toyin_writes

"In the novel 'Shattered Illusions,' Anna's world crumbles at a glittering party where betrayal unfolds before her eyes. Struggling to cope with the heartbreak, she confides in her stepmother, Vivian, only to face a harsh slap. In her shattered state, Annanarrowly escapes tragedy when a stranger intervenes, rescuing her from an oncoming car. As she awakens in a hospital, a journey of self-discovery begins. Venturing to a distant land, Anna finds solace, friendship, and a newfound passion for art. Through resilience and creativity, she rebuilds her shattered life, ultimately returning home transformed. 'Shattered Illusions' explores the depths of betrayal, the power of resilience, and the transformative journey to rise from the ashes."

Crushed hope

The rhythmic beats of the party music pulsed through the air as Anna navigated through the crowd, her eyes scanning for her boyfriend, Evan, because she hadn't seen him since the party began.

Pushing her way through the sea of dancing bodies, Anna reached the dimly lit balcony, where shadows danced with flickering fairy lights.

A sinking feeling gripped her heart as she spotted Evan and Emma, her stepsister in an intimate embrace, their lips locked in a betrayal that shattered the illusions of trust.

Time seemed to stand still as Anna grappled with the shocking scene before her.

"Evan what are you doing!" Anna screamed as hot tears poured from her eyes.

All eyes turned to her direction as she became the center of attention. Humiliation clawed at Anna as the reality of the situation sank in. whispers of gossips spread like wild fire through the party transforming her into the unwilling star of a heart wrenching drama.

Hearing the commotion, Desmond and Vivian, Anna's father and stepmother came out

"Ask your slutty daughter what she's doing with my fiancé"

*'Pahhhh' Vivian's hand lands on Anna's face and a crisp sound of slap echoed through the air

"How dare you call my daughter a slut!"

Anna felt her world was spinning as a cheek stung badly from the slap. She looked at her father as she still had a tinge of hope that he would back her up.

"Dad...….." Anna cried out but he turned his face away staying mute and watching the ensuing drama. Seeing his reaction she scoffed in her heart and berated her self

'I'm a fool, what made me think he'll stand up for me, he has never backed me up' her heart was torn again as a look disgust flashed in his eye

"So you're just going to stand there while this woman humiliates me, dad. You're so cruel; I wished I never had you as a father", she stared intently at him and was able to catch a fleeting look of guilt before it was once again replaced by disgust and coldness

Unable to bear the weight of the public humiliation any longer she left the scene. Tears blurred her vision as she walked barefooted through the dimly lit street not knowing where she was headed to. The clouds darkened and heavy rain dropped from the sky mirroring her emotions. As fate would have it, a speeding car carrened towards Anna its head light casting an ominous glow. The world seemed to slow down, shadows elongating as the vehicle closed in.

'Oh no, I'm about to get run over by a car' she closed her eyes waiting for the impact.

Chapter one