FRAMED BY DESTINY

A NEW BEGINNING

This was it.

The beginning of something new... or the end of everything she knew.

The gate creaked open slowly, as if it is giving her time to reconsider. To turn back or to Run But there was nowhere to run to.

"Don't be nervous Lara" the woman beside her said gently. That was Mrs Victoria Kingsley, Her mother's closest friend. The woman who has insisted that Elara come live with her after everything that had happened.

"You are safe here" she added, her voice warm, soothing.

Safe, Elara swallowed.

She wanted to believe that. She really did.

The car finally came to a stop in front of the house.

And then she saw it. Her breath caught.

The mansion stood proudly before her large, and elegant in its beauty. It was the kind of house she had only ever seen in movies. Not the kind of house someone like her was supposed to live in.

"We are here" Mrs Victoria said softly. Elara nodded, but her hands tightened slightly around her suitcase. For a brief moment, she hesitated.

Then she opened the door and stepped out. The air felt different.

Fresher.

Quieter.

Then she stepped into the house Elara eyes widened slightly. Everything was elegant glass chandeliers polished floors soft lighting that made the place feel warm despite its size.

"Welcome to your new home" Mrs Victoria said

"Thank you ma" Elara replied

Liam!!! Mrs Victoria called out "Come and see who is here"

Footsteps echoed from the staircase and moments later, a young man appeared.

He paused when he saw her. Then smiled.

"Well..you must be Elara" his voice was calm and friendly

"I'm Liam"

Elara nodded slightly."Hi"

Welcome to the chaos, he said with a small grin. "Don't worry I'm the nice one"

Elara left out a soft laugh, the tension in her shoulder easing just a little.

"Liam" Mrs Victoria warned playfully.

What?? I'm just being honest. He shrugged

There was something comforting about him. Something easy.

Where is your brother? Mrs Victoria suddenly asked looking around.

Liam's expression changed, just slightly.

"In his room" he replied. "

As usual"

Mrs Victoria sighed "Go and call him"

Liam then said"Alright"

As he walked away, Elara felt a strange knot form in her stomach. She didn't know why.

Moments passed.

Then slow footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Elara looked up.

And that was when she saw him.

Handsome Tall, Composed, Unbothered

Alexander Kingsley

His eyes landed on her for a brief second cold and unreadable. Then........ he looked away, Just like that.

No greeting..

No welcome..

Nothing!!

He walked past her like she didn't exist. Elara felt it , That subtle sting.

"Oh, Ignore him" Mrs Victoria said quickly forcing a small smile. "That boy has always been like that"

But Elara wasn't sure

Because for a moment there

It felt like a distance

Like a wall she didn't understand

Liam returned shortly after, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Yeah that's Alex for you" he said

Elara forced a small smile but deep down something shifted.

The house was warm, It was welcoming.

But not everyone in it wanted her there.

And somehow.....

She has a feeling this was only the beginning.