Fragile Heat, Dark Deception

Chapter 2 Fragile Innocence

As the first rays of dawn pierced through the curtains, Scarlet stirred in her small room. A space that offered little comfort but served as her sanctuary amidst the chaos of her home. With a yawn and a stretch, she rose from her makeshift bed, her big, innocent eyes blinking away the remnants of sleep.

Her tiny frock, worn and frayed at the edges, swayed with every step as she hurried to start her daily routine. Despite the hardships she faced, Scarlet greeted each morning with a radiant smile on her face. Her soul brimmed with hope and optimism. It was as though the troubles of yesterday dissolved, making room for the promise of a better tomorrow.

Rushing to the kitchen, Scarlet donned a faded apron, embracing the tasks that awaited her. Her nimble fingers worked diligently, dicing vegetables, kneading dough, and preparing breakfast for the ever-demanding occupants of her father's grand mansion. She moved with a grace that belied her tender age, her innate sense of responsibility woven into every gesture.

Outside, three formidable dogs, fierce protectors of her father's estate, awaited her attention. These loyal companions had been raised from pups, and though they were fearsome to everyone else, they transformed into gentle giants at the mere sight of Scarlet. As she stepped into the garden, their tails wagged excitedly, their imposing figures melting into playful puppies under her tender touch.

Scarlet laughed, a sound that echoed through the air like a melody of innocence and joy. With boundless love, she frolicked and played with her canine friends, their bond unbreakable. In their presence, she felt safe and understood, finding solace amidst the chaos of her cold and imposing family.

Inside the mansion, the household servants bustled about their duties, their stern expressions softening as they caught sight of the petite girl with a heart of gold. They had all grown to love her gentle and gullible nature, finding comfort in her presence amid the harsh realities they faced each day.

"Good morning, Scarlet," the housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, greeted with a warm smile. "You've got the hands of an angel. Let me help you with that."

Scarlet expressed her thanks, "T...thankyou Miss Jenny, " and accepted Mrs. Jenkins' help. The two of them worked in perfect harmony, carrying out domestic tasks. Despite the struggle with their tasks, Scarlet's radiant spirit seemed to infuse the entire household with a touch of magic, making even the most menial chores seem lighter.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the estate, Scarlet's energy seemed boundless. She flitted from one task to another, her laughter ringing like bells in the corridors. Her optimism and genuine care for others spread like wildfire, touching the hearts of all who crossed her path.

Yet, behind the facade of happiness, there lingered a hint of sadness in Scarlet's eyes, a melancholy that hinted at the pain she endured. The constant mistreatment from her family weighed heavily on her young shoulders.

" Scarlet! " the sound of Liliana's urgent call sent shivers down Scarlet's spine, her heart hiccupping with worry. She exchanged a concerned glance with Mrs. Jenkins, the shared look between them rang bells of concern for Scarlet's well-being.

Scarlet rushed towards the grand staircase, her body trembling with anticipation and nervousness. Her mind raced with thoughts of what she could have possibly done wrong to warrant her mother's summons. She reached the door to Liliana's room, her hand trembling as she knocked softly.

"M..Mama, may I come in?" Scarlet's voice wavered, the uncertainty evident in her hesitant plea.

From inside the room, Liliana's harsh voice granted her entry, "

"Come in, you useless girl."

Pushing open the door, Scarlet meekly stepped into her mother's private sanctuary. The room seemed to close in on her, and she swallowed hard to control the nervous flutter in her chest.

She felt like an insect caught in a spider's web, her every movement scrutinized and criticized.

"Where were you, you foolish little brat?" Liliana's voice boomed, her anger palpable. Her words lashed out like a whip, leaving Scarlet feeling small and insignificant.

"In...In the kitchen," Scarlet stammered, feeling her heart race with fear.

"Get my today's outfit right this moment before I show you your lowly place," Liliana commanded with a tone too strict for the young girl.

With trembling hands, Scarlet rushed to comply, her mind spinning with anxiety. She knew her mother's expectations were high, and failing to meet them was met with consequences she dreaded.

Scarlet quickly fetched Liliana's wardrobe, praying that she hadn't made any mistakes in her haste. She placed the wardrobe before her mother, trying to steady her trembling hands as she did so.

Liliana's eyes scrutinized Scarlet's every move, her disapproval etched on her face like an unyielding mask. Scarlet's breath caught in her throat. The weight of her mother's disappointment crushed her fragile spirit.

" Is that the best you can do? You're nothing but a burden to this family." Liliana's voice was cold and cutting. "With such incompetence and lack of focus, did you forget I always wear my red scarf with this dress, then why is it blue? Is this you gonna serve your family?"

Tears welled up in Scarlet's eyes, her spirit breaking under her mother's harsh words. "I'm sorry, Mama. I'll do better, I promise."

Liliana's cruel laughter filled the room, an icy chill running down Scarlet's spine. A slap landed on Sacrlet's face, making it sting at its force, "Do better? You are a pathetic excuse for a daughter. You're lucky I even bother to keep you around."

As Liliana continued her reprimand, Scarlet's heart sank further. She had always tried her best to please her mother and make her proud, but it seemed like no matter what she did, it was never enough. Each word felt like a dagger in Scarlet's heart, her innocence shattered by the cruelty of the woman she believed to be her mother. She longed for the love and warmth of a mother's embrace, but all she received was scorn and contempt.

"Get out of my sight!" Liliana barked, her eyes blazing with hate.

Scarlet hurriedly left the room, her tears flowing freely now. She ran down the hallway, seeking solace and refuge from the pain inflicted upon her fragile soul.

In her room, Scarlet buried her face in her pillow, her small body trembling with sobs. She clung to the hope that one day she would be good enough for her mother, that she would earn the love and approval she so desperately craved.

Little did she know that the woman she believed to be her mother was not her real mother at all. The truth remained hidden, a cruel twist of fate that kept Scarlet in the clutches of a woman who only knew how to wield her power over the vulnerable child.

As the tears continued to fall, Scarlet couldn't help but wonder why her mother treated her differently than her elder sisters: Melania and Melaney.

Scarlet yearned for the love and tenderness she had seen her sisters receive from their mother, but it seemed like an unattainable dream.

While Mrs. Jenkins stood outside the door, hearing Scarlet's soft sobs. Her heart was heavy with sorrow for the innocent girl, her eyes filled with anger and pity. She knew the truth that this family kept hidden. She wished she could tell the whole world how an innocent angel was trapped by these monsters whom they saw as a happy family. Even though her heart yearned to help this little angel, the old woman couldn't do anything, as these monsters would make her children suffer back in her village.