HELLBOUND BY HIM

ry'

d to silence the alarm, "Just a few more minutes," I mumbled to myself. I can't help it.

ing, heart racing, drenched in sweat. I fought to escape the nightmare. Crying,

FL

hear him laugh as if my pain amused him. Every strike was a reminder of his disgust for my very existence. My mother watc

hands trembling, as she gently dabbed my wounds wit

ywhere but here." Her eyes would flash with anger.

ide. He burst into my room and yanked me to the living room. I braced for the usual pun

er!" I couldn't believe my ears. Even my father paused, shocked by her def

red his vision. He turned on her, slamming her head agai

ady to defend my mother. Just as I was about to strike, she p

e scene. I rushed to my mom's limp body, panic consuming me. "Please wak

of fl

my dad. Now, at 20, I navigate this tough world alone. No family, no frien

air de Lune, a fancy restaurant known for its affluent clientele. This could

t screamed professionalism. I styled my long, shiny brown hair into a sleek ponytail, applied a hint of lip gloss

o my heels, grabbed my bag and shot one final look at my reflection. No time

the entrance as I was already running late, only to collide with a solid figure. A ma

d it back, "Sorry," I mumbled, extending the phone toward him, but then I noticed his face. His face was grim, with no hint of humor, al

ping he'd take the phone, so desperate to escape his intensity . B

one in his hand, stuttered out another apology, and bolted toward the restaura

instantly taken aback. Wow! It was stunning. The decor s

r an interview," I said eager yet nervous. She smiled and directed me to the fou

of the rooms. She seemed like another candidate. I approached her. "Hi, is this the right office fo

ties sat at a cluttered desk, surrounded by files. I greeted him,

ere for an interview,"

watch? You're a bit late." I quickly apo

I answered every question, pushing p

, impressed. "You're quite outsp

" I beamed, hope

ss Ivory," he said as I exited the office, heart