Episode 3

MARCELE

Until I was 14 years old, I lived a life that could be called a fairy tale. I am my mother's only child, and on my father's side, I have another sister, Andressa, who seemed to be a good person and was very affectionate with me. My mother died in a plane crash when I was 14, and two years later, my father passed away from multiple organ failure - all his organs shut down suddenly.

Shortly after my father's funeral, Andressa took me to live with her in her penthouse in a hotel that belonged to our family. My father and I had lived in a mansion near the hotel.

At first, I thought she would take care of me, but that's not what happened. I lived my life being monitored by Francisca and Arturo. I tried to escape a few times, and every time, Arturo caught me, and Andressa would always beat me.

Arturo and Francisca would hold me so she could hit me, and a few times, she even tortured me with a stun gun.

She always gave me everything: designer clothes, brand-name shoes, makeup, imported perfumes. I always had the best meals, but all within four walls because I couldn't leave the room.

Only sometimes, when she opened the door, could I walk around the house, but with Francisca always on my heels.

My room had a very comfortable bed, a closet full of luxury, a TV, and a bathroom. Food and water were brought to me by the maids. I remember one who tried to help me and ended up paying with her life for it.

Andressa killed her in front of me and kept rubbing it in my face that it was my fault. I spent nights without sleep, remembering that cruel scene and thinking how this woman could be my sister and hate me so much. I never did anything to her until I was 16; I only saw Andressa on weekends and holidays when the whole family got together.

Not to mention that she has a horrible python that crawls around the house. She knows I'm afraid of it, and one day, she put that disgusting snake in my room and locked the door, making me spend hours screaming with fear. When she came back to get the snake, she left laughing.

I hate Andressa, and the first chance I get, she's going to pay for everything she's put me through.

ANDRESSA - I'm going to open the door. You have 30 minutes to walk around the house, and you can also sunbathe by the pool, just don't go in so you don't dirty the water; I'm going to swim today.

MARCELE - You can close the door again; I don't feel like going out.

ANDRESSA - You are going out because I am ordering you to. Haven't you learned who's in charge here?

She left, dragging me through that huge penthouse, and threw me on the couch where the snake was slithering.

MARCELE - Haaa, get this snake out of here!

ANDRESSA - You're the intruder here, not her. She comes here to drink from Mommy.

She picked up the snake and put it on her shoulders like a scarf. It's a shame that snake doesn't suffocate her to death; it would be the most delightful scene to see.

I walked around the penthouse a bit, the same places as always: the dining room, kitchen, laundry area. I had 20 minutes left to get some sun, but Arturo came after me to make my life hell.

ARTURO - Look who's here, the little princess locked in the tower.

I remained silent, looking at the horizon. I've wanted to jump from up here many times to die, but the desire to see Andressa get what's coming to her is bigger than anything else.

ARTURO - You know, girl, your sister won't let you out, but I can teach you and show you the pleasures of life.

He approached me, intending to grab me, but thank God, Francisca arrived in time. I never thought I'd be happy to see that witch.

FRANCISCA - What are you doing here, Arturo? The madam is waiting for you in the office.

ARTURO - I was just keeping the girl, Marcelle, company.

FRANCISCA - She doesn't need company.

He left. She glared at me with that prune face of hers and went after him.

I breathed with relief. The way Andressa is, he could have hurt me, and she would be smiling, clapping, and thinking I deserved it. Damn her, that bitch!

My time was up, and I was escorted back to my cell by the prune-faced jailer.

It was late at night. I was already sleeping when they came into my room.

ANDRESSA - Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. You're going on a trip.

MARCELE - A trip where? Are you going to kill me?

ANDRESSA - No, dear sister, it's worse than death. You're going to marry your Prince Charming. Hahaha!

MARCELE - I'm not marrying anyone. Leave me alone, please! Isn't it enough that I live locked up in this room? You've deprived me of everything, even living, and now you want to force me to marry a man I don't know?

ANDRESSA - Arturo, hold her. Francisca, the sedative. Bordini's men are already downstairs waiting.

MARCELE - NO! LEAVE ME! GET OUT! GET OUT!

Francisca injected something into my neck, and within seconds, I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I was lying on a couch in an unfamiliar office. I looked around and saw a man smoking a cigar.

ESTEBAN - You're awake, my bride. I hope you're nice and relaxed because today is our wedding and our wedding night. Hahaha!

A disgusting old man with a macabre laugh. He yelled in that horrendous voice, and two maids entered and dragged me away. My head was still spinning; I lost track of time.

I asked several times what time it was, and no one answered me. I must be having a nightmare.

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