Ella pov.
15 years later.
It has been fifteen long years since I've been living this life of torment. Each day felt like I was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, where I was a slave to my stepmother's every whim. There were moments when I wondered if this was all there was to my existence.
As I made my way down to the market, I could feel the piercing gazes of every man who laid eyes on me. Though I knew I was beautiful, my stepmother didn't approve of it. She often made me look unkempt and dirty before sending me out to the market.
However, I refused to let her break me down. Instead of going to the market looking disheveled, I would make my way to the nearby stream to clean up my face and body before setting off to the market.
The market was always a bustling place, with people hurrying to and fro. But despite the chaos around me, I found solace in the fact that it was going to be a busy day. As I made my way to the section where the best food items were sold, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the fact that I was able to provide for my family.
With my basket full of fresh produce, I made my way back to the stream, a place where I always felt free from all the troubles that had been plaguing me. As I approached the stream, I took in the sight of the crystal-clear water and smiled to myself.
I made my way over to the grassy patch near the water's edge and sat down. With my feet in the water, I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. It was in moments like these that I felt truly at peace.
As I started to hum a tune, I felt the music flow through me, and I began to sing one of the songs my mother used to sing to me when she was alive. With each note I sang, I felt a sense of joy bubbling up inside of me. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders, and for a moment, I forgot all my worries.
In that moment, I realized that despite the challenges and hardships I faced every day, I could find moments of happiness and contentment.
As I finished signing the song, the sound of a sudden clap echoed behind me. Startled, I swiftly turned around to face the unexpected noise, only to be met with the sight of a handsome stranger standing before me.
"What a beautiful voice you have," he exclaimed. "Please, if you don't mind, may I know your name?"
His words caught me off guard, but I couldn't help but notice how immaculately dressed he was. I peered into his eyes, which were a striking shade of blue, and couldn't help but find his full, pink lips somewhat alluring.
Feeling a bit unsure, I averted my gaze and pondered whether or not to reveal my name to this unfamiliar man. Our eyes locked for a moment, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness.
"I see you are a shy one," he commented, taking a step closer to me. In response, I instinctively backed away, fearful that he might be a dangerous stranger.
However, as I looked at him more closely, I realized he seemed genuine and trustworthy. Perhaps I was overthinking things.
"My name is Edward, my lady," he introduced himself, bowing respectfully. "Please, may I know the name of the beautiful singer standing before me?"
Despite feeling a bit hesitant, I found myself smiling at his charming demeanor. Mimicking his bow, I replied, "My name is Ella, and I live downtown. It's nice to meet you."
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips, and walked over to me with his hands outstretched, his palms upturned as if offering a gift. I paused for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then decided to accept his gesture of kindness. As I placed my hands on his, I felt the softness of his skin, and then he surprised me by placing a gentle kiss on my hand.
I had never heard anyone with a voice as golden as his, and he must have noticed my admiration because he offered me his hands. He put his hands in his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a letter, which he then handed to me with a smile.
"The Alpha's son is having a ball in two days, and I would like you to come and sing for him. Who knows, you might just catch his eye and become his bride," he said with a playful glint in his eyes.
I looked at the invitation and nodded my agreement. "Sure, thank you. I will go," I replied.
With that, I picked up the item I had brought with me and turned to leave. "I need to go now, I'm late," I said over my shoulder.
But just as I was about to go, he took hold of my hand and pulled me back. I looked at him, wondering what he wanted, and saw the sincerity in his eyes.
"I hope to see you again," he said softly.
I pulled my hand away and nodded, then turned and ran home. The sky was growing darker by the minute, and I knew I had to hurry. It took me about half an hour to reach home, and as I approached the door, I saw Elina waiting for me.
I knew it was a troubled time, so I avoided looking at her face and instead looked down at the floor. Just as I reached the door, she spoke, her voice heavy, causing me to look up at her.
"Where have you been, Ella?" she said, but I just tried to walk past her. She pulled me back and slapped me across the face.
I looked at her in shock and felt like crying, but I held it back without saying a word. Just then, the invitation letter in my hands fell over, and she saw it and picked it up.
I saw how she looked at it, surprised, and looked up at me. "How did you get this?" she asked, and I didn't know what to say. "Tell me!" she yelled, and I decided to tell her the truth.
"A friend gave it to me."
I could see a smile on her face as I decided to ask, "Why do you ask, ma'am?" I looked at her as she looked up at me.
"Only Royals are invited to the Alpha son's ball. This is my chance to make Lia the bride to the Alpha son." Hearing her say that, I saw the excitement on her face, and she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there confused, with my hands still on my cheek.