Chapter 1 1

"Dad... please, just hold on a little longer," Alysa whispered softly, her voice trembling in the darkness of the night.

Her hands shook as she zipped up the small suitcase in the corner of her room.

Inside were only a few clothes, an old photograph of her father, and a letter from Kenan.

That was all she could take from this place-a house that no longer felt like home.

The door creaked open slightly. Alysa froze.

Silence. Only the pounding of her heartbeat filled her ears.

She took a deep breath and tiptoed toward the back window-where Kenan had promised to meet her that night.

But before she could take another step, a cold voice sliced through the quiet.

> "Where do you think you're going, Alysa?"

Her body stiffened.

The suitcase slipped from her trembling hand, hitting the floor with a dull thud that echoed through the stillness.

Slowly, she turned around.

There stood Raisa-her stepmother-draped in a crimson silk nightgown, her sharp eyes gleaming like blades.

> "I'll ask you one more time."

"Where are you going, huh?"

Alysa swallowed hard, forcing a nervous smile.

> "I-I just need to go to the pharmacy, Mother. For Dad's medicine-"

Raisa chuckled softly, but the sound was icy.

> "The pharmacy? With a suitcase that big?"

She began to walk closer, the soft tap of her slippers on the marble floor echoing ominously.

Each step made Alysa inch backward.

> "Don't lie to me, Alysa. I know Kenan is coming tonight. Did you really think I wouldn't find out about your little plan?"

Alysa bit her lip, trembling.

> "I just want to take Dad away from here. I can't stand it anymore. He deserves proper treatment-"

Raisa sneered.

> "Proper treatment? Ha! Do you think that comes for free?"

She grabbed the suitcase and threw it to the floor. Clothes scattered everywhere.

Alysa rushed to pick them up, but Raisa was faster-her cold, strong hand gripped Alysa's face, forcing her to look up.

> "Listen to me carefully, little girl."

"If you dare to leave tonight, your father's treatment stops. Let him die slowly in that hospital."

> "No!" Alysa cried out, her eyes wide with fear.

"Please, don't do that! He's innocent-he needs-"

> "Shut up!" Raisa shoved her, and Alysa fell hard onto the floor.

"Do you think I care? I've spent enough money keeping that dying man alive. If you walk out that door, I won't pay another cent."

Alysa looked up at her, tears glistening in her eyes.

> "Why do you hate me so much?"

> "Because every time I look at you, I see your mother's face-the woman who stole everything that should have been mine!"

"And now you think you can run away with that poor boy?"

Alysa pushed herself up slowly, her voice shaking but resolute.

> "Kenan isn't poor. He's a hard-working man. He loves me, and I love him. We can live simply-without lies, without fear like this!"

Raisa smirked.

> "Simply? You think love can pay hospital bills? Can love buy your father's medicine?"

She leaned down until their faces were inches apart.

> "Do you want to know what will happen if you leave?"

Tears streamed down Alysa's cheeks.

> "I... I won't go if it means my father will suffer."

Raisa tilted her head, smiling with cruel satisfaction.

> "Good. From now on, you'll do exactly as I say. No Kenan. No foolish love. Only me-and the choices that will save your father's life."

> "What do you mean?" Alysa asked, her voice quivering.

Raisa smiled faintly.

> "You'll find out soon enough. But tonight, you're not going anywhere."

She turned to leave, pausing at the doorway.

> "Oh, and Alysa..."

"If Kenan comes tonight, tell him you don't want to live in poverty with him. Tell him you're disgusted by him."

> "I won't-"

> "Or I'll call the hospital right now and make sure your father doesn't get a single dose of medicine tomorrow morning."

The door slammed shut.

Alysa stood motionless, her whole body trembling.

Her eyes fell on her father's photograph on the vanity table-a man with a weak but kind smile. The only reason she had endured all this pain.

> "Dad..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

"I'm sorry. I promise, I'll save you... even if it costs me everything."