~~Chiyeonn~~{Book 7}

Past Wounds, Present Conflicts.

Chiquita stared out the window of her luxurious room, the city skyline glowing under the evening sun. The vibrant colors painted the sky reminded her of moments long gone—moments when she was happy, carefree, and most importantly, loved. As she watched the clouds drift by, her mind slipped into memories she often tried to suppress.

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**Flashback: Chiquita's Childhood**

The opulence of their home felt stifling to young Chiquita. She sat on the grand staircase, clutching a stuffed bunny, her favorite companion. Lisa, her mother, was on the phone, her voice sharp and impatient.

"I don't care! I need you to get it done!" Lisa snapped, her frustration palpable.

Chiquita's small heart sank. She wanted her mother to notice her, to sit down and ask about her day, or simply give her a hug. Instead, Lisa hung up and stormed past her, oblivious to her daughter's silent plea for attention.

Later that night, after dinner, Chiquita found herself in her room, staring at the mirror. She felt a heavy emptiness inside. The beautiful things around her, the sparkling chandeliers and expensive toys, meant nothing if her mother wouldn't even look her way.

In a moment of despair, she took a small, sharp object and pressed it against her skin. The pain felt like a release, a way to cope with the confusion and loneliness swirling inside her. But she knew she shouldn't—she wanted to stop. Yet, as tears streamed down her cheeks, she couldn't help but inflict that pain on herself, hoping it would bring her some semblance of control over her chaotic feelings.

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**Present Day**

Chiquita shook her head, trying to dispel the memories as she prepared for the day. She had tried so hard to push past her childhood struggles, but they had a way of resurfacing when she least expected it. She quickly dressed, pulling on a long-sleeved shirt to cover the bruises that often appeared on her arms—a testament to her battles, both internal and external.

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In the living room, Lisa was pacing, her phone pressed to her ear. "No, I don't want to discuss that right now. I have enough on my plate without you adding to it!" she snapped, her frustration echoing off the lavish decor.

Chiquita entered the room, her heart racing as she heard the heated conversation. She always hated confrontation, especially when it involved her mother.

"Mom?" she said tentatively, unsure if she should interrupt.

Lisa turned, her expression softening for a moment when she saw Chiquita. "Honey, not now. I'm dealing with something important."

"Okay..." Chiquita replied, trying to hide her disappointment as she turned to leave.

But before she could escape, the door swung open, and Jennie walked in, her presence instantly filling the room with tension.

"Lisa," she said, her voice cool and authoritative. "We need to talk."

Lisa's demeanor changed instantly, her frustration now directed at Jennie. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on Chiquita," Jennie replied, glancing at her before meeting Lisa's gaze. "I've been worried about her."

"Why? Because you think you're the perfect mother now?" Lisa shot back, her tone laced with sarcasm. "You left, remember? You have no right to criticize me!"