Chapter Two

As the years passed, Violet's patience grew, and she held onto the hope that her grandmother would one day return to her. She rarely saw or spoke to Shawn, as he was always away on business meetings, sometimes for weeks or even months at a time.

Despite his absence, Shawn ensured that Violet was well taken care of. He instructed the household staff to cater to her every need, and Violet was given everything she desired. Shawn also employed a private tutor to educate Violet at home, until she was old enough to attend a higher institution. However, her freedom was severely limited. Shawn employed additional security guards to prevent her from escaping, and she was not allowed to leave the compound.

Violet's days were spent in isolation, with no friends to play with, except for the household staff who attended to her needs. Guards followed her everywhere, even to the garden, which was her favorite place in the house. The garden was a tranquil oasis, filled with vibrant flowers that Violet lovingly watered every day.

The gardener had initially tried to stop Violet from watering the flowers, fearing that Shawn would be angry. However, Violet had refused to listen, and Shawn had eventually instructed the gardener to let her do as she pleased.

As Violet tended to the flowers, her world was a mix of sadness and determination. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, had dimmed with the passing years. However, her love for the flowers and her determination to hold onto hope kept her going.

Shawn, on the other hand, was a mystery. His appearance was always cold and calculating, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intent. Despite his absence, his presence was felt throughout the house, and Violet knew that she was never truly alone.

As the clock ticked away, Violet squeezed herself into a ball on her bed, knowing that she would be turning eighteen tomorrow. She had given up hope of her grandmother returning, and the thought filled her with despair. She sobbed throughout the night, wishing for a miracle to happen.

Shawn, who was staying in a nearby room, emerged into the hallway and stopped by Violet's doorstep. He listened to her sobs, his looks unreadable. He had grown accustomed to her tears every night and knew that she would be better by the next day.

"Grandma, please come back," Violet sobbed, her voice barely audible.

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The next morning, Violet emerged from her room, looking fresh and determined. She made her way to the dining table, where a mouth-watering breakfast was laid out. Shawn was absent, but his presence was felt throughout the room.

As Violet sat down to eat, the staff members approached her, holding various presents. "Happy birthday, Miss Sofia," they chimed in unison, their faces beaming with smiles.

Violet's looks turned stern as she corrected them. "Thank you, but my name is Violet."

Just as she finished speaking, Shawn interrupted from the staircase, his voice firm and authoritative. "Says who?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as he descended the stairs.

The staff members quickly lost their smiles and bowed their heads, sensing the tension in the air. Shawn moved closer to Violet, his face inches from hers. Violet gulped nervously and pushed back, trying to create some distance between them.

"Your name is Sofia," he said, his voice cold and unyielding. "Get used to it."

With that, he sat down, his eyes never leaving Violet's face. He ordered the staff members to drop the presents and return to their duties. They quickly complied, leaving Violet alone with Shawn.

Violet's eyes widened as she gazed at the presents on the table. "Who's gifts are these?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

he smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "They are yours, dummy. It's your eighteenth birthday today, am I right?" He took a sip from his coffee, his

appearance condescending.

"I don't want them," she said, her voice firm as she gulped hard

He scoffed, his looks dismissive. "That's your biz!" He waved his hand, his eyes never leaving Violet's face. Her eyes flashed with defiance, but Shawn's next words made her heart sink. "It seems your grandmother is never coming back. Our deal has extended to its limits, which means you are all mine now." He smirked, his eyes glinting with triumph.

"Never! I will never be yours. My grandma will come for me and take me out of here." She stood up, her eyes blazing with defiance.

he scoffed,"Keep wishing yourself that." He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Violet's face.

"I know it," she said, her voice firm. "I know of it."Her face fell, but she stood her ground.

Shawn raised an eyebrow, She turned to leave, but Shawn's voice stopped her. "And where are you going?"

She turned back, her eyes flashing with defiance. "My room."

His eyes turned cold, glinting with anger. "Don't you dare move an inch. You haven't eaten your food."

Violet's face fell, and she took two steps back before Shawn's hand grabbed her and pulled her back to the table. She flinched in fear, her eyes wide with terror.

"When I am talking to you, you don't walk out on me."His eyes pierced hers, his appearance cold and unyielding.

Her face crumpled, and she turned away, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry...I promise not to disobey you again," she stammered, her voice shaking.

He stared at her, his looks unyielding. Then, he pushed her back and said, "Now, sit down and eat."

She sniffed and sat down, her eyes fixed on the food in front of her. "I lost my appetite," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't care," he said, his voice firm.

She sniffed and sat down, her eyes fixed on the food in front of her. She started eating, her movements mechanical, as Shawn watched her with an unyielding gaze.

Some hours later, Violet stood at the window of her room, gazing up at the stars twinkling in the night sky. Her mind was preoccupied with the words Shawn had spoken earlier: "Just so you know, get prepared for tonight." She shook off the feeling of unease, wondering what he had meant.

As she stepped out of her room, she made her way to the kitchen, where the staff were tidying up. "Um, hey," she said, and they turned to her.

One of the staff asked politely, "Is there something you need, Miss Sofia?"

Violet hesitated, her eyes scanning the faces of the staff. "Um... not really, I just need you guys to help me verify something." She took a deep breath and asked, "What does it mean when someone says, 'Get prepared for tonight'?"

The staff exchanged confused glances. "Who said that to you? Was it the boss?" one of them asked. Violet nodded, and the staff looked at each other nervously.

"Maybe he's planning on taking you out to celebrate your birthday."One of them suggested.

Violet shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. "It's past 11 pm, I don't think so."

The staff fell silent, thinking for a moment. Then, one of them gasped, "I know it!" The others nodded in agreement, their faces somber.

The staff nodded sadly, their faces filled with pity. "We are sorry to break this to you, it's not something you might wanna do," one of them said.

"What, tell me," she asked curiously, and one of them whispered in her ear.

Violet let out a gasp and covered her mouth, her eyes wide with horror. The staff nodded sadly, their faces filled with pity. "I guess it's time," one of them said.

She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, not with him."

Just then, a guard appeared at the doorway, bowing low. "The boss requests your presence in his room," he said, his voice firm.

Fear overwhelmed her, and she felt a chill run down her spine. The staff stared at her sadly, knowing that there was no escape.