**Lily**
“Violet, I’m heading out now. I might be late for work. Please watch over Ethan,” I said as I bid goodbye to Violet.
“Take care!” she called out from the kitchen.
“Yes, Violet,” I replied. Before leaving, I leaned down to kiss her son, Ethan, on the forehead. He was happily playing in his little dark blue stroller.
Ethan is only six months old, but you’d think he was a year old with how chubby he is. He’s a perfect little replica of Violet. Violet, a single mother, has been raising him alone ever since her boyfriend walked away, unable to accept her pregnancy. Now, it’s just the two of us, standing in as Ethan’s parents.
Violet is only two years older than I am. She’s the one who took me in when I arrived in Alabama, fleeing from our county. I had no concrete plans, just the ten thousand dollars I had on me. Grandpa Williams and Dad had cut off my credit cards after I refused to marry the man they had chosen for me—a complete stranger.
It’s been nearly seven months since I left Grandpa behind. He warned me that if I didn’t go through with the marriage, I’d lose my inheritance. But I don’t care about the money. I want to marry for love, not because of someone else’s decision.
I’m deeply grateful to Violet for her kindness. She’s treated me like her own sister, and I’ve done the same for her. We’ve shared our lives with one another, and now, we’re more like best friends than just housemates.
As I stepped outside, I flagged down a car. The hotel where I work isn’t far from here. It’s not a huge establishment, but I work as a receptionist there.
My shift runs from ten in the morning until eight in the evening. Despite the simplicity of the job, I find joy in it, even though it’s a world away from the life I grew up in. Back home, I was surrounded by wealth, always with a nanny by my side—even at my age. Mom insisted on it, despite my repeated protests. But in our family, Grandpa’s decisions overshadow everyone else’s.
As I waited for the car, my phone rang. It was Mom. I answered immediately—I miss her so much. I know she wanted to stand up to Grandpa’s decision, but she had no authority. Grandpa’s word was final.
“Darling,” Mom’s voice trembled with sadness.
“Mom,” I said softly, my heart aching. Hearing her voice nearly brought me to tears. I miss her warmth and hugs.
“How are you, my love? How’s everything? Please, Lily, come home. I miss you so much,” she said, her voice breaking as she started to cry.
“Mom, please don’t cry. Try to understand me. You know why I had to leave,” I said gently.
“But darling, I worry about you constantly—how you’re living, what you’re eating, who you’re with. At least tell me where you are,” she pleaded.
I couldn’t tell her, not even my own mother. If they found out where I was, they’d come for me. I know Grandpa too well. His authority is absolute. I even heard his booming voice in the background, which made my stomach twist in knots. Enough of him—I just want to live my life on my own terms.
“Mom, I love you and miss you so much too. Don’t worry about me; I’m doing fine here. I have to go now. Please take care,” I said quickly before hanging up, fearing Grandpa might overhear.
