THE NECKLACE 2

FLASHBACK

12 YEARS AGO

12 years old Astrid stood outside the gathering, her eyes fixed on the pool as she threw stones into the water. 

The sound of laughter and music drifted from the party, but Astrid didn't feel like celebrating. 

Her dad and stepmom had brought her to this gathering, claiming it would help their business, but Astrid knew the truth. They just wanted to show her off, like a trophy, to impress their colleagues and nothing else.

But Astrid wasn't interested in being a part of their charade. She would have rather stayed home, alone, than be paraded around like a performing monkey. 

Her father had insisted she come, though, claiming it was for her good. "If you don't come with us, the authorities might take you away," he had said, his voice cold and detached.