But reality soon sets in—accepting the scholarship means leaving her family behind, and she knows they won’t let her go without a fight. When she shares the news with them, their reactions are predictably hostile. Her family dismisses her accomplishment, calling it a selfish act and forbidding her from leaving. They attempt to tighten their hold, adding more chores and restrictions in an effort to break her resolve.
Lila’s heart aches, but she refuses to back down. She clings to the support of her best friend, who reminds her of everything she’s overcome to reach this point. Together, they begin making plans for her departure, strategizing ways to gather the resources she’ll need to leave. Each day becomes a test of her resilience, but Lila remains focused on the future she’s so close to achieving.
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HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasyLila has always been the forgotten child, overshadowed by her parents' attention toward her half-siblings and younger brother. Despite her love and dedication, she is treated as little more than a servant in her own home-unseen, unheard, and unloved...
