Chapter 2

SCARLETT POV

I breathed out in relief, seeing no one was around and the coast was clear for me to enter.

I quickly changed to my nightwear and discarded the clothes in a secret compartment, just under the bed.

The light turned on as I was about sleeping, Stella's eyes glared at me before she smirked.

"Mom, she is back," She yelled and I immediately sensed trouble. The marching step that made the wooden floor shake only scared me, making my heart beat and in the instant, a strong hand was thrown across my right cheek, the force making me stumbled and fall.

"Why were you not in your room?" Mom demanded, the rage in her voice as she spoke.

"I wanted fresh air," I signal, getting another hit from her. "You have a voice, use it," She yelled.

Gosh I wanted to scream, I wanted to ask whose fault it was I couldn't speak but nothing came out.

"She was with me," Steven lied. "She was in my room," he affirmed. "And how can we be sure?" Stella chipped in, she knew he would always cover for me, I bet she regret yelling for my mom to come, knowing it attracted him.

"Or don't worry, she is not like you to be making out with a guy in her room," He mocked.

"What?" Mom asked, as he quickly showed her his phone, she shot a disappointed look at Stella but didn't do anything.

"Why don't hit her, or I forgot, Stella now your new favorite, since Scarlett can't speak, you choose her,"

"The loving mother disappeared immediately you turned mute and whose fault was it?" He asked, slowly heading to me.

"Steven," She groaned. "What?" He barked. "Stella clearly poured acid in her mouth and yet you didn't punish her for it, Scarlett's career ended and yet you," He choked.

"Hit her again and I swear, it's not only acid that would be poured in Stella's mouth, I will make sure to pour it on her face?" He threatened the annoyed look they both had before they finally left us alone.

"I will go get an ice bag for that," he exclaimed, leaving also. The fact that he was the only one who shielded me from all these and the fact that he was the only family member who still loved me even with my new condition was heartwarming, it was the only reason I hadn't ended my life yet.

Sixteen years ago, I was born into this family, my red hair and eyes got people talking, it attracted more fame to my parents business and I started modeling at a young age.

The attention was all turned to me, I had the biggest room, I had a loving parent, my mom would always make sure I ate well, I slept well, the moment I felt sick, she would lose it and so would my dad.

At eight, Steven started making sure I was getting some money into my account, he was the only son and only heir but my birth had seemed to have taken attention away from him.

And when he was in trouble, I would lie, cover up and my parents would never get angry.

By twelve, Stella had enough, she lured me into a room and forcefully made me drink something.

It was hot, really hot, only the little I drank made me jump up, pushing her away and rushing out, luckily meeting Steven outside.

I didn't realize it was acid until I overheard them talking to the doctor about it. They thank goodness I drink much and I was found on time and just a couple of surgeries will do it.

Seeing I was not talking, their next option was to cover it, talking to the agency in my stead and bailing out last minute of interviews with the news I was sick.

Slowly it took a toll on my mother, and one after she lash out to the world. Her love she had for me, was replaced with irritation and anger.

And each night she would wish me dead, that I should drink everything and die. My dad was no different, he was cold and barely stay around me.

Overnight my fame dropped, and no one wanted me to model. I didn't understand why, I was the victim but I was suffering for it.

I tried ending things, but it only made them use me as a publicity stunt. Media flood my room, while Stella cried, apologizing for ever pouring acid on me.

My mom had lied she didn't know who was responsible, she had begged me, holding my hands and asking I forgive her.

The moment they left, their face turned sore, her hand pushing mine. Soon, Stella was getting her attention back while I stayed in the hospital, hidden from everyone.

By the end of the month, they announced I had fallen into a coma, while I was locked up in the attic with mom telling me a few words before she left.

"If you want the world to know that you woke up, then speak,".

And now at sixteen, I was still stuck here and it was only better if I escaped at night.

But today, however, seems different. That boy I met. "Scarlett," Steven called, distracting me from my thoughts.

He had returned, with food in one hand and the ice pack in the other. I was filled but I couldn't tell him that, so I took it either way, slowly eating as he placed the ice pack on my face.

"What's wrong?" I asked, seeing his expression was different. He had taught me sign language after he learnt it, so communicating was simple and free.

"I will be leaving soon, for a business trip, the thing is, it could take years," he explained.

"They are sending you away, they," I paused, tears building up. "Relax Scarlett, no matter what, I will come back, I will work hard to be powerful and I will come and help you, but you have to wait for, no sucide, no running away," He requested, holding my hands tightly.

"Promise," I asked as he gently nodded. "I will wait," I finally agreed, hopefully if he comes, maybe I can get to see that stranger again.