Chapter One
Skyla's POV
Dropping the last piece of folded white linen in the cabinet and cleaning the laundry room. I let out a sight of relief
at the idea of my finished chores.
Wiping my hands, I quickly rushed to my room, thinking of all the drawings I could draw. I'd love to draw, its been my passion due to the inspiration of my mom. My mom was a great artist, we used to draw together and laugh but all stopped when she was diagnosed with cancer and later passed when I was only twelve. I didn't have any inspiration since then.
Two years later,my dad got married to Elena Sailor who also had a daughter named Alexa. Alexa never liked me so we're never close. A year later,my dad passed away from an unexpected heart attack, leaving me Elena,Alexa and a huge inheritance.
Why did I get the all that inheritance? My dad didn't leave anything for Elena not even the house which made Elena very angry and this is his it started, the maltreatment, abuse ,violence all because of one inheritance.
Sometimes, I think Elena never loved my dad, only married him for his money but what can I do,she's my legal guardian till I'm 18. Now I'm 17,still waiting for the time to come and taking care of the huge household all by myself
Climbing the long stairway, I wiped .y tears,knowing very well my painful memories caused it.
I stopped climbing when I came in contact with Elena. Elena was white Lady with such an innocent face. She had platinum blonde hair whilst mine was plain brown. She had a magnificent figure but I also did but it couldn't be compared to hers.
Elena looked at me like I was a problem before asking me such an awkward question
"Where do you think you are going?" She asked. I felt like shouting at her " Where do you think I'm going, I mean the stairs lead to the bedrooms where else? "
But as usual, I just hesitated before answering her
"I was going to my room" I said in a whisper waiting for her to start scolding me
"No,you're not unless you have forgotten who has to make dinner? Do I have to remind you?"
Shake my head,my body starting to shake at the thoughts of her hitting me.
"You better hurry up, John will be home any minute.....so as Alexa" She said and I just nodded feeling the tears sting in my eyes.
"What are you still doing here, I don't have all day" she exclaimed and went down the stairs not feeling a bit of guilt.
I went downstairs and into the kitchen and made creamy pasta with cheese and bacon, a dish my mom taught me

Laying the table for Elena,Alexa and John. Speaking of John, John is Elena's boyfriend who was pretending to be her brother when my dad was alive but I later found out it was a secret affair. Finished with everything, I dished a plate for myself since Elena never allowed me sit with the them
Alexa even mocked by saying that slaves don't eat at the Master's table but in the kitchen. I quickly went to my room and took out my sketch pad but it looked like I lost my inspiration.
"Oh....fuck" quite annoyed, throwing the journal away. I grabbed my my laptop, browsing through Netflix, I picked Friends since I could use the cheering up mood. School began tomorrow so I already finished my homework
Halfway through the first season. I heard Elena scream my name. Slamming my laptop shut, I rushed downstairs to see her face red with anger and Alexa snickering behind her.
"WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?" She shouted. I looked at the bowl with the dinner I cooked.
Without answering her, I waited for her to finish her comment
"I asked for dinner not a snack" she exclaimed
I want about to answer her when I felt the burning sting of very hit pasta on my skin leaving red burns on my skin along with the other scars. Stifling a scream,I cleaned the mess Elena made,listening to her instructions
"I hope you don't do what you just did again, understand?" I merely nodded my head.
"I want a coconut curry chicken with wild rice and chocolate fudge for dessert. I'm giving you an hour" she said and left the room.
An hour..? The stew alone could take an hour. I quickly took my purse and keys, knowing there wasn't coconut milk.
Getting into my car, I drove to the 24/7 grocery store. I ran inside,nearly falling on the floor but rather I fell in someone's arms. I looked up at the guy who saved me. The first thing I noticed was his hazel eyes. He had ruffled dark colored hair. A chiseled chin, he was what I called.....Handsome.

He looked into my eyes and I felt like I was exposed in front of him, like he could see my pain and sorrow
I gently wiggled out of his arms. He ran a hand through his hair when he noticed how long he held me.
"I'm so sorry" I apologized "I'm so sorry, I was so much in a hurry that I didn't notice my surroundings. Did I hurt you? Kass says I'm heavy even though I don't eat much. Do I have to send you to the hospital but you look okay...." I kept on rumbling but he just started laughing hysterically.
I frowned,wondering why he was laughing. He eventually stopped and said mumbled something which I didn't catch.
"I'm sorry" he said in a husky voice " I'm Ashton" he brought his hand and I gently shook it.
"Skyla. Nice to meet you." He looked at my hoodie and raised a brow. It was a very hot night and I could feel sweat running down my back.
"Uh....I'm just feeling cold" I quickly explained, congratulating myself on such a lie. The guy could actually see me sweating my heart out. Before things could get awkward...
"Umm....so thank you. For the fall actually but I have to go.....I'm kinda running on time ...so...um bye" I said and rushed into the aisles looking for coconut milk.
