Chapter 2

Grace's POV

I sat up slowly, and my lips quivered as I turned to her with a teary face. Lola is my personal maid, my best friend, and everything. If not for her, I would've been dead by now. But her kindness and loyalty keep me alive.

However, for the past two weeks I haven't set my eyes on her, until now. ''Lola?'' I breathed and pulled her into her hug.

"Ma'am." She responded, holding me tightly to herself.

"I'm sorry I left you. It's been tough.'' She said between sobs, and I patted her back lightly. "I understand, but the good thing is that you're here now. I know I'm safe.'' I muttered, and she pulled away and stared directly at my face, pressing her lips together as she nodded her head.

"I brought you food," she said and glanced at the door before taking out a wrapped parcel from her dress and handing it over to me.

Without wasting much time, I consumed the food like my life depended on it. Or maybe, it did. "Take it easy, ma'am." Lola said in panic, fearing that I might get choked, but I didn't care.

When I finished eating, Lola packed the plate into a small bag and was about to leave, but I stopped her immediately. "You haven't told me what happened to you for the past few weeks. Why didn't you come again? You promised to help me out of here, but you disappeared.''

Lola apologized again, then went on to tell me how she's almost caught. "The corridor is forbidden from entry. So when my necklace fell off and was found by your stepmother, everyone was called for questioning. I had to stop coming because there were many guards around. I'm sorry, ma'am.'' She concluded, and I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief.

Now I understood why nobody heard me when I screamed for help. No one is allowed to pass through this part of the building. And the guards? They're heartless to leave me here, even when they heard my cries.

This made me curious. How did she pass through again? Could it be that the guards are no longer there?

"I have to go now," Lola said, drifting me off my thoughts. I turned to see her heading towards the door, but I wasn't done with her yet. Although I feared for her safety, I still had something I needed an urgent response to.

"Who is Leila?" I blurted out, and she froze on the spot, then slowly turned her gaze to me with wide eyes.

"I know you want to leave, but please... Just this one," I pleaded. "I really want to know."

Lola heaved a deep sigh, then left where she was standing and walked back to me. "How did you know about her?" She asked curiously, squatting beside me.

I quickly told her everything that happened. Including how Leila mocked me. Lola didn't say a word for a moment, but when she finally did, I couldn't believe my ears.

"She's going to be the one to take your place." She replied, but I didn't understand.

''What do you mean?'' I asked.

"Your stepmother and your stepbrother brought her to impersonate you." She paused and glanced at the door, then continued.

"I overheard them talking about it yesterday. Preparations have already been made to welcome her as Miss Grace Wellington. I fear for you, ma'am.'' She said with a saddened face.

"Leila has a bad reputation. She's a thief, a sex worker, a bully, and....'' She bit her lips and shook her head. Imagine such a person bearing your name. Imagine what people will say about you.''

"But why? How can they do this? I...''

"I have no idea, ma'am." She interrupted me. "But I think it's because of your father's will. On your birthday, Leila will claim everything, and you'll be left with nothing.''

My heart sank in my chest, and I grabbed my torn dress tightly as her words resonated in my ears. Not only am I thrown into this place, but Olivia and her son are already planning to replace me with someone else.

If only they found a sane person. But a thief, a prostitute, and God knows the rest of the things that bitch does. My heart clenched as I thought about it. There's no way I would allow that to happen. I must find a way out of here before that glorious day.

"You have to help me, Lola. I can't let them win. They're going to disgrace me and my late father. And...'' I trailed off as tears slid down my cheeks.

"Let's assume they win and take everything and then throw me down the street. What would people say about me? How will I be treated? Please, I beg you.'' I said with a teary face, entwining our hands.

"You're like my sister. Please, help me.'' I pleaded, but she shook her head vividly, crushing my heart the more.

"I really want to help you, ma'am; I promised to help you. But for now, there's no way. I'm sorry.''

I've been hearing those words for a long time now. When she came, I expected something else. But unfortunately, it's the same thing. What am I living for then? Why don't I just end it all?

I took a glance around, searching for a weapon at least. But unfortunately, there's nothing I could use to end my life. Not even a fork, at least. Lola came in with a flask and a spoon; it can't do anything except make me swallow it.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. If I choked myself, this would end, wouldn't it? "Don't give up, ma'am." I heard Lola say, and I turned to her with a tightened face.

"I gave up a long time ago, Lola. If I'd known, I wouldn't have eaten that food. In a few weeks from now, I'll be a nobody. Tell me one reason why I should live.''

Lola grabbed my hand and pressed it against hers. ''I have an idea, but it's risky.''

My heart sank in my chest when she finished speaking, and I turned to her sharply. "Tell me, I'll do anything. As long as I'll be out of this hole.''

Lola hesitated for a moment, then pulled me closer to herself and whispered something into my ears. ''What?'' I blurted out in disbelief, and she nodded her head in affirmation.

"That's the only way, ma'am." She muttered.