Captive Flames

CHAPTER 1 - In The Quiet

Scarlett's version- 

 Life has never been so peaceful. No drama, no death, no unnecessary emotions. My life was always a ball of traumatic mess, haunted by danger and darkness everywhere. But, luckily, I escaped it all. Life is never easy when your bloodline belongs to the mafia. It is filled with riches, power and fame but there is a dark side filled with betrayal, violence and death. 

As I get engrossed in my thoughts, I hear a knock on the door of my bedroom.

"Sissy! you done? Leo and I have to leave!" My younger sister Isabella says.

"I will be out in a minute Izzy" I say and get up from my bed going to shower.

I have two younger siblings Isabella, whom I call Izzy and Leo my second younger sibling. All three of us belong to the same mafia bloodline. Izzy is two years younger than me, she is 22 and Leo is 20. All three of us ran away from our father eight years ago. Izzy and Leo are my step siblings. My own mother passed away when I was born and my father, whom I hate the most married again. My stepmother wasn't the typical stepmother who is cruel and toxic. She was really sweet, gentle and strong. She treated all three of us the same. If there is any person whom I love the most apart from my siblings, it's my stepmother Lily Frost. She was always loving, kind and loved helping people. But, my so called father abused her so much that she passed away due to the trauma. And since then, our lives became miserable. She used to always protect us from the abuse our father put us through, but after her passing, it became so torturous so one fine night, all three of us ran away from my father's clutches so far away.....

I turn on the shower and as the cold water trickles through my back, I get more engrossed in my thoughts.....

After we ran away, we were vulnerable. On the streets, nothing to feed ourselves or protect ourselves from. But, as the eldest daughter, it weighed on me to protect and provide for my siblings. Though they are my step siblings, we don't differentiate each other. After my stepmother's death, they became my world, my light and my hope to live. I don't care about anything or anyone as long as they are happy and safe. I started working when I was 16, doing all kinds of odd jobs just to provide for the only family I have left. Currently, I completed by bachelor's degree in business, Izzy is pursuing fashion communication and Leo is an expert hacker pursuing his degree in cybercrime. 

I complete showering and walk out of the shower and face the mirror staring into my own reflection. Dark brown straight hair, reaching till my mid back, almond shaped dark turquoise eyes, fair skin and thick hourglass figure. If there is one thing I hate from my body, it's my eyes. I inherited that colour from my dad and I always hate it. I sigh, and start picking out clothes, still dwelling deep into my thoughts......

I always wanted to start my own business, but financially, we are very poor. The place we are staying is a small old apartment that too on rent. I took many loans, to fund our education. Usually, people expect the eldest child to sacrifice their dreams and ambitions, but I won't do it. I would rather search ways where all three of us get successful than sacrifice my dreams. I am ready to work 20 hours a day if I can gather some amount to build a future for all three of us. Currently, I do three different jobs. I work as a waitress at a restaurant in the morning and as a bartender at nights. I also do online job as a sales manager. Izzy and Leo said they would do part time too, but I denied them. I want them to completely concentrate on their education and future. But, still Izzy does some online fashion designing to certain clients and earns a good amount of money. 

I wear a simple red sweatshirt and jeans and walk out of the my bedroom hurriedly, putting my hair into a messy bun. 

"Sorry I'm late" I say and walk towards the kitchen preparing lunch boxes for Izzy and Leo.