winery, the sunshine, the smell of grapes – all gone. Replaced by this. All because her father trusted Alistair Sterling's father with a business deal. A deal designed to fail, to crush

ured servant. That was the truth. She clutched her single, worn bag. Inside, just enough clothes for a life she didn't want. She wanted

Staff, met her at the entrance. He was

elcome." His v

ive hallways. Staff members hurri

es for you. You will report directl

w what that meant. Demeaning tasks, co

a small, windowless offi

rkspace when not atte

. Transcribing tedious speeches. Making reservations he'd cancel. She

s in D.C. He would be back tomorrow.

ke another stone added to the weight on her chest. She wanted to scream, to

lled with dark wood and leather. He sat behind a massive desk, the picture of a young, powerful U.S. Senator. Golden b

ook up when

ck." His voi

aced the cup near the edge of the desk

assessing. "She thought she was too good for the Sterlings. She made a mist

silent, ha

available.

Polishing silver he never used. Standing silently in a corner during his meetings, like a piece of furniture

gathered her courage. She fo

tly. "My family... we want to understand the terms

om his papers, his

e interest alone... Senator Sterling is being gene

figure?" Elara pressed, despe

tions have been met. Until then, you will continue yo

in sight. She was truly trapped. Her small attempt to f

ling mansion guarded like a fortress. One night, weeks into her servitude, she was working late in Alistair's private st

or a long moment

aid, his voice rough. "Diana. But y

She wanted

ng her against a bookshelf.

You owe me. You

on her arm, his

you can def

n her head, to push him away, but he was too strong. He pushed her down onto the plush carpet. Her mind scr

he stood up, adj

art of your service." He said it c

ntly streaming down her face. He l

came a coerced, ongoing part of her life there. He would summon her to his private rooms, use

tivity. A high-profile political fundraiser. Tuxedos and glittering dresses. Elara was assigned to th

m behind a dense hedge. Security breach. She'd h

a statue. He was clutching his side, blood seeping through his fingers. He look

something in his eyes, a hunted look that mirrored her own tr

. His eyes

She gestured quickly towards a small, hidden utility shed nearby

, grabbing a forgotten firs

e. She quickly, silently, opene

ll," she

– and bandaged it tightly. He watched her, his eyes intense, observan

le. "There's a service gate at the back of the proper

his gaze

ked, his voi

know why. Maybe because he looked like

to leave. He pau

at. Then he was gone, melting

onths, a tiny, fragile glimmer of hope flickered within her. She had helpe

security breach had been contained, the intruder

th gardens last night?" he ask

Sena

ee anythin

al. "No, Senator. Only th

gn of deceit. She met his gaze, her he

voice soft, dangerous. "You are here because I allow it. You will do as you are told. An

omething, but he had no proof. He was warn

months, not since the family's ruin was complete. Diana looked stunning, as always, dressed in

when Diana was announced. Elara was th

g unreadable crossed his features – old anger, perhaps something m

been too long." Her voi

ismissive flick of her eyes that

are the two sisters. Diana, beautiful, ambitious, the one who had

" Alistair command

hed, her stom

her uncomfortably close. It was a possessiv

d, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he l

lara receiving any attention, crossed her face. The air crackled with unspo

ara fell ill. A fever, a deep cough. She tried to hide it, but one

th concern, but with an

k," he stated. He called

oom, Alistair standing by the door, watc

you're well." It wasn't kindness. It was cont

ate, heard about Elara's illn

red, standing in the doorway. "Getting spe

owever twisted, seemed to enrage Diana. She clearly hated seeing Elara rece

na said, her voice low. "You're just a pa

d to her sister's venom. Diana's jealousy

nfined. The loneliness and despair were overwhelming. She sat by th

he in her chest. "I just want to leave this place." She clutched a small,

r creak

re, his face a mas

ixed on hers. The air grew

gerously soft. "No one leaves m

illing certainty, that her whispered wish had just