"Amber Ford, this is my last warning. Stay away from that man or face the consequences. Do you understand?" Father said sternly, anger evident in his voice. I could do nothing but to nod while holding back tears. Why, out of the million people in this world, do I have to face such fate? Why do I need to live the life of Amber Ford? Others think that my life is perfect. That being the heiress of the richest man in the world is the best thing that could ever happen to someone. No. It's the complete opposite. They think I live like a princess with a fancy castle, shimmering jewelries and the like, but in reality I feel like I'm a prisoner. Someone sent to jail without having justice. I can never be free. I have to do what I am told. I can't be happy by doing the things I like, I can't be interested in something if my father thinks it isn't fit for me. I can't make friends because my father says making friends will only bring me down. But what hurts the most, is that I'm not allowed to love someone very dear to my heart. Why? Simply because my father doesn't like him for me. He says he has other plans. Funny, isn't it? I'm more like a puppet rather than a daughter. A chained dog obliged to follow her master's wishes. That's my life, the life of Amber Ford. "Answer! You have your voice right?!" He shouted. I glanced up at him. "A voice? I have a voice?" I asked. "How surprising! Who knew I had a voice? I think I forgot the purpose of that because you never listen, Papa! All you think about is yourself and your riches-" and before I knew it, I was cut off because of my father's slap. "How dare you answer back? You are but my daughter! Give me some respect! You are such a disappointment!" He shouted. I smiled at him, tears escaping my eyes. "I know, Papa. I am a disappointment and I will always be. I will never make you proud. And gosh, I'm so tired of trying." My father was about to slap me once more but my mother prevented him from doing so. "Stop, Henry! You're hurting her. Just let her be! Please!" Mama said, begging my father to stop. Her eyes red from crying. My father then looked at my mother and shoved her hard. "Mama!" I cried running towards my mother. My heart felt so heavy upon seeing my mother full of bruises and wounds. My father is not only a puppet master, but also an abusive husband. "Mama, are you okay?" I asked. "I'm fine, Amber. I'll be fine. Go to your room, I will try to calm your father down." She replied. I gave her a doubtful look and all she gave me was an assuring smile. I slowly stood up and made my way towards the door. "Amber," my father called. "Stay away from that man. You are to be married to Mr. Hampton's son and that is final. Stop making stupid decisions." Instead of replying, I closed their door. As soon as I closed the door, I felt myself slowly sitting down. My knees are too weak. I am too weak from all the heartbreaks. I started sobbing while I heard my father's voice shouting and cussing at my mom. There were also glass shattering and furniture breaking. As much as I want to help my mom, I know I couldn't. I will only make things worse. I kept on crying when I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. "Come, child. Time to get some rest." Nanny said. She helped me on my way back to my room. "Everything will be okay, Amber. Just pray." She said before leaving. I stared blankly at the wall, letting the silence overwhelm me. Nanny took a deep sigh and closed the door and then tears started to fall again.
I was already in deep sleep after hours of crying when I heard my phone rang. It was two o'clock in the morning. I checked my phone and immediately answered when I saw who the caller was. "Gavin," I said. "Oh, thank God you're safe. I thought Papa did something to you. I am so sorry. Sorry for bringing you into this mess. Oh God. I love you, Gavin. I love you." And then, just like that I started crying again. "Shh, Amber. Don't cry. You know I hate it when you cry. Don't be sorry, okay? Being with you is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you too, Amber. With all my heart." Hearing those words made me feel calm and.. loved. "Why did you call?" I asked after I relaxed myself. "Let's runaway, Amber." He said going directly to the point. I suddenly felt cold. Runaway? "What? Gavin, are you being serious? You know that is suicide!" I answered, keeping my voice down. "I don't care. I want to be with you, Amber. I have it all planned out, we could live somewhere hidden. Change our identities, move to a new country, start a life together. I can't just stand here and see you marry someone else and for what? For your dad to expand his riches? No. I love you, Amber. And I am willing to fight for that love. Please, Amber. Runaway with me." He replied, convincing me to run away with him. I knew I had to make a decision; Decline and be a prisoner for the rest of my life or take the risk and runaway with the love of my life. I chose the latter. We made plans after that. Where we'll meet up, when, how, and all the important stuff. I was terrified of what could possibly happen, but I didn't care. As long as I am with Gavin, everything will be alright.
