Valentina's POV My eyes fluttered open and I was immediately met with the cold unfeeling gaze of my father. No, not my father again—. The dim light from a single flickering bulb barely lit the damp, suffocating walls of the basement. My body ached against the rough stone floor as I scraped my hands and knees, trying to push myself back, away from him. But there was nowhere to go.My breath hitched and my heart pounded with fear. My throat was tight. “Father, pl—please, let me go.” I hated how weak my voice sounded, trembling with terror. Even though I knew there was no escaping him, I couldn't help but plead.Franco sneered down at me, his face laced with disgust. “Why did you even make an attempt to run from me?” he growled, his tone mocking. “You should know by now you can't escape.” He sighed heavily, his eyes darkening with disappointment. “You've been nothing but a failure since the day you were born.”His words sliced through me like a knife and tears stung my cheeks. I couldn
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