ELLIANA'S POV
I was in my room, trying to escape the chaos that had become my mind. My stepfather, Jeffrey, had been struggling to keep his company afloat, and the stress had taken a toll on him. He had been drinking more and more, and I could smell the whiskey on his breath as he entered my room.
"Hey, Ellie," he slurred, his eyes scanning my body in a way that made my skin crawl. "You're looking lovely tonight."
I tried to ignore him, focusing on the book in my hands, but he didn't take the hint. He sauntered over to my bed, his movements fluid and predatory.
"Jeffrey, please leave," I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.
But he just chuckled, his eyes glinting with a mixture of desperation and desire. "Oh, come on, Ellie. Don't be like that. I'm just trying to be friendly."
