IRREVOCABLY AND IRRETRIEVABLY

Chapter One: The Golden Cage

In the quiet enclave of a sprawling mansion nestled amidst lush greenery, lived a girl named Evelyn. She was eighteen and a creature of solitude, her world confined within the walls of her home. From the moment she was born, Evelyn's life had been carefully curated by her parents, shielded from the chaos and uncertainties of the outside world.

"Evelyn, my darling, the world out there can be a dangerous place," her mother would often say, her voice tinged with concern as she brushed Evelyn's hair.

"We just want to keep you safe, sweetheart," her father would chime in, a reassuring smile on his lips as he tucked her into bed each night.

Evelyn's parents, successful entrepreneurs who had amassed wealth beyond measure, had chosen to homeschool her, citing concerns for her safety and well-being. Their wealth had come swiftly, like a sudden storm, and with it, they had become wary of the dangers that lurked beyond their gated haven.

As Evelyn grew, she adapted to the confines of her existence, her curiosity about the outside world confined to the snippets of information she gleaned from a vast amount of books and the handful of permitted websites on her restricted internet.

But Evelyn harbored a secret passion that burned within her soul - a love for fashion.

It was a peculiar fascination, one that had blossomed from her innate creativity and flair for design. From an early age, she had delighted in the art of transforming everyday objects into works of wearable art, her mind a canvas of endless possibilities.

One day, while perusing the limited selection of online articles approved by her parents, Evelyn stumbled upon a mention of the Met Gala. Intrigued by the glitz and glamour of the event, she felt a stirring of curiosity deep within her.

For the next year, Evelyn's obsession with the world of fashion grew, her clandestine research conducted under the guise of innocent curiosity.

She carefully compiled a secret diary, filled with clippings and musings about the latest trends and celebrity styles, hiding it away in the depths of her room where no prying eyes could find it. Meticulous measures were taken to hide the fact that she had a journal. Every paper bit, burnt and disposed of, all the glues - hidden under the floorboards along with CDs of shows she had downloaded and stationery she required.

But as her knowledge of fashion expanded, so did her desire to explore beyond the confines of her sheltered existence. She yearned to attend the Met Gala herself, to walk among the stars and breathe in the intoxicating aura of creativity and extravagance.

And then, one fateful evening, as Evelyn delved deeper into the forbidden realms of fashion, she stumbled upon a restricted website that promised to unveil the secrets of the industry. Ignoring the warnings that whispered in her mind, she clicked on the link, her heart pounding with excitement.

As the webpage loaded, Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. Here, in this hidden corner of the internet, lay a treasure trove of forbidden knowledge. Fashion shows, designer interviews, insider gossip - it was all there, waiting to be explored.

But as Evelyn delved deeper into the website, a sense of unease crept over her. Something wasn't right. The information she had uncovered felt too raw, too real, as if she had stumbled upon a forbidden realm that was never meant to be seen.

As the hours ticked by, Evelyn's sense of apprehension grew. What had she stumbled upon? And more importantly, what would happen if her parents found out?

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, snapping Evelyn out of her reverie. Her heart raced as she frantically closed the browser window, her hands trembling with fear.