I had never been to the movies, to the mall, to the library, or to school. I was very
The Caged Bird Chapter 3
Last night I moped, but today was going to be different. Today was a new day and that meant a fresh start. I could not be grieving all the time about the fact I was alone, that would only make me sadder. No, each new day needed to be faced with a new ounce of happiness. I got myself freshened up and picked proper clothes to wear for a proper lady. This meant a skirt, not too long, not too short. Matched with a blouse. I tied my hair in a ponytail and headed to the dining room for breakfast. Normally I would be alone, but now I saw my brother already sipping at his coffee. With a smiling face, I greeted him. "Morning." I chirped. "Good morning, little sister. Did you sleep well?" Xavier asked as he put his phone away. "Yes, and you
The Caged Bird Chapter 4
After my punishment was over, I would never take going outside for granted. I felt so much better to be outside again than be cooped up in the house. With my privilege being given back to me, my days were much brighter, especially because I knew when my brother would return home, which was soon. In a week, the party took place, of which I still had not figured out what its occasion was. I made my way to the kitchen after my afternoon walk outside. Mary was eating a sandwich, which meant she was on her break. "Hello, Mary." I chirped. "Hello dear, how are you doing?" She asked with a smile. "Really good, in a week Xavier is visiting again. Again! Maybe he will have some time to listen to the last piece I have learned on the piano." I mused.
The Caged Bird Chapter 5
I was in a state of shock when I heard those words and not the good kind. My breath hitched. I was lost for words. I just could not grasp the fact I would marry a total stranger. I did not know a lot about social engagement and social activities, but what I did know was that two people marry out of love, not out of a deal. At least that is what all the romantic novels and movies told me.Sure, I had read about arranged marriages, but that was in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Not in the present.I knew I was too long too quiet. I had to say something, but what?"I-I am a-afraid I-I do not u-understand." I stuttered.When the words left my mouth, a sinister smile was plastered on the young male's face of Edric. A shiver ran d
The Caged Bird Chapter 6
The magazines felt like heavyweights on my lap. I could not speak. Silence filled the room. Time went by."Look Ava, I know you don't know my son, I can understand this might be difficult for you. But this wedding will take place, nothing can change that. So, I suggest you quit your whining about this and pick out a wedding dress." Miranda said stern.I looked at her. Her lips were pressed in a thin line and she had a deep frown plastered on her forehead. Her eyes were cold, telling me to obey her.I looked back at the magazines and slowly opened them. Looking at the white dresses. None of them were appealing to me. Nothing about all of this was appealing to me, but apparently, I whined, and I did not want to displease her. So, I started to act like a proper lady and listened to my elders."The pages with the folded ears are the dresses that might be fitting for you." I turned to the next page with a folded ear. "Oh, this is my fav
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The Caged Bird Epilogue
The wedding was done. The dress was shown, the kiss was shared, and the vows were spoken. The guests cheered, oblivious to the silent cries of the bride. The beautiful ceremony masked the impending doom that she felt deep within her heart.The bird was once again caged by a master who wanted to show his prized possession to the underworld of the modern era. He paraded her around, flaunting her beauty and grace to the other greedy men who desperately wanted to hunt down that precious lady. She was a trophy in his eyes, a symbol of his power and status.He pranced around with her, showing her off to the other greedy men, desperately wanting to hunt down that precious lady. Each night was a display, a spectacle where she was the main attraction. The lady felt miserable again. The weight of her gilded cage was suffocating. Never could she really leave her cage. Never could she spread her wings and explore the world. Never did she get the chance to feel the wind brushing through her hair,
The Caged Bird Chapter 34
For two months Nicholas and I were trapped in one of Victor's houses. It was difficult, but I was used to it. This was my life until now, so no differences for me. Nicholas, on the other hand, was going insane. A week ago he apologized to me for having me stay in his home all the time. But being locked up wasn't the only thing that irritated him. Nicholas' business, mafia, went through great losses because of the deal with Victor. It seemed every week went something wrong and he had to pay more and more money and lost many investments. At the same time, we didn't particularly try to get pregnant. I didn't want to be touched and well, Nicholas was a gentleman. He had only asked me once if I was serious to which I replied, "Well, if it really comes to it, yes, but I mostly did it to buy us some time while protecting Evelyn. So I would rather not." Nicholas understood and never spoke of it again. This morning was the same as any other, only it was not. After a quick shower and getti
The Caged Bird Chapter 33
I stood shaking on my legs, never in my life was I so afraid, except for the fact I was kidnapped once. I was back again at Nicholas' mansion. It was still dark and the world had gone to sleep. A cold breeze passed by us, between me, Evelyn and Victor, and my brother and Nicholas. We were both taken out of the car and Evelyn and I looked both panicked. The tension was real. Victor looked at Nicholas with a smug face. He knew he had the upper hand in this. It was not supposed to be this way. Evelyn and I would have been on the boat if it weren't for the cruel man next to me who held my arm in a tight grip.It started when we arrived at the harbor. Like here, it was too quiet when we got to our destination. Nicholas had said there would be multiple guards near us wherever we went, but once there, no one was in sight. The door of the car in front of us was opened by one of Nicholas' men, only to be closed again. The moment he tried to investigate he was shot. I remembered how I screamed.
The Caged Bird Chapter 32
The four of us sat all freshly showered and energized from last night in the living room together. We all looked anxious as we were all shaken up by the events of last night. The ball we held was supposed to be helpful for us, not harmful. My anger towards Nicholas had vanished from the moment he said he did not plan to get me pregnant. Evelyn, however, was still furious at my husband. She knew the most of my past as we had talked about it together these past weeks. She was only trying to protect me, which I appreciated, but I felt sorry for Nicholas as her eyes could kill somebody."So, what's the plan Mr. I-don't-think-things-thoroughly?" Evelyn snapped at Nicholas."Evelyn, please," I whispered. I was already too harsh towards him and Nicholas got already scolded last night by my brother's girlfriend."It's alright Ava. The plan is the following and we have to act quickly. Victor will send his lawyer by any time now. It will be either tomorrow or the day after that. Between now and
The Caged Bird Chapter 31
Meaning the girl is free to claim. No, no not this again. Why can't these people let me be? I hated father after everything he did to me, but I now truly understood why he kept me away from these men. Why can't they just leave me alone?My body started to shake. With my two hands, I had to grip Nicholas' arm to steady myself. I could not believe this was happening again. Again! I wanted to go home and hide from the world. To run away as far as possible."Don't be ridiculous!" Nicholas hissed. "She is my wife not some whore to be passed around." Victor seemed not to be faced by the words Nicholas said. He only laughed and smiled."Well if you are not giving her hand away I will tell your lovely guests that the two of you are not fully married yet," Victor said with no care in the world. I could not believe how he could be so calm while discussing such a horrible topic. Talking about someone else's life like it was nothing at all.Nicholas tensed even more if that was possible. "Don't y
The Caged Bird Chapter 30
Evelyn and I made our way down towards the foyer. Both our dresses moved majestically around our bodies as we made our descent down the stairs. Both men were waiting for us as they stood in their sharp-looking suits. Nicholas was wearing a dark black suit with a matching black dress shirt. Xavier, on the other hand, wore more lighter clothes. His suit was grey with a light grey dress shirt, matched with a burgundy red tie.It was my brother who spoke up first as we got in their eye-sight. "You look lovely, both of you ladies." He smiled. He always smiled when Evelyn was in the room. I wished somebody would do that when I would enter the room.Maybe, someday. After all this is over.When we were at the bottom of the stairs Evelyn thanked Xavier for the compliment. "I think 'beautiful' is a better way to phrase how our ladies look." Nicholas finally said as I stood beside him. "You look really beautiful Ava." He said in a low voice.I did not know how to take the compliment. "Y-You thin
The Caged Bird Chapter 29
"Trouble? What trouble?" I asked.Both men in front of me looked at each other for a second when Xavier nodded his head towards Nicholas. The said men straightened his back and cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I have to tell you bad news, again. It seems that the news of us being married has not convinced everybody. Some think our marriage documents are forged, fake if you will."Nicholas gave me an apologetic look. It was quite frustrating, really. We did all of this so I could have my old life back as much as possible, maybe with even more freedom. But this, this sets us back again. I really do not understand this power hunger of people."So, what now? What do we have to do now, again!" I slightly yelled. Frustration getting to me."Ava please-" Xavier started but was shut down by Nicholas. He held his hand up and said, "Xavier don't, we have talked about this." Nicholas spoke sternly. He continued, "We have to convince, Ava. Convince them that we are married.""Why? Why can we not l
The Caged Bird Chapter 28
The warmth of the sun was kissing my skin as I surrounded myself with plants. Droplets of sweat were dripping off my face, arms, and back. The calming sounds of the birds in the trees and the sky made me relax as I was doing hard laboring work. I carried plants, flowers, dirt, and flowerpots all over the back garden of the massive mansion of now my husband Nicholas. As I was finally married to the man who saved my life weeks ago, I could move more freely around.Once a week I would go to the store, find new plants to put in our garden, and the next couple of days I was busy planting them. Slowly the garden became more and more enjoyable with the many colors that crossed along the grounds.Leaving the house was still a whole other thing. I could only leave if I had at least four bodyguards with me, which meant that going outside to just explore was still difficult. Nicholas and Xavier were still weary to let me leave and only let me when I had a specific goal, like going to the store o
The Caged Bird Chapter 27
Hot tears were escaping my eyes. I felt them slowly rolling down my cheeks and saw them falling down on the ground, making small pools of my misery on the wooden floors. When I thought back on our conversation, I hugged my legs tighter. They want me to marry someone again.I do not want that.I want peace.I want to have a happy life again, with no pain, no fear, and no marriage.I squeezed my eyes shut and laid my head on my knees. Trying to hide from the world. After my outburst I stormed towards my room. Escaping from my problems. I felt betrayed by Nicholas, by Evelyn, and mostly by my brother. Why did he not come for me? Why did he ask Nicholas to safe me? Why not himself?It seems that I have always questions on my mind lately and I knew it was not my fault. Everybody who I met kept me in the dark. I am done living like that. I want to break free from the prison I am right now and spread my wings. I want freedom.I want peace.From now on I will fight for myself. I will not let
