The beginning of Suffering

*Episode 1: The Beginning of Suffering*

I stared at the mirror, my reflection a stranger to me. Ava Cassandra dela Vega, heiress to the dela Vega fortune, but a prisoner of my own family. The lavish chandelier above me seemed to mock me, its crystals sparkling like diamonds, reminding me of the wealth and privilege that was supposed to be mine.

My father, Don Pedro dela Vega, was a tyrant, ruling our household with an iron fist. His word was law, and anyone who dared to disobey him faced his wrath. My mother, Doña Sofia, was a socialite, more concerned with appearances than her own daughter. She would often attend charity events, flaying her wealth and status, while I was left at home, feeling abandoned and unloved.

My brother, Rafael, was the golden child, always favored, always praised. He was the one who could do no wrong, and I was the one who could do no right. I felt like a ghost, invisible, unheard. My every move was scrutinized, my every mistake punished. I longed for love, for acceptance, but it seemed like a distant dream.

I remembered the day I turned 16, my father had thrown me a lavish birthday party, inviting the who's who of society. I had felt like a princess, but it was all a facade. My parents were more interested in the guests and the gifts than in celebrating my special day.

One day, I made a mistake, a small one, but it was enough to ignite my father's fury. I had worn a dress that was deemed too revealing, and my father had gone ballistic. He called me "worthless", "unworthy of the dela Vega name". The words cut deep, echoing in my mind like a mantra.

That night, I decided to run away. I packed a small bag, stole some cash, and slipped out of the mansion. I felt a rush of freedom, but it was short-lived. I had no idea where to go, no friends to turn to. I ended up at a small café on the outskirts of town, sipping coffee, trying to gather my thoughts.

As I sat there, I noticed a man watching me from across the room. He was tall, dark-haired, and had piercing blue eyes. He looked concerned, and I felt a pang of fear. What if he was sent by my father to bring me back?

But as our eyes met, I saw something different. Kindness, maybe even compassion. He got up and walked towards me, and I felt my heart racing.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Do you need help?" he asked again.

I hesitated, but something about him put me at ease. I told him everything, about my family, my feelings, my desire to escape. He listened, his expression changing from concern to anger, and finally, to determination.

"I'll help you," he said, his voice firm. "My name is Liam, and I'll get you out of here."

I felt a surge of hope, maybe for the first time in my life. But as we left the café, I knew it wouldn't be easy. My family would come after me, and Liam would be in danger too.

As we drove through the night, I asked him why he was helping me. He smiled, and said, "Because sometimes, it takes a stranger to see the pain in someone's eyes."

I looked at him, feeling a connection I couldn't explain. Maybe it was the desperation, maybe it was the kindness in his eyes. Whatever it was, I knew I was in good hands.

But little did I know, my family was already on the hunt, and Liam was about to become my only ally in a game of power, money, and secrets.

(to be continued...)

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***