Chapter 3 Three

Eve's POV

I tiptoed into my room, silently hoping Aunt Sarah wasn't home. The moment of peace in this house was rare, and I needed it now more than ever. My life felt like a series of unfortunate events, starting with the loss of my parents in that tragic accident. Every day was a struggle, and Aunt Sarah never missed an opportunity to remind me of my misfortune.

Dropping to the floor, I leaned against the bed, my mind filled with thoughts of the night before. The one-night stand with a stranger was a reckless decision, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it meant more than just a mistake. My missing wallet was another issue, containing my only identification and savings. Now, facing Aunt Sarah's wrath seemed like the least of my worries.

The door creaked open, and my heart sank. Aunt Sarah stood there, her eyes filled with contempt.

"Where have you been?" she demanded, her voice cold and cutting.

"I lost track of time," I muttered, avoiding her gaze. My attempt to stay calm only fueled her anger.

She grabbed my arm, dragging me to the living room. "You think you can just come and go as you please? You're nothing without me, Eve."

Her words cut deep, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I'd learned long ago that tears only made things worse.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Sorry doesn't cut it," she spat, slapping me across the face. The sting burned, but I swallowed the pain. I had to be stronger than this.

She stormed off, leaving me alone in the room. My thoughts were a jumble of fear and anger. I couldn't stay here anymore. I had to find a way out, a place where I could start fresh.

I packed a few belongings into a small suitcase, my hands shaking as I prepared to leave. As I reached for my piggy bank, my heart stopped. The side of it was torn open, and when I shook it, nothing but empty air greeted me.

"Aunt Sarah!" I yelled, running through the house. She emerged from her room, a smug look on her face.

"Where's my money?" I demanded, my voice trembling with rage.

"Your money?" she mocked. "You mean the money my son borrowed? He said he'd pay it back, so what's the problem?"

"My life savings... all gone?" I could hardly believe it. Everything I had worked for, stolen in a heartbeat.

"You should be grateful I've let you stay here as long as you have," she sneered. "Maybe now you'll learn that life doesn't owe you anything."

The despair I felt was overwhelming, but I couldn't let it consume me. I had to leave, even if it meant walking out with nothing. I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Aunt Sarah's voice was sharp.

"Anywhere but here," I shot back, stepping outside into the cool evening air.

The door slammed shut behind me, but I didn't look back. I couldn't afford to. Samantha's house was a few blocks away, and as much as I hated to impose on her, I had no other choice.

When I knocked on her door, Samantha opened it, her expression shifting from surprise to concern in an instant. "Eve, what happened?"

I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Everything poured out-Aunt Sarah's abuse, the stolen money, and my desperate need for escape.

Samantha pulled me into a tight hug. "You're staying here. We'll figure something out."

Her words were a lifeline, and as I settled onto her couch that night, I knew I had a long road ahead of me. But with Samantha by my side, I felt a flicker of hope for the first time in years.