The Art of Love

Chapter 1: The Beginning

It was a hot summer evening as Rayne road the train back to her hometown. She hasn't stepped foot in the place in over 10 years. She was always hesitant. Rather resistant to.

Looking down at her phone it read 4 o'clock. Her father was supposed to be meeting her at the train station and she prayed he wasn't late. He was best known for that. She told him 4:30 she'd be there. She stressed how much she wanted to get comfortable as soon as possible.

Looking out the window at the passing trees, she placed her head on the window. She was leaving a life of sin behind and was rather grateful for it. She knew that she was greater than what she had become and had to escape the life that she hated.

The lying, the blood sweat and tears she put into a bullshit ass excuse of a marriage. Nothing was worth being treated like a dog. It's strange she couldn't see her worth because she was told from the very start that she wasn't worth shit. Why couldn't she stand up for herself then?

Her phone vibrated on her lap, pulling her away from her thoughts.

"I'm here Sweets. Early like I promised." Her dad had texted.

She groaned at her childhood nickname but smiled.

"Good shit." She said out loud.

Blowing out a breath, she placed her cellphone in her bag. Looking down at the four duffle bags, she wished she could've taken more with her but leaving safely was more important.

The last 15 minutes seemed to drag on forever. She was ready to get off the train and to start her new life. Was ready to become a new woman. A different woman.

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Seeing her father again brought back memories of her childhood. Happy yet a little chaotic. Some peace. Hope.

"You should be comfortable until you get on your feet." He said once they pulled up to his home

He was living rather lavishly, she thought. What did he do for a living? He was loaded.

Sitting before her was this beautiful grey mansion. In the wrap around driveway sat 6 cars. She wondered if they all belonged to him or if he had people over.

Opening the door , she could smell the food that was on the grill.

"I hope you don't mind, everybody is anxious to see you."

"Everybody?" She turned around asking.

"Family. Some of my close friends. You've been gone way too long Rayne. Way too long."

She squinted her eyes but couldn't help but smile.

"A welcome home party. Cool."

Her father grabbed her bags out of the trunk and they made their way towards the front door. The door opened before he could even grab the doorknob.

"Welcome back sir. Ma'am." The butler politely nodded his head at Rayne.

"You have a fucking butler." She said lowly.

"I caught that. This is Stanley, he's been around for a while. A very good man. Please take these upstairs to her room. See to it that Alisha has made the proper arrangements for her.

Stanley nodded his head, took the bags and made his way towards an elevator.

"A fucking elevator in your house." She said.