CHAPTER ONE
544 Words
FLASHBACK — 22 YEARS AGO
JOY'S POV
The small studio was hot and crowded with fabrics, sketches were scattered everywhere. I Ella’s mother,Joy, stood in the middle, breathing fast, my hands shaking and cold sweats running down my face.
Across from me stood Mrs Hart, Parker’s mother,Calm face,Sharp eyes,Two bodyguards behind her, She looked at me like she owned me
“Your sketches are late again,” Mrs.Hart said.
“Fashion Week is in two months, You know we need those sketches.”
My voice trembled.
“I know… but I’m tired, I’ve been working day and night. You promised I’d get a break.”
Mrs.Hart dropped her bag on the table.
“You don’t get breaks,not when you’re the brain behind our entire brand.”
I squeezed my eyes shut.
“That’s the problem,My designs are the reason you’re successful, but I’m treated like a slave,I don’t even get credits nor time for my family I can’t keep doing this.”
“You’re paid,” Mrs. Hart snapped.
“Paid?” I laughed sadly “Paid what? Money that can’t even cover my daughter’s school fees? You earn millions from my work, and I get scraps”
The room went cold.
Mrs. Hart stepped closer.
“You should be grateful. Without us, you are nothing.”
My lips shook.
“I just want freedom. I want to design for myself. I want to breathe.”
Mrs Hart’s eyes hardened.
“If you walk away, you will lose everything. Including your daughter.”
I froze.
“What… what do you mean?”
“We made your name,and we can destroy it. And child support listen to powerful families. One report, one accusation… and you’ll never see your daughter again, remember what happened to your friend”
Tears dropped from my eyes.
“You can’t take my daughter away”
“We can,” Mrs Hart said calmly. “And we will, if you don’t finish the Fashion Week collection,as far as you're alive You belong to us,Do your work.”
She turned to leave.
“Please… I’m begging you…” I whispered, falling to my knees. “I’m tired I can’t keep living like this.”
Mrs Hart didn’t look back.
“When you finish the designs, call me. If you fail… you know what happens.”
The door closed.
Silence swallowed the room.
I broke down crying,Hands shaking,Heart racing,No one to help me, No family,No support,No freedom,Only fear.
I looked at a picture of baby Ella
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I can’t fight them anymore. I can’t let them take you.”
Her tears hit the sketchbook.
I felt trapped, Used,Owned,No way out.
My husband is having an affair,my marriage is crumbling my daughter is about to be taken from me.....why are my this unlucky.
If he doesn't love me anymore one thing is for sure he'll take care of our daughter
I walked to my sewing table… opened the small bottle of sleeping pills the doctor prescribed for stress… and with shaking hands…
I made the choice and took an overdose
Her last words were soft and broken:
“Forgive me, my baby. This is the only way to set you free.”
Everything went dark.
End of flashback.......
- Writer
