Ella pov.
Just only a day left before the Alpha's son's ball, and I had not rested at all. I had been working harder than ever before, going to the market more than five times a day, just to make sure I found the perfect dress for Lia. Despite my exhaustion, there was one thing that made me happy - Elina didn't bother me as much, and I could finally eat my food in peace.
As I watched Elina teach Lia how to dance, I retreated to my basement room to practice the same dance steps. I couldn't help but wonder why Elina was so insistent on Lia marrying the Alpha's son, even though her own daughter couldn't even boil water. Sometimes, when Lia stumbled while dancing, I would laugh silently to myself, but I didn't say anything.
As night fell, I continued working without a moment's rest, unable to find any free time for myself. I walked over to my dresser, gazing at the torn clothes hanging on the wall, and I realized that the dress I was wearing was the only thing I had. I knew that going to the ball wouldn't work.
Feeling a sense of despair, I lay down on my small bed, gazing up at the roof. My mind was racing with thoughts of what my life could have been like if my parents were still alive. I longed for a free life, one where I could be at peace. I closed my eyes, trying to remember the face of the guy I had met at the stream.
As I thought of him, my eyes widened and a smile slowly spread across my face. He was so handsome that I couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness wash over me. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even hear my name being called until the basement door opened and Lia stormed in, her face contorted with anger.
"Why did you make me walk all the way here? Didn't you hear me calling you?" She demanded, cutting off any reply I might have given with a sharp gesture of her hand. "No wonder a girl like you is meant to suffer," she spat.
Her words hit me like a physical blow, shattering my moment of bliss and leaving me feeling utterly hopeless. For a moment, I simply looked at her, trying to collect myself before finally asking, "What do you want?"
I hoped that she would quickly state her business so I could get back to my thoughts, but instead, she brought out a box I hadn't even noticed she was holding. As she opened it, I saw an array of colorful shoes nestled inside.
"Here. I want all of these shoes fixed up: cleaned, polished, dried, and well-kept. I need them for the ball tomorrow night, and I don't want to see a single stain on them," she commanded.
I watched her with a mixture of annoyance and resignation as she rattled off her demands. Without a word, I turned and walked over to my bed, taking a seat and staring blankly ahead. "You can drop the box and leave. I'm busy," I said, trying to sound as dismissive as possible.
Lia's anger boiled over at my response, and with a loud thud, she dropped the box on the ground before turning on her heel and stalking out of the room. As she left, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself at her over-the-top reaction.
It was midnight, and the darkness outside was only matched by the lack of sleep I had managed to acquire. I couldn't fathom how someone could spend so much time and effort selecting dresses and shoes just to look their best at a ball they may not even be notice.
As I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but let out a sigh. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that washed over me. Finally, I would have a night alone, without anyone to disturb me.
Just as I was about to drift off, the loud voice of Elina echoed from the basement. I quickly sat up, wondering what she could possibly want at this hour. With sleep still clinging to my eyes, I stumbled out of bed, feeling weak and uncertain.
As I made my way down to Elina's room, my anger grew with each step. I knocked on the door, and she called out for me to enter.
When I opened the door, I was met with the sight of her cat, lounging on the bed. My confusion quickly turned to annoyance as Elina spoke.
"My daughter will be dressed for the ball tomorrow, and I don't want any stains on her dress. Clean every floor in this house, and don't sleep until I say so."
At that moment, my eyes snapped open, and any trace of sleep disappeared. Was she serious? Did I really have to stay up all night cleaning just because her daughter was getting dressed for a ball?
As I gazed upon her, my lips remained sealed, and my heart boiled with anger, but I suppressed it, refusing to let it show on my face.
"But, Ma, why can't I do it tomorrow? It's midnight," I asked, hoping for a reprieve.
Her eyes pierced through me, and I could feel my throat tighten in response, as if I was about to choke on my own words.
"I don't care what time it is. Do it now, and you can leave," she demanded, her voice stern and unwavering.
I felt a wave of sadness wash over me, knowing I wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight. I walked out of her room, my eyelids drooping with exhaustion.
I surveyed the cluttered house and pondered how I could possibly begin cleaning. All I wanted to do was lie down and rest, but I knew I had to clean.
As I trudged towards the cleaning supplies, my eyes grew heavier by the second. Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was already 2 AM, and I felt like collapsing.
After gathering the tools I needed to clean the floors, I knelt down to start brushing the carpet, but to my dismay, everything was blurry and out of focus. I rubbed my eyes and blinked, but my vision remained doubled. Without thinking, I collapsed onto the floor and muttered, "Just give me a minute, and I'll start cleaning."
Soon after, I drifted off to sleep.