Chapter 1
I stood in front of the mirror, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. My quinceañera dress was a stunning shade of blue, the colour of our family's house—an unspoken symbol of our power and influence. As the only daughter of the notorious Castillo family, today's celebration was more than just a rite of passage; it was a statement.
The house was busy with preparations. Relatives and family friends moved about, ensuring every detail was perfect. My mother, a woman of elegance and authority, floated through the rooms, giving last-minute instructions. My father, the hard head of the family, was busy entertaining important guests.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the daisies. They formed a delicate path leading away from the bustling mansion and into the forest beyond. My pulse quickened as I understood their meaning. Mateo. My secret love, my comfort amongst the chaos of my life.
"I need some air," I whispered to my mother, who barely looked up from the seating chart she was adjusting.
"Don't stray too far, darling," she replied distracted.
With a deep breath, I slipped away from the party, careful to avoid drawing attention. I followed the daisy-strewn path, each step strengthening my anticipation. The forest was quiet, a difference from the lively celebration I had just left.
At the edge of the clearing, near the old playing field, I saw him. Mateo stood tall, his back turned to me, holding a bouquet of daisies. He wore a suit, an unusual sight given his usual simple attire. My heart swelled with love and admiration.
"Mateo," I called softly, a mix of fear and joy in my voice.
He turned, his eyes lighting up as they met mine. "I couldn't miss your big party now, could I?" he said, a playful smile spreading across his face. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in for a kiss.
I melted into the embrace, my worries momentarily forgotten. But as our lips met, a nagging fear resurfaced. "What if my family sees you?" I murmured, pulling away slightly. "You know they won't allow me to be with a boy, especially one who isn't part of our world, who doesn't hold power ."
Mateo's smile didn't waver. "We'll figure it out," he whispered, pulling me back into the kiss.
Our moment was shattered by the sound of a twig snapping. My heart froze as I turned to see Nico, my older cousin, storming towards us. His face was a mask of fury.
"Nico, please, calm down!" I begged, stepping between him and Mateo. "I'm sorry, okay? Just calm down."
But Nico was beyond reasoning. He lunged at Mateo, fists flying. "You dare show your face here?" he shouted, landing a punch.
I screamed, trying to pull Nico away. "Stop it! You'll hurt him!"
Mateo fought back, but he was no match for Nico's rage. Finally, Nico wobbled back, wiping blood from his face, and ran back towards the mansion.
"Mateo, go! Run and hide!" I urged, panic rising in my voice.
Mateo shook his head, his eyes fierce with determination. "No, Cicely. I won't run. I love you, and I deserve better—better is you. I'll do anything for you."
Tears blurred my vision as I turned and ran back to the mansion, my heart heavy with fear and love. Bursting into the room, I was met with looks of disgust from my family. My father's face twisted in anger as he grabbed my arm, dragging me upstairs.
"You have disappointed me," he snarled, shoving me into my room and locking the door.
I screamed and pounded on the door for hours, hoping someone would come for me. Finally, my mother appeared, her face cold and distant. She handed me a small box—a family heirloom.
“ Happy Birthday,” she said coldly
“Please, Màmà, I'm sorry," I begged, but she turned away as if she couldn't hear me. As the door closed, I woke up drenched in sweat.
It was just a dream. A horrible dream. I was back in the present day, the events of that fateful night five years ago still haunting me.
