Wildflower

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

The morning sun streams through the large windows of my new home, casting a warm glow on the freshly painted walls. There's still an echo when I walk across the hardwood floors, a reminder that the house is only just beginning to feel like mine. The basics are in place—a couch, a dining table, Luna's crib—but there's so much left to do. I glance around at the bare walls, imagining the art I'll hang, the shelves I'll fill with books, and the cozy touches that will make this space truly ours. It feels empty now, but in a way, that emptiness is freeing—a blank canvas for a new start.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. My heart does a little flip, and I hurry to open it. As soon as I do, I'm greeted by the sight of Mandy, looking as glamorous as ever. At 24, Mandy is the epitome of beauty and confidence. Her long blonde hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and she's wearing a fitted dress that highlights her slim figure. Everything about her screams sophistication—from her perfectly manicured nails to the designer handbag she casually swings over one arm.

"Mandy!" I greet her with a smile, though a hint of envy flickers in my heart. Mandy always looks so put-together, so effortlessly perfect. We're opposites in many ways. While I've always been more reserved and unsure of myself, Mandy is the type of woman who says exactly what she thinks, sets clear boundaries, and never lets anyone walk over her. Men find Mandy irresistible, and she's left a trail of admirers in her wake—something she doesn't mind at all. Since she was 16, Mandy has worked tirelessly, pulling 14-hour days to climb her way to the top. Now, she's reaping the rewards, and she isn't shy about enjoying the finer things in life.

"Stella, darling, look at this place!" Mandy's eyes sparkle as she steps inside, taking in the bright, open space. "It's gorgeous! You've done such a good job with it already."

"Thanks, but there's still a lot to do," I reply, closing the door behind her. "I haven't even started decorating properly yet."

"Well, I can help with that," Mandy offers, a mischievous grin on her face. "You know I have an eye for these things."

I laugh, appreciating her offer even though I know her taste is far more extravagant than mine. Mandy would have this place decked out in crystal chandeliers and velvet drapes if I let her, but I'm looking for something simpler, more understated—something that reflects the quiet life I'm trying to build.

As I lead her into the living room, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I know who it is without even looking. Matheo has been calling and texting non-stop since I left. The vibration of the phone seems to reverberate through my entire body, a constant reminder that he's still trying to reach me. I haven't answered, but it's getting harder to ignore.

Mandy notices the shift in my expression and raises an eyebrow. "Matheo again?"

I nod, pulling out my phone and staring at the screen. Another missed call. More messages. My stomach twists with anxiety. "He won't stop. He just keeps calling, sending messages. I don't know what to do."

Mandy's face hardens. "Block him, Stella. He has no right to harass you like this. If he needs to contact you, he can do it by email. That way, you're not constantly being bombarded."

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the block button. Memories flash through my mind—Matheo holding Luna when she was just three months old, whispering venomous words in her ear. "Your godmother is a whore," he had said, his voice dripping with malice. Luna had been too young to understand, but the sheer hatred in his eyes had sent chills down my spine. Mandy was the only one who truly knew what Matheo was like behind closed doors, and she had been my rock through so much of it.

Matheo's words still echo in my mind, even though I know they're just another way for him to try and control me. I used to be so terrified of his anger, of the things he might do if I stood up to him. But I'm tired of living in fear. I can't let him keep dictating my life from a distance.