Chains Lifted: Her Second Act

She was the perfect daughter, shaping herself into whatever they wanted her to be. A flawless doll. A beautiful mask. She learned every smile, every move, playing her part without a single mistake, because this part of her life wasn’t hers... it was theirs. But not forever. One day, she would break free. No one would control her future or tell her who to become. She would be the one writing her own story. Yet, just as her plans were finally falling into place, everything started to crumble. One problem after another, surprises she never saw coming, and people who kept showing up in her life, no matter how many times she tried to push them away. Her life had always been hard, but these sudden changes pulled her into a storm she never asked for, making her question the very path she thought she was set on. Like a caterpillar fighting to build its cocoon, she is struggling to change. But deep down, she knows that once she breaks free, she will be a butterfly, ready to rise and fly higher than ever before. … “Let me tell you now, your kindness? I don’t need it. What you offer? I don’t want it. And a piece of advice, be careful with your kindness. It might bring pain to those you wish to protect, rather than support.” She turned her back, leaving him standing there, watching her retreat into the distance. … "Because I was like her once—filled with guilt. Those were the words I needed to hear, the ones I gave up hoping for long ago." He looked at her, his gaze softening with sympathy. “And you don’t seem like someone who’s ready to free herself from that guilt.” “Someday, maybe. But not yet. Not just yet.” “When that time comes,” he asked gently. “Will you tell me first?” She paused, meeting his eyes before a faint smile touched her lips. “I suppose I can do that much.” … “Whatever I’ve been through, no matter how difficult, I’m proud of it. I’ll never feel ashamed of the things I’ve done to reach this point.” She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle but firm. “So don’t feel bad for me. Be proud of me. While you weren’t there, you were always on my mind. You gave me the strength to keep going. Remember that.” He leaned into her hand, his voice quiet. “Then tell me… tell me everything you’ve experienced.” Currently 7 chapters a week... Another 2 for every 100 power stones mark... DO ADD "Llaellen's Updates" BOOK IN YOUR LIBRARY TO GET THE LATEST UPDATES ABOUT MY PLANS FROM HERE ON OUT Do read my other stories: SHE'S THAT KNIGHT KNOWN AS ZERO (COMPLETED) VENGEANCE TO THE ROYAL ONES (COMPLETED) COMING FOR THE LAST FOURTEENTH (COMPLETED) RESTARTING CHAPTER BOOK FINALE (COMPLETED) VERACITY OF THE PAST (REUPLOADED ON ETSY - JUST LOOK FOR "Llaellen") REBIRTH: STUBBORNLY FUFILLING A PROMISE (COMPLETED) LEFT BEHIND BY TIME (COMPLETED) LLAELLEN'S UPDATES (NEVER ENDING)