"Yes, Belle," I replied, trying to keep my voice stead

alice. "Oh, Fluffy is gone," she said, relishing my growi

pmother had something to do with Fluffy's sudden absence sent a wave of dread washing

swer from my stepmother. Belle's cruel revelation had awakened a fiery determinatio

down my spine. In a voice as chilly as the evening breeze, she uttered the words that pierced my heart like a

e pain of betrayal was a weight that threatened to crush me. M

! It's only a cat," Lady C

" I ask while crying. "That cat was my loyal companio

our family, don't be so s

er. My heart heavy and torn, I dashed out of the house and into the night. As I ran

merchants and traders if they had seen a cat, my beloved Fluffy. The realization that my p

iar furry form. There, I saw my dearest Fluffy locked in a cage. Relief washed ove

luffy to anyone, please?" I pl

ion in my eyes. "Okay, I will give you five da

fort amid my despair. I knew Mr. Falco. Over the years, I interact

with Fluffy. "It's time for me to talk wit

la stands before her stepmother, Lady Clarissa, her eyes filled with anger and sadness.

could you sell Mr. Fluffy?"

cold, disdainful smile,

ght you'd be thrilled to be rid of that ma

until now. I shouted at her. "Mr. Fluffy was not a nuisance! He was my only friend,

row, intrigued by

y know about me and my feel

dered what happened to our servants and our belongings! Then I realize

ssion hardens, and he

intaining the lifestyle I deserve. Luxur

able to contain my

ld have had, the love and companionship stolen from me? You've trample

om her chair, standing

ury, of being admired and desired, that's what

determination as I mee

o life than empty luxuries and hollow admiration. There's love, compassion, and the bond

mark. She was so furious that she slapped me in the face, an

moner's child! I took you in, and this is how you repay me? I

er, but I'm every bit my father's daughter. He was a man of honor, love, and co

emotion as my stepm

said, "You insolent girl!

ken enough from me. I won't let you take an

embling finger

this house and

ck, tears stream

er. Maybe it's time to leave behind the emptiness

he room, leaving my step

pensive garments clashing with the emptiness surrounding her. In her furious isolation

sion because I have nowhere else to go, but