Secrets and Love

ou. Pleas

es

ionately. Unaware of the person standing in the shado

+

a to pass. She was six weeks gone but

ved in the Mitchell’s mansion, had her car, and received a generous allowa

hock to them. They had initially resisted, then reluctantly agreed to let her live with them, but they made her life mise

rarely reported the confrontations to him, fearing it would make things worse. She

a.m., Mabel would make sure she would get no food, except on the weekends when Kingsley was home. Gently, she r

ng their breakfast. She greeted them but was ig

mom?” She asked Mabel

e kitchen would be locked. S

way, mom,” she said. “I ha

dear,

my breakfast?” Ra

’. If you are not up by then, you go with

Today I was feeling unwell

t’s not even Kingsley’s. You may fo

dry room and take c

umbs on the table; that’s what dogs like

y. She rose and went to the laundry room. She heard Mabel preparing to leave for her bakery. She usually left at 9 a.m. a

restaurants to avoid their toxicity. Money wasn’t an issue; Kingsley gave her a generous allowance. All she wanted was the love of the family, something she was yet to get. Since Rachel was to be home alone, Ma

tling in for lunch. She decided to sit in the garden. She

er past. “Mum, I wish you hadn't gone so early. L

my life and brought much comfort, but f

when she will g

feat, not when Kingsley and I ar

trong girl who had survived a lot; this was just an

**

ing in bed, then had a shower together and came down for a late break

few files, then we’ll go shop

and finished

that baby,” Lucy mutter

urt. She withdrew to the g

and got worse. She decided to go to her bedroom and

asiness. She lay down, groaning and sweating, before discovering she was in contact with a wet

or help, but her voice was weak. With much effor

head, she collap