Journey to Happiness

and the endless tasks expected of every child. From a young age, Elza dreamed of escaping poverty and wanted to climb to a life where sh

, a room as big as the entire orphanage. She didn't care much for the Count and Countess, and their condescending

he made it clear that she viewed Elza as nothing more than a commoner trying to play princess. Lady Katherine never missed a

Lady Katherine would sneer, tapp

mmon nature. I can't imagine what th

smile, resentment festered. She didn't want to be reminded of her roots; she wanted to bury them. And

wanted her polished enough to parade around at parties, showing off their "act of charity" by adopting a poo

er trivial mistakes, looked down on the footmen, and relished the authority that allowed her to command others. She wanted to feel superior

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he took on more work to help the sisters and Father Bernard, who managed the orphanage with all the love and kindness he could muster. Zazriel, determined t

azriel like a daughter, sharing not just baking skills but wisdom, kindness, and laughter. Zazriel cherished the simpl

ith their lessons, braided their hair, and told them stories, making sure they felt loved and safe. Her life w

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ooked every bit the noble she aspired to be, dressed in fine silks and adorned with delicate jewelry. But when their eyes

iel?" Elza said, her voice dripping with

"Yes. I enjoy it here. I work h

es. "Of course. Still playin

bitterness, only quiet disappointment. "You don't need to pr

good is respect if you're still poor, still scraping by every day? I'm going to be s

ch of sadness in her eyes. "Th

was, respect was, and wealth certainly was. But as she looked at Zazriel, calm and content despite her simple li

t out of the bakery, her posture rigid and proud. But as she left, she couldn't sha

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o command the servants-none of it filled the hollow ache that had grown over the months. Her lessons with Lady Ka

mind. They lingered, echoing through her thoughts like an unwelcome reminder of

er ambition and resentment. She had chosen this path, and