Sarah Lipman is an 18-year-old girl who grows up in fear and has been abused by her father for a long time. Sarah has little hope for changing her future, and she loses her last grain of hope when her father sells her in a human trafficking auction. Terrified, hopeless, and betrayed, Sarah gets sold to an infamous CEO. The hot and sophisticated Damon Tenner. -You are my belle, do you hear me?- Damon develops a newfound interest in Sarah in his possession, but he is still her captor. And the question remains: Is there any way out?
Sarah's POV
-Graduation day-
The principal made a long speech about how we should take our lives into our hands.
How we should fight our way to the top!
How we should try and achieve our goals no matter the obstacles getting in our way!
For most of my classmates, this was a stupid, unnecessary waste of time, they found nothing important or inspirational in the words that man was spitting out of his mouth. All they were thinking about was the graduation party, not the cliché speech that any grown adult would say to a freshly high school graduate. For some, this speech might even sound hypocritical.
But for me? For me, this speech was a dagger in my heart because I knew I could never do anything like that. I wasn't a pessimist. No, I wouldn't say that...but I was also not a dreamer. Life taught me that nothing is given to you the easy way and I took that lesson by heart.
The speech is over and everyone jumps up and down, they all cheer and throw their graduation caps in the air making the principal choke on his own saliva. Yeah, it's not exactly that legal... although it made me laugh. It was a beautiful sight.
To see all my classmates with big smiles on their faces, laughing, hugging, talking with people that to this day they didn't even know. They were united by that wave of happiness. One that I could not relate with.
They cheer because it's over and I don't even smile for the exact same reason. Because it's over.
School kept me safe those seven hours every day. I was safe here, among people my age, who had problems like what they should wear, or how they should act around their crush. I wouldn't have that safety net now.
And I was afraid...oh so scared of how I would be able to handle what was waiting for me, outside the school walls!
Sheryl: Hey, Sarah. Are you coming to the party tonight?
My thoughts are interrupted by that cheerful voice I got used to the past few years. Sheryl the blonde girl with a bright smile. She is wearing her graduation uniform but without losing her style. The white sneakers and her golden earrings catch your eye immediately when you look at her, of course after you notice her pretty face. She is wearing a thick layer of mascara and a very glossy lip gloss that only highlights her plump lips.
Sheryl is just another classmate of mine, the only one with that we chat with from time to time but not enough to be considered friends. To be honest I don't even know her last name but she is a rather nice person. Who am I kidding anyway? I can't have friends... it's better that way.
Sarah Lippman: I would like to...but I am not sure if I can...
I can't and I won't. But answering honestly her question would be simply pointless.
Sheryl: Ohh come on! It will be fun! Everyone will be there!
Sarah: I am sure it will be great. I just have some things to do...you know...
Sheryl: Oh, are you going to sign up for college? You have time! Don't worry, I thought about it too! I am thinking of studying fashion!
That would be awesome right?
Sarah: Sure! It's definitely gonna be.
Sheryl: What about you? What are you studying?
Sarah: I.. haven't decided yet... it's a little bit complicated, that's what I have to work out.
Or at least I'd hoped for that to be true. I force a smile at her not catching on any sign that she is ready to give up on the conversation.
Sheryl: Alright! I hope you can make it though! Billy was eyeing you all day! He actually asked me about you!
Sarah: Billy? The football team captain?
Sheryl: The one and only!
Sarah: Oh, thanks I guess.
I mentally slap myself for not showing the needed enthusiasm! What am I even discussing here?
Sheryl: What for?! Don't be so humble girl. Just make sure to come.
Sarah: I'll try.
Sheryl: See you then!
And with that, she leaves me alone. Even more alone than I was before. No...there is no graduation party for me.
And of course, there is no college, but how am I supposed to say that? What is she gonna do anyway? Probably just feel pity like so many others, and then what? And that boy? Billy. He is supposed to be the hot topic of the school and now Sheryl claims he likes me. How do you like someone when you haven't once talked to them? How do you like someone when you have no idea what they are going through? I don't think I ever cared for these things, so why care now?
It didn't matter anyway. I have learned to live a different way.
I just learned to walk with my eyes on the ground, so it blinded me to look up at anything else, anything normal.
The only normal thing in my life was probably Mike. The sweetest and kindest human being I have ever met. We became friends only here years ago but it felt like we knew each other forever. I met him unfortunately because some bully was humiliating him about how he liked men. Nobody did a thing.
So many of our classmates were around and not one defending him. They only looked away. But I couldn't. We were kids and Mike was even an ear younger than me, I couldn't abandon him in the mercy of a kid with no consciousness. We immediately reported the incident to the principal and he put anyone who dared to mock Mike in detention. From that day we got along really well, he was a friend with an older girl and that made him look cool.
I don't know how people think really! He eventually got recognition from everyone he even became his class's president. He was a real genius! He wanted to become a scientist at NASA and I am sure he will! On top of everything, he is the only person who knows what is going on in my home. He has offered me help but I know he can't do much and with time I realised the less he knew the better.
I left the school and went to a café where Mike was waiting for me.
Mike: Here comes my favourite person!
Sarah: Hey.
Mike: Hey, Come on babe! It's your graduation day! Be happy! Congratulations on that by the way!
He hugs me tight and I chuckle at his affection as I hug him back. He smiles brightly offering me a banquet of roses.
Mike: This is a small gift from me to you. Seriously I don't know how I will survive one year without you!
I take the flowers and smile genuinely at my friend.
Sarah: Ohh, so sweet! You will do just fine believe me! Or is someone getting sentimental?
Mike: Whatever! I'll try to survive while you will be out there living a happy and exciting life!
Sarah: Mike, that's not the case.
Mike: You haven't done anything about it yet. Have you?
Sarah: Like what? What am I supposed to do?
Mike: Baby...he is abusing you. It's not healthy.
Sarah: He is my dad Mike. The only family I have.
Mike: Sarah...
Sarah: Don't worry about me. I'll manage.
I look down and he pulls me in his arms one more time know he does not understand fully how the situation is and he only wants to help. But that is impossible. I know because I have tried to help myself and found no salvation.
Mike: I am just frustrated I am not an adult yet! Or I would take you out of this shitty situation! I can't see you like this!
Sarah: Don't make me cry prick!
I give him a light punch on the chest and he smiles affectionately.
Sarah: Besides it's been three days since he last touched me. Maybe his drinking problem is improving.
Mike: That is not an improvement, Sarah.
I look down avoiding his gaze and he sighs shaking his head.
Mike: Look, I might not protect you but I have to be sure you will manage! So! I'll be calling you every day! Deal? If you don't pick it up one day I will let it slide. If you don't pick up and the second day I am calling the cops!
Sarah: Deal!
Mike: Perfect.
Sarah: I have to go but I'll see you around.
Mike: You better.
I smile at him as I return to my house.
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"