Chapter 3 - The Secret Prison
For the past twelve months, Eleanor had systematically stripped Maya of every single basic comfort and right a child deserved.
Because Lucas was constantly traveling across the country for high-level business negotiations, Eleanor had total, unchecked control of the household during the week. She aggressively banned Maya from stepping foot inside the formal dining room whenever guests or family members were present, claiming the child was "too messy" and "lacked the social pedigree" to dine at the large round dark wood table.
Instead, Eleanor forced Maya to eat her cold, unappealing meals out in the drafty hallway, sitting on a tiny wooden stool next to the Golden Retriever.
The loyal dog was, tragically, the only creature in the massive, luxurious mansion that offered Maya any genuine warmth. The Golden Retriever would rest its heavy head across the little girl's knees, softly whining as it shared her silent, agonizing pain.
Eleanor constantly monitored the child, whispering vicious, psychological threats whenever Maya attempted to speak up.
"Your father works day and night to pay for this estate," Eleanor would hiss coldly, leaning over the terrified child. "If you ever dare to complain to him, if you ever ruin his focus with your childish whining, I will send you away to a strict, horrible boarding school where you will never, ever see him again."
Terrified of losing her father—the only parent she had left in the entire world—Maya swallowed her tears, kept her mouth shut, and suffered in absolute, agonizing silence.
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She believed her father was completely unaware of the nightmare she was living. She had no idea that her silent endurance was about to violently come to an end.
👉 Read Part 4 to see the father's unexpected, early return.
