Kara's POV
My name is Kyra.
As I smiled politely at the stranger my parents had invited in, I noticed the way his eyes swept over me, a slight frown tugging at his lips. Did I really look that bad? I had spent the entire afternoon tending to my garden, dirt-streaked but happy. Gardening has always been my sanctuary—there's something magical about nurturing life and watching fragile petals bloom under your care.
"Kyra! Please bring our guest to the meeting room!" my mother's voice rang through the house, sharp and commanding, like a bell summoning me to duty.
"Yes, Mother!" I called back, forcing cheer into my tone even as unease curled in my stomach.
But before I could move, the butcher stepped forward with a soft, familiar smile.
"Go back to your plants, Kyra. I'll take care of this," he offered, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Thank you so much. You've always been so kind to me," I said, genuinely touched.
"It's simply my job," he replied modestly, Afterwards his head with quiet grace. Then, turning to the stranger, he added, "If you'll follow me, sir, I'll take you to Mrs. Evelyn."
With them gone, I returned to the garden, letting the rhythm of watering and pruning soothe my restless thoughts. Afterwards, I took a long, warm bath, washing away the day. In my room, I scrolled mindlessly through social media, searching for distraction—but there he was. Sam. My ex. Flaunting pictures of himself and his new girlfriend.
Jealousy prickled, sharp and unexpected. I tapped the heart icon, though it felt like a lie. I didn't love Sam. We had always felt more like friends. But still… would I ever find real love?
Why couldn't I just settle for Sam? Oh, right—he failed one of my mother's many "tests." Test s I never fully understood.
Sometimes, in the privacy of my thoughts, I muttered bitterly, "You're the reason I'm still single."
And yet, part of me always wondered if she even loved me. Truly. Amaony and Onyama's parents showered them with warmth. I'd grown up with those girls—we were practically sisters. But the way their parents doted on them... it made me ache. My dad was rarely around, always working. And my mother? She treated me like a priceless object—something to show off, not someone to love.
I've even questioned if I'm really hers.
Amaony tells me I'm overthinking it. Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not.
Despite it all, I've always had everything I wanted. My mother made sure of that. But there were dangerous moments too—kidnappings, threats, shadows lurking behind smiles. And yet, somehow, I always came home alive.
Mrs. Evelyn is my mother, I reminded myself. Maybe this is just her way of protecting me.
A ping pulled me from my spiral. Amaony had sent me a photo of herself and boyfriend, beaming with joy.
"You guys are so cute"I texted back, smiling faintly.
But deep down, I couldn't help wondering... What is love, really? What does it feel like? Will I ever know?
"Kyra!" My mother's voice shattered the moment the door swung open.
"Mum! Can I have some privacy, please?" I snapped, flushed with irritation and confusion.
She walked in like a queen issuing orders. "Kyra, you're getting married to that young man."
I did. "What? Mum?" My voice cracked. "Are you serious? Does Dad even know about this? You expect me to marry a stranger?"
She didn't flinch. "I've made my decision. There's nothing more to discuss." Then she turned and left, her heels clicking down the hallway.
I collapsed onto the floor, tears finally spilling down my cheeks. She wasn't bluffing. When she made a decision, it was law. And that law had just sentenced me to a life I didn't choose.to a life I didn't choose.
My breath came in ragged bursts, but something solid formed in my chest.
No. Not this time.
With my phone and credit card clutched in my hand, I crept through the hallways, dodging the maids and guards who had known me since childhood. Their faces blurred past me as I slipped into the cool night air.
The world outside felt vast and terrifying… but also free.
So I ran. With everything I had, I ran.
Not just from my home—but from my cage.