CHAPTER 2

It had been exactly sixteen years, three months, and six days since she

promised to come back for me. I never lost count.

She took me on a walk and abandoned me.

Hours had rolled into days, and days had walked into weeks.

Weeks sped into months, and months ran into years. The pain never really went away.

away. I waited like a fool in the cold, dark alley, drenched, scared, and hungry. The

Merciless rain pattered heavily on my skin.

                Will I ever forgive her? I asked myself, staring at the life-size painting hung on

the walls of the castle. She seemed to be staring back at me with her beautiful blue eyes.

It looked like they were full of apology; I hoped they were.

It was tough living with scars no one apologized for. You just had to learn to live with it.

it.

"Miss Gwen, your father summons you." The housekeeper, Madam Devon, interrupted.

"Oh, I'll be there shortly." I replied. She took her leave.

I held up the hem of my tight corset dress and made my way

to my father's study. Father rarely summoned me unless it was important.

I was about to knock when the door flew open.

"And she just keeps growing." Aunt Maya said it with a bright smile. She looked at me, swelling with pride.

"Aunt Maya!." I let the name out of my mouth in a surprised whisper. It's been ages. I had not set eyes on

Aunt Maya since I was sixteen. She was my favorite person after my dad and my only solace.

I had been gone ever since my mom died.

Aunt Maya and I had a lot in common; we both loved reading, we also loved literature, and

astrology.

Things I could only love in secret in Dycan Not everyone

liked women who loved such

I went into the study; Aunt Maya shut the door behind me. I gave her

a warm hug. "She kept insisting she would surprise you." Dad said, smiling at me.

"How have you been, dearest?" "I'm good, aunt Maya."

"That's good to know."

"You came to see me, Aunt Maya?"

Yes, I did, but...

She stole side glances at Dad and looked back at me.

"Nevermind Gwen."

I nodded in understanding. I became worried. Something was wrong; I could feel it.