SECOND CHANCE: A Runaway Bride

ALIYAH'S POV

I hoisted at the door for over five minutes. Holding slightly to the door knob as my heart keeps pounding harder like it would explode soon. The thoughts of what their reactions would be like scared me even more. Is risking this worth it? even with the urge to step in, my body felt paralyzed.

‘You can do this.’ I encouraged myself in what came out as a whisper and took deep breaths. Calming every fiber in me. then cleaned the sweat on my forehead and pushed the door.

It revealed them obviously doing something naughty but stopped what they were doing as soon as the door flipped and turned to my direction.

“You don't know how to knock?” Cora asked as she dropped her legs to the ground. And I stared away.

“I.... I'm sorry.” I apologized.

Due to how scared I was, I totally forgot to even knock and thank God for me that they weren't naked else, a death sentence straight up. Even with the way they looked at me. I don’t need a seer to me what would have happened. And they seem to be in a good mood.

“What a fatuous girl you are.” Theodore cursed as he gave her a disgusting look.

“I’m sorr…” I was about apologizing again when he interrupted me.

“shut it. You’re getting me upset the more!” He shouted and I shook in fear.

Maybe it was a wrong idea to come in. But its my life and I have a right to it, right?

“So, what is it you want?” Cora asked while arranging her clothes and I looked away.

“I... cam… I am..... to...” I paused. Trying to summon the bravery to tell them how I feel. It's better to say it now or forever I will have to hold my peace and, I can't be calm when my future is at task.

“Speak up.” Cora said with her tone a bit higher than usual.

“I don't want to get married.” It slipped off almost immediately and I lowered my head so as not to see their reactions.

Of course, I'm dead. No one needs to tell me that but, I can't get married to that man. He is too old and rude. All my life I have been taking orders, trying to impress them but not anymore.

“What?” Theodore furrowed his brow and got up. He picked his walking stick and approached me.

Cora followed from behind. He stood near me and raised his hand to hit me but was stopped by Cora. She shook her head and he let his hand fall.

“Aliyah, what did you say again about your marriage to Mr. Hilton?” She asked with a low tone and I got scared.

This can't be good.

I stepped backwards but she followed with a forced smile on her face.

“I... I said, I didn't want to get married...” Yet to finish my sentence when I felt pain on my cheek.

“After all we did for you.” Another slap followed, “This is how you choose to repay us.” I kept receiving aggressive slaps from her. She also slapped my left eyes, causing me to see darkness and tiny shinny stars.

She stopped suddenly and grabbed my hair so tight, pulling it so I can look up at her.

“You don't say what you want here. You are a nobody and you will remain so.” She yelled and I nodded while crying.

It is too painful to endure.

Tears rolled down my chins as she kept pulling hard on my hair. And on the wooden chair near, she banged my head on it. I touched my mouth to see blood.

“Look at me.” She ordered. And when I did, “You will get married to him or else, I will kill you.” She threatened.

With her facial expression, I could tell she wasn't just saying. Also knowing what she is capable of, surely, the threat isn't to be overlooked.

“Yes, yes. I will marry him.” I said loud enough for her to hear.

“Good.” She smiled like an evil witch and walked away to join her husband who was sitting on the edge of their king size bed, cleaning his glasses.

I got up, not bothered to clean myself else, they would ask me to go outside and roll. They have done it before and since then, I dare not to dust off diets when around them. I quickly opened the door to leave when I heard Theodore say something to her, “She has to marry him. We can't afford lose this for anything.” And I shut the door behind.

Huh? And why is it a must for me to marry him? What could it be? What are they hiding and why do they want me to marry that ugly old man?

My name is Aliyah and I live with my foster parents and siblings. My parents died when I was 13 years. Theodore and Cora adopted me, at first I was being loved and cared for but after the birth of their daughter, I became a shadow. Soon, I was turned into a maid and they cared less about me.

I don't know why they suddenly want me to get married when all the young gentlemen coming for my hand in marriage were humiliated. Some didn't want to let go but because of the constant embarrassment and humiliation, they stopped coming around.

Walking straight to my room, I bumped into Stephanie, my foster sister.

“It seems like you've made mum and dad angry as usual.” She mocked with a nasty smile.

I didn't want to fight or argue so, I began to move away when a hand grabbed mine.

“Don't you dare walk away from me. I am still talking.” She said, hitting my hand on the wall.

I groaned as tears threatened to come out. I looked up at her to see her lips curve a smile.

I can beat her and treat her like a trash too but I can't. The worst thing I can do is hurt her. They would kill me and lie. Bury me with no trace. I know they can.

“What do you want?” I asked her.

“Nothing. Just to see more of your blood.” She said and started laughing like her mother before walking away.

Finally, I got to my room down stairs and hurried into the bathroom to check out my face. And there I saw a skinny girl with a cut on her lower lip and red bony cheek.

I gently washed my face and took medicine for the headache and pains. It was bound to happen after the long pulling of my hair. She even pulled out some of my hair out. I looked a mess and my heart ached.

I just want to die. I'm tired of everything. Why can't life be fair?

In my room, I have no chairs or bed. I look around and it’s so small with nothing attractive. One window, one bulb and a bag to put in my clothes. Not like I have any fancy one. I took a bedsheet I hanged on the small rope in the room and spread it on the ground. Then, folded some of my clothes and laid on it. the clothes are there so I don’t feel the hardness of the ground. Also, to prevent me from catching a cold.

While facing the ceiling, I closed my eyes, only to hear laughter coming from upstairs. Maybe they wanted me out of their lives. I couldn't stop the tears anymore as it rolled down. Dropping on the folded clothes I rested my head on.

My heart started to ache again as I tried to calm down. But questions kept ringing in my head, “Why me? Why can't I be happy? Why is happiness so far from my reach? Is my existence a crime?”