Rosette Young POV'
As I was dragged out of the institution, the bright sunlight was blinding, like a slap in the face. I squinted, my eyes adjusting slowly to the light, the warmth of the sun a stark contrast to the cold darkness of my future.
The sound of sirens and the hum of the police car filled my ears, a cacophony of noise that seemed to mock my despair.
I was thrown into the backseat, the leather creaking beneath me, the smell of stale air and confinement enveloping me like a shroud.
...
At the police station, I was tossed into a dark cell room, the scent of mold and decay filling my nostrils, making my stomach churn with nausea.
The cold concrete floor beneath my feet seemed to suck the warmth out of my body, leaving me feeling numb and hollow. The police woman's gaze was like a cold slap, making me feel small and vulnerable, my eyes welling up with tears as I begged, my voice shaking with desperation.
"Please spare me... I have done nothing wrong. I am the only person my family looks up to, and if I am locked up, they would have no one,"
I pleaded, my words falling on deaf ears. The police woman's expression was unyielding, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice dripping with contempt.
She took a glimpse of my scars instantly thinking it was love bites —who could blame her?
The case my colleague filed against me —was good enough for me to be justice wrongly.
"Women like you disgust me," she sneered, the words cutting me deep, like a knife to the heart.
...
As the days passed, my senses became dulled, the sound of clanging bars and the smell of sweat and blood becoming familiar, a constant reminder of my imprisonment.
I was beaten, denied food, and punished for nothing I committed, my body aching from the physical abuse, my spirit crushed by the cruelty of my captors.
When I was given the chance to make a phone call, my hands trembled as I dialed my uncle's number, my heart racing with anxiety.
The sound of my uncle's gruff voice was like a punch to the gut, making me feel like I was going to collapse.
"What do you want, you unfilial child?" he growled, the words cutting me deep, like a rejection from a loved one.
My voice was desperate, my words tumbling out in a rush, my eyes welling up with tears.
"Uncle, I'm locked up behind bars. Please help me... If you wouldn't help me, please help my brother. He's in need of urgent healthcare, and I promise to cut our ties and never call you again."
I snarled recalling my brother who was indeed of an urgent heart surgery. The paycheck I was supposed to receive today —was going to my brother's surgery donation but I ended up been arrested.
My uncle's response was cold, his words cutting me deep, like a knife to the heart. "Fine, you would no longer be part of the Lu family, and if you try, you and your mother would be sued."
My heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces, the pain and despair overwhelming me.
...
A month passed, and my body bore the scars of her imprisonment, my limbs aching from the beatings and punishments, my spirit crushed by the cruelty of my captors.
When the police officer pulled me out of my cell, my heart skipped a beat, my mind racing with uncertainty.
Who could have bailed me out?
As I saw Caleb's face, panic rushed through my body, my mind picturing Taylor's face instead of Caleb's, the fear and anxiety overwhelming me.
The police woman's snicker was like a knife cutting through my fragile emotions, making me feel like I was going to break down.
"Wouldn't you walk or shall I send you back?" she sneered, pushing me forward. But Caleb's glare stopped her midway, his eyes flashing with annoyance, his expression unreadable.
I walked forward, my limbs aching from the beatings and punishments, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I stood before Caleb's car, my eyes fixed on his, searching for answers.
Caleb stared at me, his expression unreadable, his voice cold and detached.
"Get in, would you," he said impatiently but I was reluctant and hesitant. I was insecure of my appearance and body odor. As if reading my mind Caleb retorted coldly"If I minded, would I be here right now? So don't be stubborn and get in."