Melissa.
I pushed myself off the floor slowly, every movement sending a dull ache through my body. My legs felt weak, but I refused to stay down any longer. I had cried enough. The room still smelled of humiliation, of raised voices and broken dignity, and I needed air, space, anything that wasn’t soaked in today’s shame.
I straightened my torn dress as best as I could and walked out, my steps unsteady but determined. Heads turned as I passed through the hallway, servants pretending not to stare, pretending not to whisper. I kept my chin lifted, even though my chest felt hollow. If I bent now, I would shatter completely.
My room welcomed me with its quiet stillness. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, exhaling shakily. This was the only place that felt remotely mine, even i
