"He's Velvet Ruin"

r had left when I was just seven, and after that, my mother sought stability and security through a new marria

y breathed. By the time I was seventeen, I couldn't take it anymore. I ran away from home and was forced into a wayward lif

he frayed edge of a thin blanket as I stared at the cracked ceiling. That thought haunted me from childhood: the dream of a different version

me to fend for myself. My stepfather's cruelty cemented my mistrust of men, and the streets only deepen

eces of my soul just to survive. After weeks of searching, I heard through a neighbor about a cleaning job in a wealthy man's mansion.

felt so small standing in the massive foyer, clutching my bag to my chest. My employer, Mr. Davenport, was a man in his late fifties, alw

ing I had ever owned. The work was exhausting, but I didn't complain. The quiet was better

calm did

. Davenport called me into his study. The room smelle

he said, leaning back in his

ly in front of me. Compliments from men always

" he said, his voice lowering. "Rare,

'd heard this before, a

, sir," I said softly,

fe so much easier. You wouldn't have to worry about rent, food... anything.

ther's unwanted touches and the nights I'd endured

gaze for the first time. "I'm not

omething cold. He adjusted his watch and waved

y final pay envelope was shoved into my hand, and I walk

didn't pay

Eventually, my landlord kicked me out. My belongings-just a blanket, a few clothes, and some toiletries-were dumped on the street. T

chasing jobs that never came. Old acquaintances like Tasha reappeared, danglin

ity square one afternoon, too weak to keep walking. A stranger mistook me for a beggar and

ered the same prayer: "Jus

w of a small café. My heart pounded as I stepped inside. The

ed someone to clean tables and help in

. "I'll take it. Ple

ge room behind the café. The space was cramped and smelled of coffee beans,

tart. I had been stripped of almost everything, yet

lord's cold eyes, Mr. Davenport's smirk, and Tasha's tempting words. The world had

I allowed myself a fragile s