Lady Raki (S1)

Prologue

Prologue

"You are four years old now, darling; keep your chin up and your back straight!" My mother preached proudly, her voice laced with that familiar, expectant tone that always made my stomach flutter. Dressed in a crisp white blouse and an elegant navy skirt, she looked every bit the polished matriarch, her hair perfectly coiffed in a tight bun that gleamed under the fluorescent lights of the office.

"But Mommy, my back hurts like heck and my feet are no different!" I whined, tugging at the collar of my calico dress—a dress that felt much too constricting today, as though it were made for someone much older. I shifted uncomfortably, the fabric pulling against my skin as I slouched in my seat, desperately trying to find a position that didn't amplify the ache in my back.

Mother, with eyes narrowing like a hawk's, pinched the nape of my neck, sending a jolt of pain through my small frame. "Look, darling, that's so much better!" she exclaimed, forcing me to straighten up. "And watch your grammar! Speak like a professional." Her tone was sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air, making me feel smaller than I already was.

"I think I hear them coming down the hallway now. Smile," she hissed, a tight smile plastered across her own face as she peered over my shoulder.

Moments later, the heavy door to the office swung open, revealing my father, John Karrak, with a small herd of neatly dressed men behind him. They exude an air of importance, their tailored suits and polished shoes gleaming under the bright lights.

"Please, gentlemen, take a seat!" Father announced with a booming voice that echoed through the room. His presence commanded respect, and I watched as the men shuffled into the room, each one glancing curiously at us before settling into their seats.

"Allow me to introduce you to my family." He gestured toward us with an expansive wave of his arm. "This is my wife, Evelyn Karrak, and my daughter—" He began, but before he could finish, Mother's fingers dug into my side, a sharp reminder of the importance of this moment.

"Just like we practiced, sweetheart," she whispered urgently in my ear, her tone a mix of encouragement and pressure.

Reluctantly, I stood up, feeling the weight of expectation heavy on my small shoulders. "Allow me, Father," I interrupted, surprising myself with the boldness of my words.

"My name is Rayleigh Avangeline Karrak. I am the proud daughter of my father, John Karrak. It is a great pleasure to meet you all," I proclaimed, my voice slightly shaky but decidedly elegant, each syllable spilling out with forced grace. It felt rehearsed, like a line I had said a thousand times before.

"Oh, how cute she is!" one portly man laughed, his belly shaking slightly as he spoke.

"Yes, I agree," another chimed in, chuckling softly and nodding enthusiastically.

I glanced up at my father, who beamed at me with pride radiating from his features. However, I could feel my mother's scowl burning into my back, a silent reminder that I had likely crossed some invisible boundary.

"My plan is to have her as the new head of Nexis Innovations as soon as we are ready!" Father continued, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Fantastic!" the portly man exclaimed again, his enthusiasm spilling over. As the other men in the room began to clap, I felt a rush of excitement swell in my heart, momentarily pushing aside the discomfort in my back and the unease of my mother's discontent.