CHAINS OF LOVE

Chapter 1: Chains of Betrayal

Emily's POV

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The rain was heavy that night, pitilessly drowning the world outside in shadows. I watched from my bedroom window as it rained, the only lighting from a single, dimly lit streetlamp. It was three days since my parents' funeral, three days since I'd received a life I never asked for.

My fingers grazed the edge of my father's will, which lay on my desk, words that I had read a million times. "To Emily, our beloved daughter, upon her eighteenth birthday, she shall take control over the family business, all assets included.

The words sounded heavy, a weight I wasn't ready to bear. But it wasn't what haunted me most; it was Jack, my brother, the only family left to me, and the way he'd looked at me since the funeral.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Before I could answer, Jack strode in, not even waiting for permission. 

Reading the will again?" he asked, sneering at me as he leaned against the doorframe. His eyes were devoid of the warmth I once remembered. Now, they were cold and calculating.

"I just wanted to understand it," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

He laughed then-an unpleasant sound that echoed in the silence. "You think it will change anything by reading it? Do you actually think you're capable of running a business, Emily?

The words stung, but I swallowed back the pain. I was used to him insulting me by now. "It's what Mom and Dad wanted."

Jack's face twisted, and he moved closer, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "I don't care what they wanted. You don't deserve any of it."

My heart pounded in my chest, fear mixing with anger. "Why do you hate me so much, Jack? We're family.

"Family?" He laughed again, straightening up. "You're nothing but an obstacle, Emily. An annoyance." His gaze turned sharp. "And I'm going to make sure you never get what's in that will."

I took a shaky breath, feeling the walls close in on me. "You don't get to decide that, Jack."

Maybe not. But I can control you, he said with a cold grin, I can make sure you don't get close to that money. Ever.

Before I even said a word, he pivoted and stormed out of the room, slamming the door. The bang of the door echoed loudly, leaving a hollow hush in the aftermath. I dropped onto the edge of my bed, well aware of how fast my pulse was racing. This couldn't be real. How could my brother hate me like this? What could I have done so wrong?

After that, the days passed laboriously, all muddled together. Jack kept me well occupied, providing endless chores for me to do and tasks he'd holler at me continuously, treating me no better than a hired hand. I seldom went out. My life was one long, thankless chore after another with Jack's eyes on me, watching, waiting.

Then, one night, everything did. Jack had called me down, his face all smug.

"Come here, Emily," he said, standing at the front door with that sparkle in his eye.

I hesitated, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "What is it?"