Tangled Shadows [COMPLETE]

chapter 2.

Eliana's pov-

As tomorrow arrives, I was getting ready to go to the party, i don't like parties and stuff but I had to go because I want to somehow impress more investors.
I slipped into a black dress, its smooth fabric hugging my figure perfectly. The sweetheart neckline added a touch of elegance, while lace sleeves hinted at just enough skin. The dress flared slightly above the knee, with a low back that gave it a bold edge. Under the lights, it shimmered subtly, making me feel effortlessly sophisticated.
I was applying a little bit makeup when I heard a scream, it was sissy i rushed to the living area where i saw the glass shattered against the wall, followed by Jonathan's angry shouts. My mother was on the floor, shielding herself as he struck her again and again. Her sobs filled the room, desperate and broken. Under the dining table, Sissy huddled, clutching the leg, her small body trembling. Her wide eyes, filled with fear, met mine for a moment before she buried her face in her knees, trying to silence her cries. I stood frozen, helpless, the weight of the scene crushing me. I rushed towards sissy and picked her into my arms, securely and told her to go to her room and lock the door, she did what I said.

"Get away from her!" I shouted, my voice breaking with desperation. I hurried to my mother's side, wrapping a protective arm around her as she clung to me, struggling to stay upright.

"Always playing the hero, aren't you?" Jonathan sneered, taking a step closer. His words dripped with mockery, but there was a dark edge in his tone. "You're just like her-so weak."

"Weak? You think this is strength? Hurting the woman you swore to protect?" I fired back, my anger rising, nearly choking me. "She deserves better. We all do."

He laughed, the sound sharp and bitter, filling the room like poison. "Better? She chose this life. She chose me, coming back here over and over like a loyal little pawn."

My mother's grip on my arm tightened as she struggled to speak. "Please... don't. Not in front of her..."

I glanced down at her, my heart aching at how fragile she looked, her once-bright eyes now dim with fear and pain. "Mom, it's okay. I'm here. I'm not leaving you with him."

"You think you can protect her from me?" Jonathan hissed, stepping even closer. His shadow loomed over us, blocking out the light. "You have no idea what I'm capable of, my little girl."

"Try me, you're capable of nothing." I shot back, my voice shaking but firm. "You've spent years tearing us apart, but not anymore, it's fucking enough. I won't let you keep hurting her. You'll have to go through me first."

His smile faded, replaced by a calculating, icy expression. "Careful, Eliana. You don't want to make me your enemy. I've destroyed people for less."

I met his gaze head-on, my resolve hardening. "You already are my enemy since the day I was born. And you're going to pay for what you've done to this family."

For a moment, the room fell silent, the tension thick between us. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out, his footsteps echoing down the hall, leaving me and my mother in the shattered aftermath.

I cradled her against me, my own hands trembling. "We'll be okay, Mom. I promise. I won't letting him hurt you more, it's been seven fucking years."

She looked up at me, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm so sorry... I never wanted to stop you from fighting back..."

I pressed a kiss to her hair, blinking back my own tears. "It's not your fault. It's his. And he'll pay for it. I'll make sure of that."

I treated her bruises, and took her to my room, I told my bodyguards to stay there and not let Jonathan touch her at any cost. I went to check on sissy she was sleeping, this little soul doesn't deserve this life. I don't want to leave her, so I went to her balcony and sat there, crying I always try to pretend as I'm strong enough to bare everything but i can't, even clouds cry when they feel heavy.