Trapped By Freedom

Sophia "Which colour do you think suits me better?" I asked, holding up two dresses for my best friend, Vanessa. Choosing my second outfit for my twenty-first birthday was proving far more difficult than I expected. Then again, it wasn't every day I turned twenty-one. "Sophie, I'd say the red one is going to—" "Sweetheart, I think pink would look best on your flawless skin," Mum interrupted before Vanessa could finish, her eyes never leaving the business magazine in her hands. "Mum," I whined, "remember you promised to let me handle things my own way." She finally looked up and waved a dismissive hand. "Alright. I won't interfere. You girls should do your thing." I smiled. My birthday was only three days away, and I could barely contain my excitement.Not because of the party, although maybe a little, but because I'd finally be free to make my own decisions. Mum, Dad, and my uncles loved me more than anything, but they were unbelievably overprotective. I'd grown up like a princess, surrounded by luxury, with a personal maid, a bodyguard, designer clothes, and a family that adored me. There was just one thing I didn't have. Freedom. I wanted to experience life for myself. I wanted to work, earn my own money, learn how to cook, clean, and do ordinary things without everyone acting like I was made of glass. Even now, my bodyguard had been following me around since breakfast. "Seriously?" I asked, turning to look at him. He pretended not to hear me. "I'm only going to the kitchen." "Your grandmother's orders, Miss Sophia." See what I meant? How was I supposed to feel like an adult when I couldn't even walk into the kitchen alone? Every time I suggested doing things myself, everyone gave the same answer. "No." "You'll hurt yourself." Eventually, Mum made me a promise. "When you turn twenty-one, we'll let you make your own decisions." I'd been counting down ever since. For now, though, my biggest problem was deciding on my second birthday dress. Every design was beautiful, but I still preferred the red one. I hadn't invited many friends because, honestly, I didn't have many. Vanessa was my only close friend. Mum and Dad had invited business associates and family friends instead. The real fun would begin after the party. Vanessa had arranged an after-party with some of her friends. No parents. No nannies. No bodyguards. Just freedom. I honestly couldn't wait. I headed into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of strawberry juice before grabbing another for Vanessa. "Mum, do you want some?" She smiled politely. "No, thank you." "Sophie!" Vanessa shouted from the living room. "Bring me some too!" I laughed. She could sit in one place until she died of thirst if someone else was available to fetch it. As I poured her drink, the pizza we'd ordered arrived. I grabbed a slice and took a huge bite. "Sophia." Uh-oh. I slowly turned toward Mum. She lowered her magazine just enough to give me that look. "Eat properly. You're a lady." I smiled innocently. "Sorry, Mum." I behaved myself for exactly five seconds before attacking the pizza again. Vanessa shook her head. "I honestly don't understand you." "What?" "You eat all this junk food and never gain weight. Meanwhile, I have to watch everything I eat just to fit into my dress." I shrugged. "I guess I have a fast metabolism. Besides, I work out." "Eat up, birthday girl," she laughed. "We still have a lot to do." She thought we had plenty left to prepare, but Mum had already organised almost everything. The only decisions left were my second dress and the final cake design. This year's theme was Hollywood. My main birthday gown had already arrived, and it was breathtaking. Mum had even hired one of the city's biggest event planners. Honestly, the preparations felt more like a wedding than a birthday. The only thing worrying me was Victoria. My cousin. If anyone could ruin my special day, it was her. As the days passed, the mansion transformed into something magical. White roses decorated every entrance, crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished marble floors, and decorators rushed around carrying flowers and gold centrepieces. Honestly, you'd think I was getting married. Dad had been away on a business trip for two days, but he still called every evening just to ask if I'd eaten. Typical Dad. He promised he'd be home before my birthday, and I believed him. Walking through the beautifully decorated ballroom with Mum, I couldn't stop admiring everything she'd planned. Every detail reflected her incredible sense of style. "Everything is perfect, just the way you wanted it, Princess," she said proudly. "Mum..." "Hmm?" "Please don't let Victoria anywhere near my dressing room." She smiled knowingly. "My gown has already been delivered, and you know she might try it on." "I won't let anyone into that room except Vanessa and the organisers." She lifted a small silver key with a grin. "Besides, I have the key." Relief washed over me. With Mum guarding the room, my dress would be safe. Everything was finally ready. In just three more days, I'd turn twenty-one. Three more days until I'd finally have the freedom I'd dreamed about for so long. At least... That's what I believed.