CHAPTER 1
POV:RAYNA
I had never imagined this moment a thousand times.
Sometimes in my imagination,my mom will run up to me the very moment she sees me crying,she will pull me into her arms apologising for the years,sweet moments and times we have lost.
Most times my dad will stand still, proud,but his eyes and heart will soften,and he will tell me I am welcomed home.
I had always imagined this scenario.
On getting there it was the opposite of what I had imagined.None of those versions prepared me for the cold treatment and punishment I would face.
The gate opened slowly,the sound heavy and unwelcoming as if the house was reluctant to let me in.I looked out of the car window and stared at the house,my heart palpitating,my palms sweaty,I was so sure that the driver could hear my heart beat loudly.
I stood before the well polished iron gates with my small suitcase at my side,my fingers shaking my fingers shaking despite all my efforts to remain calm.The mansion beyond gate looked so unreal-white stone walls, pristine,tall glass windows and impossibly distant.Perfectly trimmed garden that felt more like a display than a home.
It looked like a place where emotions went to die.
I said to myself "so this is the place I was told belonged to me by blood".
I heard the driver saying "we are here" he said to me gently breaking the silence.
I nodded my head in shock and cleared my throat.
I held the strap of my worn bag,the only thing I owned and moved towards the building.
The wedge beneath my shoe loud in the stillness,as though announcing my arrival to a place that was unwelcoming.
At the entrance stood a man and a woman who were supposed to be my parents.They didn't rush forward to me,cried or even smiled at me as though they reunited with their daughter.
The woman who was said to be my mom stood there.I recognised her immediately-same sharp cheek bones,same smile,same posture I had seen in pictures and late night searches.
She was exceptionally beautiful, polished and dressed in soft regalia, like she belonged to the world of wealth and perfection.
She looked at me.
Her eyes met with mine.
And paused.
Not soft with relief or happy to unite with me.
"So this is her",she said quietly.
My heart sank.
Just one statement,but it landed on my chest like a heavy rock.
Years of longing and anxiously waiting to unite with her collapsed into that single, empty sound.
Before I was able to process what I heard,a third figure appeared beside her.
A girl.
She was about the same age bracket,or maybe a year younger.Her hair was packed in a bun,her dress simple but elegant,her expression open and gentle.She looked... comfortable like she had grown to be loved by them.I didn't need anyone to tell me who she was
This was the girl who had taken my place.
"Mom?"she asked, glancing between us as if she was unsure."Is this her"?
Her?
I asked,surprised,not my name, not "your daughter"
"Yes",my father replied from behind them,calm, controlled, businesslike.
"This is Rayna"
Rayna?
My name sounded weird and foreign in his mouth.
"She is....back"
As if I left or wandered off on my own.As if I hadn't been taken away from everything I was familiar with and forced on a life I never chose.
The girl stepped forward with effortless grace"I'm elora",she said, smiling warmly and cautiously.
I swallowed.
Her smile reached her lips but not her eyes. She forced a polite nod."Nice to meet you". She extended her hand. Her grip, gentle but firm.
"I know this must be overwhelming, I'll help you adjust,"she said.
Her thumb pressed into my skin,sharp and deliberate.
I stiffened but she released me instantly, the sweetness and happiness never leaving her face.
"I'm sorry you had to go through so much"she said innocently..
"You must have suffered a lot out there,"she said.
"I..i tried to talk but my voice caught.
My mother had already gone inside.
"You must be tired,"she said, like she cared.
"We will prepare a room for you "
No hug
No tears
No apology.
"Your room is ready", the woman said.
"Dinner is at seven, don't be late".
No questions,no concern,no acknowledgement of everything I lost before this moment.
I walked through long corridors lined with portraits of Elora and my parents.
Everything gleamed,walls,doors, chandeliers.The air smelled faintly of expensive perfumes. Servants slowed as we passed.Others whispered.
"That must be her"
"She looks nothing like madam"
"poor thing...."
I didn't want their pity.I wanted to know why no one asked how I survived out there,why no one was holding me like they were afraid of losing me again.
Elora stayed close to my side,like the perfect shadow. She smiled when others looked at us,played the role of the gentle sister effortlessly.Anyone watching would think she was kind to me.But when we reached the staircase she leaned closer,and whispered to me.
"They may have given birth to you but they are mine"she said softly.
My chest tightened "I don't want to replace anyone" I said
She stepped closer and said "you don't have a choice" her voice lowered"people like you don't last long here".
I turned to look at her but she had already stepped back,face calm, all looking innocent.
"Rayna",my father said from the stairs, your room on the third floor.A servant will show you.
I nodded silently.
The door to my room opened,it was large, beautiful, and too perfect. But it was a guest room, not a daughter's room.
No sign of love,no sign that anyone had prepared for my arrival.
When the door closed behind me, the silence was suffocating.
I sat on my bed looking at my hand.this was the home I dreamt
of,but instead of safety,all I felt was dread.
As I lay on my bed the thought in my head settled heavily in my chest.
This is not my refuge but a battlefield.