TAINTED PASSION

Cora sat still in front of her vanity mirror staring at the reflection of a young lady she could barely recognize.

Her lips were as red as scarlet and her hazel eyes were shimmering with a thousand emotions. Her neck was adorned with precious stones and on the center of her head sat a delicate crystal tiara.

"Look at you, sweetheart!" Matilda Felan beamed at her beautiful daughter. "I'm sure even the gods are jealous of such rare beauty. You are such a lucky girl."

"Lucky!" Cora said with a bit of melancholy in her voice. "If you think I'm lucky, then why do I feel miserable, Mother."

A tear drop escaped Cora's shimmering eyes. "If this is what it takes to be lucky, then I want to be doomed forever."

The smile on Matilda's face suddenly disappeared and was replaced with horror.

"I want everyone out of this room, now." Matilda snapped at the maids who were still putting finishing touches to Cora's elegant attire.

The maids bowed their heads and quickly exited the room.

"Do not sound ungrateful, Cora Miles Felan." Matilda glared at her daughter's reflection in the mirror. "Do you know how many young ladies out there are praying to be in your shoes? You have virtually everything you could ever want in life at your beck and call. You..."

"No Mother," Cora turned around to face her mum. "I do not have everything. I'm just a pretty bird locked up in a cage. My only existence is to do my owner's bidding. It is true I have everything that money can buy. But the one thing I desire the most and can never have is my freedom."

Cora took her mother's hand and gazed sorrowfully into her eyes. "I want to be free, Mum. Please, help me."

"Enough of that nonsense!" Matilda angrily flung her daughter's hands away. She picked up the hairbrush lying on the table and ordered Cora to face the mirror.

Abigail bit down on her inner lips and did as her mother instructed.

"I will not have you ruin this perfect night with your childish whining." Matilda took down the tiara on Cora's head and started brushing her hair all over again.

Cora stared at her mum through the mirror, wondering whether she had ever loved her.

"Your father has gone through a lot of trouble to organise this pre birthday celebration just for you. All you have to do is smile and enjoy your day."

Cora inwardly chuckled at the thought of the so-called pre birthday party.

'What is a party without friends in attendance? The guest are just a bunch of disgruntled family members who are compelled to attend.' Cora hissed.

Matilda patted Cora gently on the head and kissed her on the cheek. She dropped the brush back on the dressing table and picked up Cora's tiara.

"Babygirl, you are my star and you've brought so much good fortune to us." Matilda placed the tiara on Cora's head and smiled.