The cans were scattered everywhere, and fruit peels clung messily to her hair. Tears streamed down her face, her sobs echoing in the empty alley.

It had been 21 years since she was born, and yet, her life had not improved in the slightest. She was despised by everyone.

Her existence was a living hell. Isa Miller, a simple college student, couldn't fathom how people could be so cruel. Her father had never shown her love.

Samuel Miller had killed Lyra Brown merely for being with her sister, Thalia Brown. The one person she had once admired turned out to be her father’s mistress.

She had no friends, no one to turn to, except for her cousin, Ava Miller. Ava was her only source of support, her only refuge in this harsh world.

"Isa!" Ava's voice called out, a weak smile forming on isa’s lips at the sight of her safe haven.

Ignoring her own disheveled state, Isa ran towards her cousin, desperate for comfort, only to trip and fall miserably to the ground.

Ava rushed to her side, her face etched with concern. "Isa, are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Isa tried to hold back her sobs. "Why, Ava? Why does everyone hate me? What did I ever do to deserve this?" she cried, her voice breaking.

Ava pulled her into a tight embrace. "I don't know, Isa. I wish I had answers. But I promise you, I'm here for you. Always."

Isa clung to her cousin, feeling a small measure of comfort in her presence. "It's so hard, Ava. Every day feels like a battle I can't win."

Ava stroked her hair gently. "I know, Isa. But you're stronger than you think. We'll get through this together. You're not alone."

Isa looked up at Ava, her eyes filled with gratitude and pain. "Thank you, Ava. I don't know what I would do without you."

Ava gave her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to thank me. We're family. We stick together, no matter what."

As they sat there in the alley, surrounded by the remnants of Isa's despair, a fragile hope began to flicker in her heart.

Maybe, just maybe, with Ava by her side, she could find the strength to face another day.

Ava helped Isa to her feet, brushing the dirt off her clothes. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up," she said gently. "You can stay at my place tonight. We'll figure everything out together."

Isa nodded, grateful for the offer. They walked in silence, the weight of the day's events still heavy on Isa's shoulders. As they reached Ava's apartment, Isa couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe.

Inside, Ava handed Isa a towel and some clean clothes. "Take a shower. It'll help you feel better," she suggested.

Isa took the clothes with a small smile. "Thank you, Ava. Really."

As Isa stood under the warm water, she let the events of the day wash away, if only temporarily. The weight on her heart was still there, but it felt a little lighter. She thought about Ava's words, the promise o

f family and support, and it gave her the strength she desperately needed.

After her shower, Isa joined Ava in the living room. Ava had prepared a simple meal, and the two of them sat down to eat in comfortable silence. The food, though modest, tasted like a feast to Isa, who hadn't had a proper meal in days.

"I've been thinking," Ava began, breaking the silence. "Maybe it's time we do something about this. You can't keep living like this, Isa. It's not fair to you."

Isa looked up, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, we should talk to someone. Maybe get some help. There's no shame in asking for support. You've been through so much, and it's okay to need a little help to get back on your feet."

Isa considered Ava's words. It was a daunting thought, opening up to someone else about her struggles. But looking at Ava's determined face, she felt a spark of courage ignite within her.

"Okay," Isa said softly. "Let's do it. I'll talk to someone. But only if you're with me."

Ava smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "Of course, Isa. I'll be with you every step of the way."

As they finished their meal, Isa felt a renewed sense of hope. The road ahead would be challenging, but with Ava by her side, she believed she could face whatever came next. The flicker of hope in her heart grew stronger, illuminating the path forward, one step at a time.

“ Okay, now I have to leave, Isa. Mom is looking for me, ” Ava said, gently patting Isa's head before making her way to the exit. Isa — she was really a double-faced woman. She could never express how she truly felt. Ava’s departure left her feeling even more vulnerable.

Suddenly, Isa heard a voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, someone had a meal?"

She turned her head and her heart sank. Standing there were the people who had made her life a living hell: Samuel Miller and Thalia Brown. Samuel, her father, and Thalia, her aunt and his soon-to-be wife. These were the names that haunted her nightmares. Samuel's cold eyes bored into her, and Thalia's sneer sent a shiver down Isa’s spine. She felt a familiar wave of fear and helplessness wash over her, tightening her chest and making her feel small and powerless.

"What a shame, baby, what a shame. A bitch like you doesn't deserve a piece of pie either!" Isa winced in pain as Thalia Brown yanked her hair tight. Samuel Miller chuckled wickedly and sauntered toward her. "You know, there are many people who are looking for a pleasure toy. They would pay a lot. Shouldn't we just sell her?" Isa's eyes widened in horror. How could someone be so cruel? He was her own father.

She longed for Lyra Brown, her late mother. "Great idea, honey. But who would ever crave her body?" Samuel laughed at Thalia's words. "Who would marry trash like you? No one even admires you, Isa."

Thalia rolled her eyes and finally let go of Isa's hair. "F-father, please stop saying these words," Isa pleaded, her voice trembling. She was terrified. She knew the horrors she had endured and the ones that awaited her. "Oh, my daughter is scared? Come here, baby, let your father give you a sweet hug," Samuel mocked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Isa pressed her lips together, fighting back tears. Since birth, she had never been treated well, nor had her mother. She was known as a mistake, an unwanted consequence of Samuel Miller.