LOST

Amelia's POV I was getting late for college. Even though I had woken up early and finished all my chores, there was still one problem—the coffee. I really didn't know what mistake I was making. This was already the third cup, and she still didn't like it. Sometimes it was too hot, and sometimes it was too cold. As I made another cup, I silently prayed. Please, God, let this be the last one today. I placed the coffee on the table in front of her and turned to leave. "You little b***h! You burned my tongue!" My stepmother, Isabella, yelled and threw the hot coffee at me. "Ahh!" The hot liquid splashed onto my neck. Thankfully, it didn't hit my face. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but somehow I managed to hold them back. With a sigh, I said, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I'll make another one." Yes, you heard me right. Even though she was my stepmother, from the day I came here with my father, I became their slave. My stepmother and her daughter made my life a living hell. Even my father... I didn't even have the right to call him Dad. Yet, this was supposed to be my family. I picked up the cup and was about to leave when she spoke again. "Make it fast. I don't have all day." I nodded and returned to the kitchen. Even though this wasn't anything new, I couldn't stop my tears from falling for long. Sometimes I wished I could go back to my childhood, when I lived happily with my mother. I quickly wiped my tears away. I couldn't waste time crying. I was already late for college. Before making another coffee, I ran cold water over my neck, hoping to ease the burning pain. After several attempts, I finally made a cup she liked. Once she was satisfied, I took a quick shower and rushed to college. By the time I arrived, the first period was almost over. I waited outside until the professor left the classroom and then quietly slipped inside. "Where were you?" Asha, my best friend, whispered as I sat beside her. "Same as always," I replied with a fake smile. She sighed and nodded. I could tell she felt sorry for me. I was copying the notes I had missed when Asha came over again. "Let's grab something to eat," she suggested. As I closed my notebook and packed my bag, I replied, "Sorry, not today. Otherwise, I'll be late for work." "But I'm sure you didn't have breakfast either. How can you work on an empty stomach?" She was the only person who truly cared about me. I felt lucky to have her by my side. "You know what my boss is like, right?" I said sadly. "I can't afford to be even a minute late. Otherwise, he'll cut half my salary, and I really need that money." "You don't have to worry. I'll eat something when I get to work." With that, I hurried out of the college. I worked in a café. Yes, the eldest daughter of a famous businessman was earning money as a waitress. But I didn't mind. As long as it covered my needs, it was enough. I still remembered the day I asked for permission to attend college. At first, they said it was a waste of time. Then suddenly, the next day, my stepmother changed her mind and agreed. But there was a condition. I had to finish all the household chores before going to college and work. I agreed immediately. As long as I could continue my studies, I was willing to do anything. It didn't matter how early I had to wake up. However, when I needed books and study materials, they refused to increase my allowance. The money they gave me wasn't even enough for a healthy meal. Meanwhile, Mia, my half-sister, spent thousands on makeup alone. So I decided to get a job. In exchange, I had to give up my allowance completely. I also had to clean the kitchen, wash the dishes, and whenever Mia threw a party, I had to stay behind until it ended—not to enjoy it, but to clean up the mess afterward. I couldn't even go to sleep without their approval. Even so, I was willing to endure it. I needed to save money. When I turned eighteen, I would use those savings to find my mother. Before we were separated, I promised her that I would obey my father until I turned eighteen. After that, I would finally be free. I still didn't understand why she left me with him. If only she knew how I was living now. Like a slave. But soon, I would turn eighteen. And then I would discover the truth. As soon as I arrived at the café, I changed into my uniform and started working. My stomach growled constantly, but I ignored it. "Hey, have some food." Chef Uncle handed me a plate of noodles. He always seemed to know when I was hungry. I felt grateful to have someone as kind as him in my life. I set the dishes aside and happily started eating. "Mmm... delicious," I said with satisfaction. Chef Uncle chuckled before returning to work. By the time my shift ended, I was exhausted. Unfortunately, I still couldn't rest because there was more work waiting for me at home. I had just put down my bag when a familiar voice stopped me. "Hey, ugly duckling. Come here." It was Mia. I turned toward her. "What are you waiting for? Mom wants to talk to you." I nodded and followed her. My father was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. He didn't even spare me a glance. I still didn't understand why he hated me. Why had my parents divorced? What had happened between them? No matter how much I thought about it, I never found an answer. But there was one thing I always wished for. Just once... I wanted him to look at me with the love and care of a father.