Chapter 1- Betrayal*

Emily, a vulnerable 12-year-old, huddled in the corner of her cramped, dingy room. Her stepmother, Victoria, loomed over her.

"You're useless, Emily," Victoria spat. "Your father's regretted adopting you since day one."

Emily's heart ached. She endured years of emotional and physical abuse from Victoria and her siblings.

Downstairs, Emily's father, John, waited. His eyes, once warm, now cold and calculating.

"Emily, you're going with Mrs. Jenkins," John said, his voice detached.

Emily's eyes widened. "Who's Mrs. Jenkins?"

"A woman who'll give you a better life," John replied, his lie evident.

Mrs. Jenkins, a stout, cruel-faced woman, grasped Emily's arm.

"Come, girl," Mrs. Jenkins growled, dragging Emily out of the only home she'd known.

As Emily was pulled away, she saw her siblings, James and Laura, watching with indifference.

Victoria's parting words echoed: "You're nothing but a burden."

Emily's world shattered.

Being dragged by Mrs. Jenkins down the stairs,

Dad dad dad, help me, said Emily. You should be

grateful that we even sold you, now she will not

burn us anymore, said Victoria.

Pulled up to the big mansion, Emily says am I

Going to live her said Emily, shh child said

Mr Jenkins. Get this child cleaned up now , send

her to the basement , yes ma'am.

_Trigger Warning: Child Exploitation, Abuse_

Chapter 1 (Continued):

Emily descended into darkness, the basement's damp air enveloping her. Mrs. Jenkins' stern voice echoed.

"Strip, girl. You reek."

Emily trembled, obeying. The cold concrete floor stung her bare feet.

Mrs. Jenkins scrubbed Emily's body, rough hands removing any semblance of dignity.

"Tonight, you'll meet our guests," Mrs. Jenkins said, her eyes gleaming with malice.

As night fell, Emily was led upstairs, wearing a frilly dress. The opulent mansion contrasted starkly with the basement's squalor.

In the lavish living room, Emily faced a sea of strangers. Their eyes crawled over her, making her skin crawl.

Mrs. Jenkins whispered, "Smile, dear. Entertain our guests."

Emily's heart sank. She knew her purpose.

_Trigger Warning: Graphic Violence, Exploitation_

Chapter 1 (Continued):

Years passed, Emily's body and soul worn down by the relentless exploitation. But secretly, she adapted, observing, learning.

In the shadows, Emily gathered knowledge, waiting for the perfect moment.

That night arrived.

With calculated precision, Emily struck, slaughtering 30 captors, including Mrs. Jenkins. The brutality of her actions mirrored the cruelty she endured.

Freedom within reach, Emily escaped the mansion, fleeing into the unknown.

As she caught her breath in an alleyway, a figure emerged from the darkness.

"Lost, little one?" he asked, voice low and smooth.

Emily's instincts screamed warning, but exhaustion and adrenaline numbed her.

"I'm nobody," Emily replied, eyes locked on the stranger.

He chuckled. "You're somebody to me now."

The man's piercing gaze and sharp suit revealed his identity: Marco, a notorious Mafia boss.

Emily's instincts screamed to flee, but Marco's words halted her:

"You're tainted, Emily. Your past brands you. But I can offer protection... and revenge."

Emily hesitated, weighing risks and benefits.

Marco's words echoed in her mind: "Tainted." Was she beyond redemption?

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