Beneath The Golden Gaze

Chapter Five: Unwelcome Accusations

Time flew, and before I knew it, I was fifteen, on the cusp of college and adulthood. The moment I received the acceptance letter to study abroad, excitement coursed through me like electricity. It was a chance to escape, to pursue my dreams, but I soon realized that the thrill of this new chapter came with its own set of complications.

As soon as I shared the news with Aunt Margaret and her family, the atmosphere shifted. Their expressions soured, and the air grew thick with suspicion.

"Overseas, is it?" Sara sneered, a smirk curling her lips. "What are you planning, Heaven? A new way to misbehave?"

Her words struck like a slap. I could feel the weight of her judgment, the way it wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket.

"What a scandalous idea," Aunt Margaret chimed in, her tone dripping with disdain. "A respectable girl wouldn't think of leaving her family at such a young age. What could you possibly be doing to earn this opportunity?"

I clenched my fists, battling the urge to shout back. "I've worked hard for this! It's an academic scholarship, not some… some scheme!"

Willson, my cousin, attempted to defend me. "Maybe it's legit. She's smart, after all."

But Sara cut him off. "Smart enough to find some rich fool to pay for her studies, no doubt."

Laughter erupted around the room, sharp and biting. Each chuckle felt like a dagger, and I fought to hold back tears of frustration. They didn't see me—they only saw what they wanted to believe.

"Just know," Aunt Margaret continued, her eyes narrowing, "that if you bring shame to this family, you won't be welcome back."

With every word, I felt the weight of their doubts pressing down on me, but deep down, I knew I wouldn't let them define my future. I was determined to break free from their negativity and prove them wrong.
Surrounded by clothes and books, I took a deep breath, focusing on the excitement of what lay ahead. The laughter and accusations faded in my mind as I packed my suitcase with purpose. This was my moment, and no one could take it away from me.
"Keep your head high, Heaven. You're about to show them what you're made of."

With each item I packed, I reaffirmed my resolve. I was more than their whispers and accusations; I was ready to embrace the unknown and carve my own path.

As I zipped up my suitcase, a sense of determination washed over me. Whatever awaited me across the ocean, I was ready to face it, and I wouldn't let anyone stand in my way.