Find the truth

Arissa's heart raced as she faced her father, fear coursing through her veins. She stood up, desperate to avoid the worst. As he advanced, she locked eyes with him, but the terror escalated when he grabbed her hair and slapped her hard. Pain radiated through her face, leaving one side bruised and swollen. She instinctively pressed her hand to her cheek, tears spilling as he raised his hand again, the knife he had picked up glinting ominously in the dim light.

Just as he lunged at her, she fought back, adrenaline fueling her instincts. But then, Rosie appeared, striking the back of his head with a frying pan. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Evie rushed to their father's side, clutching his head and sobbing. "Hag! Idiot! Stupid!" she shouted at their mother, her face twisted in fury. As she held onto her father, she whispered to Arissa, her voice laced with urgency. "I've left some things for you in your room. Take them and never come back. Find the truth for me, please…"

Without hesitating, Arissa bolted from the scene, racing up the stairs to her room. She quickly grabbed the letter and a small briefcase from her bed, not bothering to check the contents. Back in the hallway, she paused to see her father still out cold, Evie's cries echoing through the house.

"Arissa... I'll make you pay. I'll make you pay in ways you won't expect. It's only a matter of time before—" Evie's threat hung in the air as Arissa dashed out the door.

The midnight air was cold against her skin as she glanced back at the house, steeling herself for what felt like a final farewell. She had to escape. Her only destination was her childhood best friend, Serene.

After twenty minutes of hurried walking, she reached Serene's home. Arissa knocked frantically on the door, her heart pounding. "SERENE! Please open the door! I can explain!" she called, her voice trembling.

Half-asleep, Serene opened the door. "Who is th— ARISSA? Oh my goodness, your face!" she exclaimed, shock evident in her eyes.

"Can I come in, please? It's so cold," Arissa replied, shivering in her ballgown, desperate to get out of the chilly night.

"Of course! Come in! I'll brew you some tea," Serene said, startled but quick to act.

Once inside, Serene wrapped a blanket around her and handed her a steaming cup. "What happened?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Arissa took a deep breath, recounting the night's horrors and how she got hurt. Serene listened intently, offering comfort as she processed the situation.

"Can I stay here for a week while I figure things out?" Arissa asked, having changed into a comfortable gown for sleep.

"Sure, but I don't think you can stay longer than that," Serene replied, climbing into bed.

Arissa threw her arms around her friend in gratitude. "Thank you so much!"

As they settled down for the night, sleep came slowly for Arissa, her mind racing with fears and plans for the future. In the morning, Serene left for work, and Arissa took the opportunity to explore the city, determined to find a place of her own.

She donned a casual dress, hoping to blend in as she searched for homes. With her fan in hand to conceal her bruises, she walked through the bustling streets. By evening, she found a modest but appealing place near a café. However, securing the home would require a job.

Feeling exhausted, she decided to rest in the café after her house-hunting. As she sipped her coffee, she let her mind wander, unaware of the world around her. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"Arissa!" It was Karson, standing by the entrance with his younger brother, Karl.

Startled, she quickly raised her fan, trying to hide her bruises. "Hi, Karson!" she said, forcing a smile.

He introduced her to Karl, and they chatted over coffee. But then Karson asked, "Why do you have that fan on your face? You can take it off. No need to be shy with me."

Arissa hesitated. "It's okay!" she insisted, wanting to avoid any questions about her appearance.

"Please, I want to see," he urged, his curiosity evident.

With a deep breath, she lowered the fan, revealing the mark on her cheek. Fear gripped her heart as she braced for his reaction.

"Who did this to you?" Karson's voice turned serious.

"No one! I just fell," she lied, trying to dismiss it.

"I'm not born yesterday. Tell me," he pressed again, his gaze unwavering.

Arissa's heart sank as she reluctantly confessed. "My father... he tried to hurt me, but I guess this is better!" she attempted to laugh, but it came out hollow.

Karson's expression hardened. "What's his name?"

"Matthew Greenwich... and my sister, Evie. She plotted against me," Arissa replied, feeling exposed.

Without a word, he stood up, leaving her with Karl. "Don't hurt my mother. She helped me," she called after him, fear creeping into her voice.

"Don't worry. Give me an hour, Arissa," he said coolly, walking away.

As she sat with Karl, his innocent request for ice cream brought her back to the present. "Awe, okay! I'll order for us," she said, pushing aside her anxiety. Yet guilt gnawed at her, a reminder of the betrayal she had just committed.