Hidden Flames
PROLOGUE
Someone was shouting downstairs. Again. And it was never a good sign
My body still aches from the last beating my foster father gave me. I grabbed my torn teddy bear and hugged it to my chest to comfort myself.
I whispered when a loud bang echoed through the house. What is even happening?
I was curious to peek down but my ankle was already throbbing at the prospect of walking and eventually getting myself hurt again.
I hope it's not one of Mr. Lance's friends. They are very very bad. They keep staring at me, making me feel uncomfortable and sometimes they even touch me which I don't like at all.
I tried telling Mr. Lance that but he slapped me so hard that my lips started to bleed.
Taking my teddy bear, I dragged myself across the small room, climb into the closer and shut the door, praying that by some miracle, a superhero will save me.
I tried running yesterday but he caught me and twisted my ankle so that I wouldn't dare to do that again.
Tears gathered in my eyes. Please, God. Let a superhero save me.
There were more bangs downstairs followed by screaming.
A minute passed by and I could clearly hear someone running up the stairs.
No. Please, no. Not Again.
My room door always creaks on being open and closed so when it did, I shut my eyes firmly, tears falling on my cheeks. Please, let it be a superhero.
But even then I knew my prayers were pointless, no one had ever saved me from the moment I got to know that my parents died in an accident and having no relatives, I was shoved into the foster system
It must be Mr Lance himself or his friends. Both were scary and bad.
I could hear someone shuffling outside in my room, probably searching for me and a sob escaped my mouth making me slam my palm over my mouth. He's going to hurt me again.
The footsteps stopped outside the closet, and I sighed in defeat, accepting my fate.
The closet door was pulled open harshly and I brought my knees closer, waiting for the shouting and hitting.
But there was absolute silence except for someone's steady breathing.
I cautiously opened my eyes, biting back a gasp when I found an unfamiliar man standing in front of me.
He didn't look old like Mr Lance's friends, instead he was a boy, older than me.
His head cocked subtly and he regarded me with a blank look, his dark hair messy and his eyes had the prettiest colour of green with a hint of brown in it.
Blood was sprinkled over his face and his white shirt, small cuts around his cheeks. Did someone hurt him too?
He looked scary but then he didn't stare at me creepily, nevertheless, I pressed myself further against the wall.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
P-please...
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
D-don't...don't...hurt me...
He dropped down to a crouch, eyes scanning me from head to toe, his jaw clenching when he focused on my neck where a black-blue imprint of Mr Lance's fingers was. My whole body was littered with bruises and scars.
He slid his eyes to mine and he looked even more angry than earlier making me whimper.
Very slowly, he extended his hand towards me making me flinch but he didn't hit or touch me, his hand remained suspended in the air. He wanted me to take his hand.
I glanced between his palm and his face.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
You are going to hurt me.
He shook his head and reached out his hand further.
For some reason, my heart and brain screamed at me to take his hand.
He didn't shout at me when I remained still. He was patient and waited for me.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
W-where's... Mr... Lance?
With no emotion at all, he replied coldly, "Dead."
My eyes widened in shock but relief coursed through me. He is dead. Does that mean I am free now?
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Did you...
He can kill me too but I wanted to trust him
Hesitantly, I reached my hand out and placed it on his palm, his fingers wrapped around mine firmly and he gave me a gentle tug.
I dragged myself out of the closet, holding my teddy bear with the other hand. I winced loudly as I placed my foot down on the floor which didn't go unnoticed by him.
I expected him to shout and tell me to be quiet but he simply stared at my ankle for a moment before scooping me up in his arms.
I yelped at the sudden movement but silenced myself when he started to move out of the room.
His body was so warm and comforting. When was the last time someone touched me to comfort me?
The only physical touch I got was extremely nauseating but this...
He didn't seem angry anymore so I placed my head on his shoulder, relishing the comfort of it.
He placed his hand on the back of my head and pressed it further against his shoulder so that I was not able to see anything and he started to climb down the stairs.
A pungent smell reached me and we reached downstairs.
A minute later, it was gone and I could smell the fresh air so I opened my eyes slowly and found that we were outside where a few men were gathered.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Who's that?
Someone who looked familiar to this man approached us, he was like an older version of himself.
He didn't reply and let that man inspect me though he looked angry as he took in my bruises before looking at me.
？？？
Are you Lance's foster daughter?
I nodded slowly, scared as I unintentionally pressed myself closer to the boy who held me.
？？？
We can't leave her like this.
The man muttered, scratching his brow. He thought for a moment before glancing around.
His eyes settled on a middle-aged man standing at a distance, near one of the black cars and he gestured for him.
The man immediately ran towards us, he looked less scary, he looked...kind.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
What's your name?
I whispered to the boy once the two men walked away, talking.
The boy glanced down at me, staring at me blankly but didn't say anything.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
I'm Sylvia
I offered, hoping he might tell me his name in return.
He nodded before looking away just as the two men approached us again.
The one who was an adult version of my hero asked me my name before telling me his. Silas.
Silas pointed at the man next to him, explaining softly
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
This is Richard and I can assure you, he is a hundred times better than Lance which means he will keep you safe.
I looked at Richard who watched me warmly which was different from how Lance did. It made me feel...safe.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Is he going to be my new...foster father?
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*nods* Yes. You don't have to be scared of him.
Seeing my hesitation, Silas said
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
If he ever hurts you, you can always complain to us.
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
We will check on you regularly.
Richard offered me a warm smile.
Richard Darko || FL's Father
I don't have any kids of my own but my wife and I always wanted kids. I would love to adopt you, I promise you a better life, Sylvia.
Tears gathered in my eyes. After my parents died, I just wanted someone to keep me safe but that never was possible but it feels like it is finally happening.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Okay
I croaked making Richard smile widely. Maybe it was stupid to trust a random man again but I had no choice and my gut told me to just go with him.
My hero was about to give me to him when I grabbed his neck, refusing to let go yet.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
*whispers* Thank you
He only nodded in response and since I didn't have anything else to offer him, I pressed my teddy bear against his chest.
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Please take this
Sylvia || FL || 10yrs
Please
I would always remember him but I wanted him to remember me too.
Richard took me from his arms and since my hero didn't take the teddy, it fell on the ground.
My new foster father turned his back to him and carried me towards a car.
I glanced back at him and found him staring at the teddy bear for a long moment before he bent down and picked it up making me smile for the first time in forever.
ONE
It was quite late at night and I didn't expect my wife to show up at my office door, looking sleepy
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*lifts his head from his laptop screen* Why aren't you sleeping?
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*walks towards him* Because you were not there. I was waiting for you.
I pushed back my chair and grabbed her waist, pulled her over my lap, making her sit sideways
Emilia leaned against me, and squinted at the laptop screen
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
Huh. So you were secretly watching these girls after leaving me alone in bed
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*pinched her waist making her chuckle*
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
I see, you want someone younger now that I'm getting old
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*pats his chest* It's okay, maybe I will also find someone --
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*leans down and bites her neck* I dare you to say that again
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
So you can find other girls and I can't find --
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
Lia *warns*
After almost thirty seven years of marriage, she I would never even spare another woman a glance in that way and I know the same about her. But that didn't stop me from feeling possessive over her even after all these years
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*chuckles and kisses his jaw* Still so possesive
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
Mhmm
I captured her lips in a short, chaste kiss
Before she could distract me further, I pulled back from the kiss and stroked her hair
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
Who are they though?
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
Richard sent me a list of girls, they are our men's daughters. They are suitable for being Ethan's wife and I am going through their bio to see which one will be the best
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
Oh. These girls.....they volunteered?
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
You know I would never force anyone to marry him. Richard specifically told everyone to let their daughters decide if they are willing to do this
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*nods while glancing at the screen* Any progress?
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*school his head with a sigh* I shouldn't be the one choosing a girl for him, Ethan should do it himself. But that boy has left me no choice. If he remains like this...
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*frowns* You said that there was nothing to worry about...
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
I know I thought he might get better, I thought he might find someone
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
It's nice to be the quiet one, but at the same time it's so fucking empty inside you
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
*cups her cheeks caressing it* You filled that emptiness for me, Lia. You loved me from the very first day.
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
It's not that my family doesn't love me but they are obliged and conditioned to do that but you...you loved me despite everything
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
*hugs him while resting her head on his chest*
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
I just want Ethan to find that someone too. He's thirty, he will bring himself to destruction like this. We have to do something.
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
It's okay, we will find someone. Don't worry.
Silas Atticus Blackwood || ML's Father
It seems impossible. He thinks I love troubling him but I just want him to be happy.
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
I know...
Emilia Grey Blackwood || ML's Mother
We will find someone
TWO
Liam put his arm around my waist and kissed my neck
Liam Flynn
Come on, Sylvia. You will like it
I hesitated, unsure, but still tilted mt head to give him access so that he wouldn't get irritated
We've been dating for the past two months. Liam was my first-ever boyfriend
He was my colleague and I was more than shocked when he first asked me out. No one has ever been romantically interested in me, like never. Maybe because I wasn't attractive enough?
But then Liam asked me out, and after a few dates I gained a bit of confidence, and we became official
I was scared of being vulnerable with him
We did kiss and let our hands wander but as soon as he started to touch me down there, I used to back away
He was patient, but I could sense his frustration
Liam Flynn
*whispers while his hand on her waist* Sylvia, please..
Liam Flynn
It's been two months, I want to be closer to you. I'm dying over here
I felt bad for him and nodded hesitantly
It wasn't like I didn't find him attractive, he was cute and handsome, so I thought I would give it a try
Till when will I remain like this?
But as we moved to the bed, I felt nervous. Liam was gentle, but still I was uncomfortable
As he started to touch me intimately, I felt more nervous and uncomfortable
Sylvia Darko || FL
I'm not sure...
Liam Flynn
*ignores her and continues*
Sylvia Darko || FL
Liam, stop
Sylvia Darko || FL
I don't like this. It hurts
Even if I ignored the physical pain, I didn't feel good emotionally. I didn't feel anything connection with him, any intimacy.
I didn't want my first time to be like this
Liam Flynn
*annoyed* You agreed to this
Liam Flynn
You're ruining the moment
Sylvia Darko || FL
Stop, please. I don't want to do this anymore, please.
I begged, tears pricking my eyes
Liam Flynn
*groaned* Oh, for fuck's sake
Liam Flynn
You ruined this whole thing
He pulled away, his face scowling. His anger and frustration evident
Now, he did technically took away my virginity
I didn't want it to be like this
Liam Flynn
I'm so fucking done with this *grumbles as he got off the bed and wears his clothes*
Liam Flynn
Fuck the bet, i don't wanna do this anymore
Sylvia Darko || FL
Bet? What bet?
Liam Flynn
*stares at her cruelly* Did you think that i would want you? If not for the bet my friends did, I wouldn't even spare you a second glance. You are nothing special.
Each word hit her straight in the heart, a lump forming in her throat
Sylvia Darko || FL
*asks firmly* What bet? Exactly.
Liam Flynn
*rolls his eyes* They bet that you must be desperate for attention and that it wouldn't be a big task for me to seduce you to bed. Turns out, I simply wasted my time.
I wouldn't even spare you a second glance
My body trembled with rage and hurt as I got off the bed and grabbed my clothes, putting them as quickly as possible
I refused to cry, refused to let the tears fall even though my eyes were quickly filling with them
I grabbed my handbag, put on my sandals and moved to the door of his small apartment
Pausing at the door, I glanced back at him and forced a tight smile on my face
Sylvia Darko || FL
I could have loved you, but I'm glad I didn't. You're a real piece of work, and I wish you the worst life ahead.
On the way back home, his words kept repeating in my head
Sylvia Darko || FL
(I'm never dating again. Never. This was the first and the last time.)
Sylvia Darko || FL
(But what about my plans to find my soulmate?)
Sylvia Darko || FL
(Does he even exist? I think not.)
Not able to control my emotions anymore, I went inside a public toilet and inside one of the stalls, I shut the door and let the tears flow.
I was just a game to him. And to think he was genuinely interested in me
Sylvia Darko || FL
(You know what, I am going to ask Dad to get me married. An arranged marriage. Maybe after spending a lot of time with me, my husband will eventually get to like me-)
Sylvia Darko || FL
(That's such a pathetic thought)
The tears didn't stop coming out and I hiccuped, digging my fingers into my palms.
I had romantic dreams. Of finding my soulmate, being loved and desired despite my physical appearance
I scoffed at my stupid dreams and cried my heart out until my eyes were dry and they itched because of crying so much.
Sylvia Darko || FL
(Fuck Liam)
Sylvia Darko || FL
(One day, I am going to find my soulmate and then prove to him that I can be loved after all)
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