Chapter 3

The whole family gathered at the dinning room, awaiting for her arrival.

Their long lost daughter.

The one who they thought wasn't useful anymore.

Father had an anxious face.

Mother had a calm face but she was deeply curious to see her again.

Her sister was uninterested but her spite was evident in her expression.

They waited.

Waited until they saw her walking down from the stairs.

Graceful as before.

Beautiful despite the harsh treatment under the basement.

Slim, slender legs that were exposed to reveal her bruises, scars and shame.

She wanted to show them what they had done to her.

She wore a red gown that showed her arms and legs. An evidence of their wickedness on her skin.

Her frail body walked effortlessly despite the swelling on her feet.

Her brown hair went flowing to her back. Ten years in prison was enough to make her hair grow longer.

The maid known as Lily did her job very well to change Noelle from before into a woman with power.

Her aura filled the room as they were stunned to see her looking so different than they expected.

It was shocking but no one had the boldness to ask.

They saw her scars.

Scars that have been inflicted over the years.

Noelle caught their eyes on her body. A deadly smile appeared on her face slightly.

They felt her strong presence and it was uncomfortable as she stepped down from the stairs.

The silence was so sharp that a pin could be heard when it touched the ground.

David let out a fake smile and walked up to her. His eyes lit in relief when he saw that she was the perfect prey.

“My daughter!” He cooed deeply, smiling and reached out for her hand but Noelle was quick to withdraw back.

Immediately she heard that word. Her anger rose. Her breath became heavy and all she wanted was to lashed out but she held herself.

This wasn’t the time— she muttered under her breath.

Don't give them what they want– she told herself and let out a big smile.

He noticed but kindly hid with a dry laughter that almost ruined the moment.

“Why am I here?” Noelle asked in boldness and walked past him.

She headed for the dinning as the sweet aroma of jasmine tea hit her nostrils.

This was something she couldn't resist.

A taste would be delightful on her tongue.

“We have forgiven you, my child.” Rebecca spoke softly. Her face held pretences and hints of disgust which she perfectly hid with a fake smile.

“Oh, finally. You even made me my favourite tea.” Noelle replied and walked over to the table.

The aroma of the sumptuous meal in different varieties made her mouth water.

She couldn't stop staring at the chicken on the platter.

Rebecca noticed her drooling and chuckled slightly. She knew that Noelle loves chicken so much.

“Do you want some? I made them for you.” She intruded with her sharp voice.

Noelle realised that it was a trap and shifted her gaze to Rebecca who returned the gesture with a mocking smile.

“No, thank you. I am fine.” Noelle lied and took a seat as before.

Her own seat was replaced by her sister who couldn't stop gawking at her.

The whole atmosphere was awkward and everyone was on their toes. No one knew what was going on in her mind.

“Let's have breakfast, shall we?” David spoke, trying to break the tension a bit.

“Good! I am starving. Being locked up must have made me so hungry.” Noelle smiled sharply and looked at all of them.

Their reaction was something that gave her joy.

They were confused.

Their plan was to see her vulnerabilities but instead she was here to see them being vulnerable in front of her.

It was obvious that they needed something from her and she can't wait to find out.

The maidens took turns to serve them food. Her sister, Calise, watched her with hatred. She couldn't pretend and decided to taunt her on the table.

“Is it enough? I bet that you don't see this kind of food in your cage, right?”

Noelle laughed softly and replied to her.

“You are right. I was trained to eat moderately. Our mother taught me very well. Isn't that right, MOM?” Her eyes moved to her mother who almost choked on the water in her mouth.

Calise got pissed immediately and rolled her eyes in anger. They both looked at Rebecca who was caught in their quarrel.

“Urm— yeah. It was our way of training her to be a good woman.” She replied immediately, stuttering in the process.

Calise was so angry and flared out.

“How can you all be dumb? Why did you bring her here? she is supposed to rot under the basement. Why is she having breakfast with us? Mom? Dad? What is going on?”

Noelle was calm as she munched on her food with joy.

Her father, who couldn't bear the noise, slammed the table with his fist.

Anger was written all over his face.

“Can’t we have one nice meal as a family?” He asked between gritted teeth.

“Dad!!!”

“Silence!” He growled at her and her face went sour.

“In this house, everyone will listen to me and obey my command. So can we eat now?” He thundered and everyone started eating in silence.

Noelle watched, observed as she ate. This was the best feeling she had felt in a long time.

But deep down, she was worried.

Whatever is going on that needs her must be so big and important, even dangerous.

She decided to use the silence as an opportunity to find out the truth.

“I know that I am here for something big.”

They all raised their heads in her direction.

Wondering. Deciphering her thoughts.

“Don’t worry. I don't know the details but I am not in a rush to find out.” She scoffed hard and drank her tea.

“What do you mean, child?” Rebecca asked in pretense. They need to know how much information she knows.

“Have you forgotten when you threw me into that cell? I was no longer needed. Remember when Calise fell ill and my blood helped her— I think it was three years ago if I can count.”

“That is a good thing. You saved your sister's life then.” David chipped in.

Noelle smiled with hate, already paranoid by the whole ordeal three years ago. She was being threatened to give out her blood for her freedom but in the end, it was all a lie. A tool meant to be used when needed.

“Don't allow her to gloat about that. Everything about her irritates me and I have to live with the fact that her blood runs through my veins.” Calise said with disgust.

“But I did save your life.” Noelle attacked her with words. Her eyes shut dead at her.

Calise got pissed and defended herself immediately.

“You were my last choice. I chose death over your blood but my lovely parents couldn't accept the fact and came to you. So it is your loss for being used again.”

Noelle was hurt and this got her angry. She couldn't hide her emotions. Her eyes glared at Calise who knew she had gotten her where it hurts.

“Hurt, right?”

“Calise, stop it!” Her mother warned.

“Mom, let me put her back in her place. She is so disgusting and I can still smell her filth from over here.” Calise flared out and covered her nose.

“Calise!!!”Her father yelled at her which shocked her. Her father who cherishes and loves her just raised his voice at her.

His eyes held immediate regret but the deed had already been done.

Calise, disappointed, got up and ran out of the room. She was so angry at her parents for defending a stranger over her.

Her mother followed her immediately, leaving her husband and Noelle who was eating her meal peacefully.

It was still awkward to talk.

So they both ate in silence.

Noelle was done eating and stood up, heading for the basement.

“Where are you going?” He asked with surprise.

Noelle stopped midway and replied to him dryly.

“To my room.”

“What?”

“Or aren't we done with breakfast?” She asked to taunt him.

“You have a room. You can stay there.” He informed him.

“Oh, that means I must be so important right now.” Noelle attacked him.

He was flustered and couldn't say anything. Her gaze pierced through him and looking at her without knowing her intentions was deadly.

All he knew is that he needed her alive.

“Go to your room. Me and your mother have something to discuss with you.” He announced and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Finally! I was waiting for the next task. Is it my blood this time or my other potential because I need to prepare very well to give a good result.” She taunted heavily. The spite in her tone made him fearful.

He can't spoil the chance to fix the problem in his hands.

Noelle is the only one who can fix this mess.

“We will let you know.” David replied shamefully and his head bent to the ground.

“Good. I will be waiting.” Noelle replied and climbed the stairs heading to her former room.

A deep sigh left her mouth as she walked wobbly to the room because of her swollen ankle which was paining her so bad.

Inside her room, she sat by the door frame.

Lost in thought.

Did she get some payback?

No.

She was still hurt, miserable and angry.

The only family she loved and cared about was still treating her like a tool after all they did to her.

She couldn't hold back the tears and cried herself in pity as the memories from the basement returned.

A part of her wished it was better to rot inside that dark room than face humiliations from the outside world.

A sudden click echoed from the other side of the door. She froze.

Who…? She said, her voice low but alerted.

The handle rattled but the door didn't open. A folded piece of paper slipped under the door. She saw it and picked it up.

She opened and saw a message. It was short and had her father’s handwriting.

“ Tonight. Come alone. Study room.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

Alone?

Noelle’s hands trembled slightly as she unfolded the paper again. Somewhere deep inside, a chill ran down her spine.

Whatever awaited her tonight— it wasn't going to be just another meal.

Chapter 4

Calise stormed into her room and sat on her bed, fuming in anger.

Her mother followed immediately and saw her daughter so angry.

“Please let me explain the whole truth.” Rebecca pleaded, trying to come close.

“Tell me what? Did you see the way dad embarrassed me in front of that bitch? He disrespected me and you said nothing!”

“We did it to protect you.” Rebecca told her in a calm way.

“Protect me? From what?” Calise snapped again, searching her mother's eyes for answers.

“Yes. Something happened some years ago. Do you remember Mr Stark?” Rebecca asked her daughter who nodded in approval.

“Good. Your grandfather borrowed money from his father years ago. They bought a lot of land and they started their company. It flourished and their sons took over. Now, the Starks are people who like to fulfill their promises and they want us to fulfill ours too.”Her mother explained to her while sitting close to her.

“So why does it involve us?” Calise asked deeply.

“Your grandfather never kept to his bargain and the Starks have been hunting us down. The issue right now is that they won't have the money anymore but you.”

“Me? Why?”Calise asked in fear.

“You are the bargain, my daughter. Your father wouldn't allow it. They want you to marry Mr Stark. That old, ruthless man!” Rebecca cried out in dejection.

“Mother— that is absurd! I can't marry an old man in this 21st century. I am a young woman not a slave!” Calise spoke with irritation in her voice.

“I know. That is why we are giving out Noelle to him. After all, he is so old. He won't know it is you. Noelle will be his wife.” Her mother assured with a hopeful smile.

Calise was overjoyed and hugged her mother.

“Now I know why my father was being so nice to her. She is so gullible and stupid. Yes! She deserves what she is getting.” Calise spat out with venom in her tongue .

Her mother supported her and they continued with the plan while conniving with an evil intent.

____

Night came so sudden and she walked out of her room, ready to withstand anything that comes her way.

Noelle knocked once and stepped into the study room.

A place she once loved to spend her free time.

Always engrossed in her books.

Her dreams?

She had wanted to be a journalist.

To speak for the weak and defend the helpless.

To use her voice as a means not as a weapon for destruction.

Her voice is her strength but right now it was merely a shadow of itself.

The same nostalgic smell hit her nostrils. The smell of old books, woods and the smell of cigars reminded her of her childhood.

The beginning of her despair.

The time the real child returned back home.

The time her place was decided in the family.

She remembered that night inside this room.

Noelle was reading a book about fighting for your dreams when her ears caught some sounds outside the door.

She was just fourteen.

The sound wasn't friendly.

It was fast, unsteady and loud.

Footsteps — she could recall.

It prompted her to check.

Noelle walked to the door and opened to peep through.

Then, she saw her mother run past her, weeping heavily.

It made her scared and she followed her, heading downstairs.

What is going on? She wondered and tried to keep up with her mother's pace.

But something made her stop midway, just at the start of the stairs.

Something broke inside her when she witnessed it.

A word, actually.

A word she holds dearly to herself.

“Mom.”

Noelle saw a girl of the same age with her, calling her mother by that name.

She was standing with two police officers who brought her.

“Mom, it is me. Calise.” The girl whimpered with tears in her eyes.

The words came out more clearly.

The girl ran to her mother and hugged her.

Noelle could see the yearnings in her mother's eyes. The way she shut her eyes tightly as the tears came pouring out.

Her arms wrapped around the girl as she wept, apologising in between.

Just then, her father ran past Noelle like she was a shadow and ran to them.

He recognised his daughter and gladly embraced her. They all hugged like one big happy family.

Noelle stood like a mannequin watching the scene.

No one noticed her.

No one saw her standing by the stairs, confused.

____

“Noelle.” David called when he noticed her stillness.

Her eyes flickered twice and she realised that she was down the memory lane again.

“What are you thinking?” He asked, smoking his cigar as the fume filled the entire room.

“Nothing.” She lied and walked closer to him.

David noticed the way she walked. He saw how she was trying her best to hide the swollen ankle. This only made him chuckle hard.

“Won't you get that treated?” He asked, pointing to her leg that is well hidden under the blue gown.

“Oh.” Noelle realised and her confidence broke immediately. Her vulnerability opened forth like a flower that has blossomed.

She used the gown to cover her legs properly. David could only smile when he saw her weakness.

“Have a seat. I want to talk to you alone.” David offered with his hand, stretched out.

Noelle could only nod and walked wobbly to the chair.

She sat and couldn't look directly at the man she once admired as a father.

David saw her weak state and decided to use it as an advantage.

“I know you are very angry with us. I can see through your pretence. The stiff smile, the charade and your body movements.

Let out your anger. I want to see them.” David told her.

Noelle was utterly stunned by his choice of words. She was so angry and felt like exploding but right now wasn't the good time.

She had to suppress her emotions.

Fight back the urging feeling to hit his head on the wall.

Her palms curled into a fist ball till her knuckles went white but it wasn’t enough to fight that rage inside her.

The blood in her veins boils with anger. All she was seeing was her revenge.

To hurt them like the way they did to her.

But not yet— she told herself.

She took a deep breath and exhaled before giving a reply.

“State your reason so that I can leave.”

“You know that you are very smart and can read the room. Don't think I am here to do you a favor. I am the one helping you.” David scowled at her.

“So what help can you offer me?” She asked with pains in her eyes.

“I like that energy. You don't beat around the bush.”

“I learnt that from you.” She said with a scoff on her breath.

“Hmmm…. smart.” He acknowledged and took a deep drag before puffing the smoke fume into the air.

It almost suffocated her but this was nothing compared to the uneasy feeling being inside this house.

“Well, drop it.

“You are getting married in a month's time.” David dropped the bombshell.

Noelle was shocked. Her eyes filled with disbelief.

“What?”

“Yes. You heard me right?”

“Your husband will be here to collect you in a month's time so we need to make sure you are prepped and ready for his arrival.”He replied to her casually. Like a done deal. No question asked.

This cut the thin line to her sanity.

The rage couldn't be contained.

“The audacity! The effrontery! Stupidity!” Noelle growled in anger and flung the things on the desk which shattered to the ground, startling him who was watching her with glee.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, thrashing around, destroying everything in her path.

Her spirit broke;

Not in fear but anger.

She was manic and would do anything to have her revenge at that moment.

Her heavy breathing could be heard as she panted.

Her hair was scattered and her eyes were bloodshot.

She placed her hand on the table with force and leaned to him.

Her voice came bitter, raw and heavy.

“Over my dead body!”

Then silence ensues around them. They both locked eyes and none of them looked away.

No one said anything.

Only her breath let out in fury.

His smile made her crazy.

Then he spoke with a sly smirk on his cheek.

“I love this! You are thrilling!”

“What?” She asked in disbelief.

“You see dear, you won't have a choice. Because I own you and when I say it is you. Then it is you!” He ordered, yelling at her.

Noelle saw the situation.

Another hell hole for her.

Another bondage.

The harsh reality of life for her.

She didn't care anymore.

There was nothing worth fighting for.

She burst into a hard laugh. Laughing like she had been possessed.

David was puzzled.

He wasn’t expecting her to react that way.

Noelle kept on laughing. It was hysterical and this didn't stop her from pushing the table away, leaving him trapped in the chair.

Fear overwhelmed him.

He saw the malicious intent in her eyes and the deadly smirk on her cheek.

Noelle took the pen on the floor and pointed it to her neck.

Just inch from her carotid artery.

It was better she died than pleased them again.

Her life wasn't a tool anymore.

David begged earnestly.

He didn't see a scared, frustrated woman.

He saw a broken soul accepting her reality.

“You can't die! Not yet!” He screamed at her. David stood up slowly and tried to calm her down.

“If you come closer to me, I will kill myself!” She yelled at him, bringing the pen to her neck, almost grazing it.

Suddenly, they heard a knock at the door. It was Rowan.

“Sir, I am coming in.” He spoke from the door.

“Don't! Don't come in until I say so.” David insisted, trembling in fear.

“Sir, I can help.” Rowan pressured.

“If you come inside, I will kill myself and kill you!” She roared and thrashed around, directing the pen closer to her neck.

“There is something you need to know.” David muttered in fear.

This prickled her attention.

“What? Another lie.” She asked, trembling hard.

Her adrenaline was spiked to the maximum.

“It is about your mother.” He replied immediately when he saw her neck was already bleeding.

“My mother?”

“Your real mother… she's alive.”

Noelle froze.

David held up a brown envelope.

“I have proof.”

Every ounce of rage drained from her.

Every plan, every thought, stopped.

She stared at him.

“Why are you telling me this now?”

He didn't answer. The room went silent and just like that, everything she thought she knew about her life—crumbled.