Kintsugi

Chapter 5 (Part 1)

The female butler rushed forward, apologizing profusely as Elena stuttered out a plea for forgiveness. "I-I'm so sorry, lady. I didn't mean to..."

Ava's laughter echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down Elena's spine. "Sorry? Sorry isn't enough. You'll pay for this. You'll pay dearly."

Elena's heart sank as she watched Ava walk away, her mind racing with fear and dread. She knew she was in for a terrible punishment, one that would likely leave her bruised and battered. The female butler's words echoed in her mind, "I'll make sure to punish her severely." and Elena knew that her life was about to get even more unbearable.

As she continued to serve breakfast, Elena's hands trembled, and her eyes welled up with tears. She felt like she was walking on eggshells, never knowing when Ava's wrath would strike again. The rest of the family's indifference to the scene that had just unfolded only made things worse, making Elena feel like she was completely alone in her suffering.

After breakfast, Elena was summoned to the female butler's office, where she was met with a stern expression. "Elena, you will receive a severe punishment for your carelessness. Ava has requested that you be locked in the attic for the rest of the day, with no food or water."

Elena's heart sank, and she felt a wave of despair wash over her. She knew that this was just the beginning, and that Ava would find ways to make her life even more miserable. As she was led away to the attic, Elena couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be free from this living nightmare.

Elena sat in the dimly lit attic, surrounded by dusty trunks and forgotten memories. She stared blankly at the walls, her mind numb from the endless hours of solitude. The only sound was the creaking of the old wooden floorboards beneath her.

As the day wore on, Elena's thoughts turned to Anna, her mother figure and confidante. She knew Anna would be worried sick about her, wondering why she hadn't returned to their shared room. Elena's heart ached with longing, wishing she could be with Anna, free from the cruelty of the family.

"Why can't this just end?" Elena whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "Why can't I just be free to live my life, to see Anna whenever I want?"

As the darkness deepened, Elena lay down on the cold floor, her body exhausted from the emotional turmoil. She closed her eyes, waiting for the punishment to end, waiting for the dawn to come.

But her rest was short-lived. The door creaked open, and Mrs. White entered, her face stern and unyielding. Two other maids followed, their eyes cast down, avoiding Elena's gaze.

"Elena, Lady Ava has decided to increase your punishment," Mrs. White announced, her voice devoid of emotion.

Elena's heart sank, her body tensing in anticipation of what was to come. She knew that she was in for a world of pain, and that Lady Ava would stop at nothing to break her spirit.

Elena's eyes fixed on the wooden box, one of the maids.was holding, her mind racing with terror. She knew what was inside

To be continued