LILIANA
A few moments later, Rachel bursts in without knocking, her arrival as sudden as a slap, and my heart clenches in response.
Her face is a mask of purpose, bright and unbothered, but I know better. I sit frozen on the edge of the bed, my thoughts still circling that single, searing truth:
I'm going to be sold. Like livestock.
‘How did I get here?’ The question is there in my mind, gnawing and accusing. My pulse drums louder in my ears. I swallow hard and my nails dig into my palms.
“Take a shower,” she instructs briskly, tossing a bag onto the chair. “We're heading to the mall. We need to pick out some dresses for you.”
A hollow laugh rises in my throat, bitter and jagged, but I choke it back. A dress. That's their solution? As if wrapping me up in silk and lace, and paradin
