Chapter 1

The aroma of garlic and tomatoes hung heavy in the air, a testament to Ella's early morning efforts. "Mum, I have made the food and it's on the table. I am going to college now," she called out, her voice already tinged with the weariness that seemed to settle on her each morning.

Her stepmother, a woman whose voice could etch steel, materialized in the doorway. "Now? It's only 8:00. What do you mean you are going now?"

Ella's shoulders slumped. "But Mum, if I don't go now I will miss the bus."

The woman's lips curled into a dismissive sneer. "Ha. What does it have to do with me? Do the chores then you can go. Don't make such stupid excuses. Also, it's no use even if you learn anything."

Ella bit back the sharp retort that threatened to escape. She knew arguing was futile. "Okay," she mumbled, the word a lead weight in her throat. She was about to turn towards the broom when the melodious voice of her stepsister, Belle, floated down the hallway.

"Mom…" Belle called out, her voice like spun sugar. "Yes, sweetheart?" the woman responded, her voice instantly softening.

"Did you have a nice sleep?"

"Yes, I did."

"Go and have a bath. Ella has made food."

"What did she make?"

"Spaghetti…"

"But Momm... I don't want spaghetti. I want something nice. Ah… Ella…" Belle's voice, now laced with command, reached Ella. "Make me Bread Toast with French fries."

Ella's jaw tightened. "But when I made it last time, you said you didn't like it," she said, barely above a whisper.

"That's then, now I like it. Go make it, and is my hot water bath ready?"

"Yes…" Ella replied, defeated.

"Good. Ah go to the market and buy some roses, I want a good bath. Go fast!"

And so, Ella's morning took a familiar turn. She abandoned the broom, ran to the local market for roses, arranged the fragrant petals in Belle's bathwater, and then, gritting her teeth, she made the requested bread toast with french fries. She cleaned the house, washed the clothes, and hung them out, her hands moving with practiced efficiency, her mind racing against the ticking clock.

By the time she finished, the clock on the wall glared at her – 9:50. College started in ten minutes. She had missed the bus and there wouldn't be another one. Even if she walked, it was hopeless. With a final glance at the breakfast she had prepared for Belle and the lunch she had prepared earlier, she bolted out of the door, calling out to her stepmother that "everything is ready," before she could be caught again with more tasks.

Ella ran, her lungs burning, her backpack thudding against her back. She knew it was a futile effort, but still she ran, fueled by a desperate need to salvage something from the wreckage of her morning. She slowed to a jog, defeated, the hope that had been flickering inside her fading like a dying ember.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her bag. She pulled it out and saw Anna's name flashing on the screen. Hope flared in her chest.

"Hello?" Ella answered, her voice breathy.

"Ella, where are you? Are you okay? You should have been here by now!" Anna said, concern lacing her voice.

"I… I know, Anna. I'm so sorry, I'm on my way but… well..." Ella couldn't bring herself to explain the morning she had endured.

"Don't worry, I figured something must have happened. I arranged a taxi for you, it will be there soon. Just wait where you are."

Ella's heart swelled with gratitude. "Anna, thank you, thank you so much!" she cried, her voice thick with emotion.

A few minutes later, a taxi pulled up beside her. She sank into the worn seat, relief washing over her in a wave. The car pulled into the flow of traffic, taking her towards the campus, towards the small corner of the world where her stepmother's demands and her stepsister's whims couldn't reach her. As the city blurred by the window, she clutched her books, a strange mix of exhaustion and determination filling her. Commerce was her major; it gave her a goal to work towards, a future to dream of. Even if it was a future she needed to fight for. Today, thanks to Anna, at least she had a fighting chance.