Love’s Twist

Esther’s POV “Oh God, can you please learn to knock before barging in?” I said to whoever just entered. “Watch that pretty mouth of yours kitten.” That tone alone is one I can’t seem to forget. “I… I didn’t know it was you, I’m sorry,” Hating the way my body went stiff. In two long strides, he reached out to me, grabbing me forcefully by the throat, something I'd gotten used to, and suddenly the room felt smaller. Like he was reminding me who was in control. “One day, kitten, that little mouth will be mine. I don’t have to wait since you’re 21, isn’t that nice?” he said, releasing me with that stupid grin on his face. “Um, could you please step outside a bit? I really need to take a shower,” I said with a calm I didn’t feel. I really need him out of this room. “Can’t you flash me before I leave or do you prefer I do that for you?” Scratch that, I’m sick of these silly games with dad and those involved. No way in hell am I flashing him my nudes. “I’m sorry I thought you said you would wait or are you that weak?” I asked with a small smile I’ve learned to put on over the years… Face fallen and shoulders slouched, he pinched the bridge of his nose before straightening. “Fine, I’ll leave you to it kitten and make sure you wash there pretty well, because I’ll be visiting tonight.” His hands were on my lower back drawing imaginary lines, causing goosebumps to spread out. “I…out please.” My body tensed and stiff under his gaze and touch. Ever since Dad made a deal with him, he’d always tried to take advantage of me. The other time he forcefully kissed me while I was going to eat. “Always trying to escape kitten, see you tonight,” Planting a kiss on my head before heading out, only then did I feel relaxed, heart racing while staring at my phone, wondering how long I was going to pretend I was okay. I decided to call Mia, to make sure I still had my sanity intact. “Hey Mia, are you free now.” Silence is all I get for a long time before she speaks. “Esther, sure I’m free, but you know you can’t leave the house, please I don’t want you in trouble, I can’t keep doing this okay,” her voice breaking. “No problem, I understand your concern and thanks, by the way.” Grateful for having her all this while. “You know, I could come visit you instead.” I didn’t want Dad to put a target on her head. Sighing heavily, I told her about the party dad and I are attending tonight and about James and was about to tell her about…. “Esther, are you in there? The driver’s waiting downstairs for us, so make yourself useful and get down here,” Dad said to me in a dismissive tone. “Yes sir, give me ten, and I’ll be there,” I said, telling Mia I’ll look for a way to visit her. “You better hurry up.” Wasting no time, I had the fastest shower. I stood in front of the mirror to put on the short red gown mom got me. I didn’t feel the slightest bit of comfortable in this dress. So, I had to wear the heels I feel so comfortable in, admiring my pretty face in the mirror. I had gotten my beauty from my mother. The one thing that kept me in this house, my body and my face, have become a tool Dad used to pull big catches from events. That’s the only thing my dad likes about me. That’s the only time I get a compliment from him. Shoving down those ugly memories and emotions threatening to spew out, I talked myself out of it and took a pill with a glass of wine to survive the night…… Coming downstairs, I heard hushed whispers between my parents, angling my head so I could make out their words, something they said caught my attention and left me on low, so I pretended I didn’t hear them, it’s not like it’s the first time…. “Dad, I’m set, Louis is waiting,” Dad adjusted his buttons again, a habit he does whenever he’s nervous. “Kate love, you look stunning tonight and ready Right honey?” Mom was intentionally looking at me while praising my sister, but I won’t give her the reaction she wants. “Oh, look at how beautiful our baby has grown, come here,” They laughed and hugged each other like I didn’t even exist, how ridiculous, casting one look my way, Dad talked to me. “You look ok, hopefully you can get the attention of the visitors I brought tonight.” Mom looked at my Dad like he’d grown a second head. “Honey, you shouldn’t talk to her that way, else she’d be getting ideas. And my Katie’s still the most beautiful,” she said, smiling sweetly at my sister before turning to me. “Be grateful for that face of yours, else you’re useless. Let’s get going before she ruins the night for us.” “Thanks,” I said, my head hanging low and my heart breaking a million times again… The only family I had in this house was the chauffeur, Henry. He has been protecting me. There was a time dad’s friend tried to r**e me. I had screamed for help and even Dad heard me, but he pretended as though my screams were nothing. Mom, on the other hand, passed and locked us both inside. If it weren’t for Henry, I would have been r***d. He beat him up pretty bad, and talked me out when I began panicking. It was then that I knew how much my family hated me. Dad came into the room and tried to console me, repeatedly apologizing." After that, he took me to the hospital and slapped me when we came back home. He said I was stupid and would have allowed him to get it over with, that I made him lose a contract worth millions. Ever since, I have had only Henry to trust. “You don’t look comfortable tonight,” Henry told me, his face displeased. “Don’t worry, I’m good,” I said before I got into the car.