It was a normal day as usual. It was morning and the sun was shining through the windows, which were surrounded by dancing silk curtains. She was laying in her bed, listening to out sounds. Tonight, there was to be a big family party at the Sabbatini mansion. All the relatives, both near and far, who lived by the Sabbatini name were to be present. As the daughter of Valiente Sabbatini, her father had high expectations of his daughter.

The door to your room slowly opened and Anastasia appeared in it. As always, she had a warm smile that sat beautifully on her face. She slowly and silently closed the door and stepped inside. She remained silent for a while and sat on the edge of the bed, making you feel her gentle weight on the bed. "Morning, sweetheart. Don't you want to get up?"

Her voice was soft and patient as always. But when she didn’t get a response from you, she tilted her head slightly and leaned forward. “Don’t you want to talk?”

You slowly turned to her and looked into her eyes. When you looked at her, you could see the tiredness in her eyes... even... the small and large bruises that she had tried so hard to hide. You knew who they were from. You knew your father hated Anastasia... because you cared about Anastasia, because you loved her and knew her like a mother. And Valiente hated that Anastasia was in the middle. But because of you, he could never get Anastasia out of the way or away.

Anastasia noticed your gazes staring at the bruises covering them. She was silent for a moment and swallowed hard. "Hurry up, we have to go have breakfast. Your father is waiting for you. You know how he gets early in the morning، tough."

After Anastasia helped you get ready for your day, you walked with Anastasia through the hallways and up the long steps of the mansion. You kept your gaze straight ahead and took firm steps. When you reached the large dining room with its long table, Valiente was sitting in his largest chair, reading his newspaper as he drank his coffee. There was a certain calmness about him. It was as if he had everything under control.

When you entered with Anastasia, his eyes locked on you. He paid no attention to Anastasia at all. It was as if she were a piece of the mansion’s foundation. He placed his newspaper on the table and placed the coffee cup with a small click next to his plate. He waited for you to come a little closer. When you reached him, he slowly took your hand and brought it to his lips, placing a feathery kiss on your delicate fingers. Then, without a word, he motioned for you to sit in your chair. Anastasia, knowing she should never be present in this solitude between the two of them, left in silence.

Valiente's eyes were looking at you as if he wanted to swallow you. He had a heavy look... He began slowly and in his usual firm voice.

"As you know, tonight is an important night for me. I always want to look my best, my daughter and I. Because we are Sabbatines. I expect you to go according to plan tonight. You have no right to leave my sight for even a moment, not even a second. I want you by my side, my darling."

AT THE NIGHT...

The whole mansion was filled with aristocratic men and women, well-dressed and self-satisfied. Everyone was drinking and laughing and telling each other stories of their false glories that no one cared about. They were all rich. Sabbatini, some of whom were in business with Valiente, and some who were just parasites clinging to this glorious family name and feeding on it.

Throughout the ceremony, you were with your father, listening to the compliments and compliments from others. Everyone kept saying that you looked exactly like your mother. Like an apple that had been cut in half. Maybe that was why Valiente was so obsessed... Maybe because he had put you in his place... Valiente's hand was on your waist the whole time, holding you close. He wouldn't even let anyone's breath touch you.

As more time passed during the ceremony, the atmosphere in the mansion became warmer and more passionate. You looked around impatiently, listening to the others talking to your father, trying to get his attention and some approval. But nothing penetrated Valiente. True, this was the reality of your life. Countless orders, high walls, a golden prison to keep you safe in your father's shadow... But this was not what you wanted. You wanted to live like everyone else your age, you wanted to be free, you wanted to act outside the program, without your father scolding or punishing you.

Only at the moment when Valiente turned her face slightly and turned her back to you, you grabbed the opportunity with your teeth and moved away from her. You slowly pushed the guests aside and drowned in them and were no longer visible. When you managed to find Anastasia, a smile appeared on your lips. Anastasia smiled upon seeing you. You were standing about ten steps away from her among the guests. You didn’t approach her yet. Your gaze fell on the large door of the mansion, which was open. No one was paying attention to you... your father wasn’t there... everyone was busy with their own business... Was this the second chance tonight? That is, could you use it? When you looked back at Anastasia, you saw fear and stress in her eyes. She had realized what you were thinking, and she knew the consequences... a big no was visible in her eyes. But... you couldn’t... you wanted to feel free, even if it was for five seconds. Without being under anyone’s watch.

With sudden strength, you started to break through the crowd. Like a breakwater breaking the high waves of the crowd. When you reached the courtyard of the mansion, you saw men in suits standing with stylish glasses. Then the cool wind made your hair dance in the air. It was at that moment that you ran. Your high heels squelched on the ground and you just ran. Even Anastasia followed you to make sure nothing happened. You smiled and continued to run at a fast pace and crossed the vast courtyard towards the big gates, not even a guard came to stop you! When you reached the gate, you heard Anastasia's voice calling your name. But... at that second, you heard a loud, dark voice that you had never heard in your life...

"NILA!!!" That's right... this voice was your father's voice... a voice you had never heard from him... a tone you had never heard before... your smile faded and you were shocked. Anastasia had completely stopped and had taken refuge in a corner to just disappear. But you didn't stop moving. You just ran. More, more, more! You ran and ran... every breath burning your lungs... you couldn't believe you were running with bare feet... the moment you slipped and fell, large, strong hands came from behind on your stomach and lifted you off the ground.

"Where did you think you're going, Darling?"