♥ Chapter 1♥
Good morning, readers! I want to apologize for the mistakes in the story. The problem is that I don't speak English. I'm from Brazil, and I'm trying to learn English, but it's challenging.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you will give the story a chance.
Yara Blake.
12:20 '' Yara's House. '' Eldoria.
Friday.
I'm standing in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. The image of my wedding dress is still fresh in my mind, a cruel reminder of the day my life changed forever. For a moment, I lose myself in the memories of that unhappy wedding, believing that everything would get better with time. I thought that, eventually, I would fall in love with Ronan and he with me. But that's not what happened.
Since the day we got married, he has never touched me. We didn't consummate our marriage on our honeymoon. His words still echo in my mind: “You're no good for me.” Since then, my life has come down to fulfilling my household obligations and being a good wife, the way he thinks I should be.
He constantly throws it in my face that I only have him in my life and that I must obey him without question. When I tried to talk to my mother in the hope of finding some consolation, she sided with him. She said that I should always bow my head to my husband, which is what a wife is supposed to do.
I'm tired of it. I got married when I was eighteen, and now, at twenty-two, these four years have been a living hell. Furthermore, I'm afraid of asking for a divorce and him hurting me. I know his true personality well, hidden behind a façade of respect and politeness.
Today I woke up early to prepare breakfast for Ronan, as I do every day. But now I'm in the bathroom, finishing getting ready for the interview. My mind is focused on what this new opportunity could mean for me. The interview will surprisingly be at Mr. Magnus' company, something I found out about from the newspaper I managed to read.
It was difficult, but I called the number on the ad from our home landline. Surprisingly, the woman who answered was very kind and gave me all the information I needed: the address, the time of the interview, and even said that I don't need a CV, just my ID, because I'll be interviewed by Mr. Magnus himself.
I've heard that Mrs. Darkmore has three sons: Magnus, Kael and Damien. I only know their names because I discreetly looked them up, but I couldn't find any pictures or information in the newspapers. My husband doesn't allow me to have a cell phone, and any contact with the outside world is controlled by him.
Surprisingly, he gave me permission to try this interview. I think the status of the Darkmore family influenced his decision. If it had been somewhere more humble, he would never have allowed it. He believes that by working for a rich and powerful family, my loyalty to him will only increase.
Here I am, in front of the mirror, adjusting the last details of my appearance. I take one last look at my reflection, making sure I don't have any visible dark circles under my eyes and that my outfit is appropriate. Today, I'm dressed in a simple but decent outfit: a white cotton blouse and a knee-length black skirt. The blouse is basic, with a discreet V-neckline and short sleeves, while the skirt has a light, flowing fabric that falls smoothly. Despite its simplicity, the outfit is well put together and makes me feel a little more confident.
I apply a little make-up to disguise my pallor and make sure I look presentable. The effort is minimal, but it's the best I can do with what I have. I look in the mirror again and feel a mixture of nervousness and hope.
I leave the bathroom, grab my bag with my documents, and start down the steps. Luckily, Ronan has left money for the cab, which will only cover the round trip. If I get hungry during the day, I won't be able to eat anything because the money available is exactly what I need for transportation.
I reach the last step and take a deep breath before leaving the house. Today, I have a chance to change my life, and I can't let this opportunity slip away. I put the money in my pocket and went out, determined to do my best at the interview.
Luckily, I see a cab approaching. I flag it down, and it stops quickly. I get into the vehicle and give the driver the address of the Darkmores' company. As the cab drives through the streets, my heart is racing.
I'm so eager to meet new people and interact with someone outside my restricted circle. The only people I talk to are my parents and my husband. Ronan restricts my steps a lot; he even goes shopping with me. Why does he have this obsession with locking me up? I can't have friends, and I can't talk to anyone apart from him and my family.
I'm sure Ronan is cheating on me. It's becoming more and more obvious. He comes home from work smelling different, and I've already found lipstick marks on his clothes. Once, confronting him about it only brought me more pain. I asked him about the evidence I'd found, but instead of an answer, I got a slap across the face that turned purple for almost a week. As my skin is fair, any marks become visible and last for a while.
These signs of betrayal, along with the violence and control, make my life feel even more oppressive. I feel trapped and without options. However, this interview could be my chance to change all that. I can go out more, interact with new people, and maybe they can help me escape this marriage. If I get the job, my life could start to transform, and the opportunity to find a way out could finally materialize.
'' We're here. '' The driver tells me.
I snap out of my trance and look out of the window. The city seems so far away, and the huge building in front of me stands out among the others.
''Thank you. '' I thank him, pull out my purse to get the money, and pay for the ride.
He hands me the change, and I get out of the car, feeling the cold, fresh air on my face. I pick up my bag and look at the huge building in front of me. The building is imposing, with dark windows that reflect the sunlight and an elegant entrance that seems almost inaccessible.
I close my eyes for a moment and mentally count to ten, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me. When I open my eyes again, I take a deep breath and whisper to myself:
''I'm ready.
With renewed determination, I take the first step towards the building's entrance.