Third person pov
The day of her 18th birthday dawned bright and clear, yet Amanda felt a storm brewing inside her. She had hoped for a small celebration, maybe a cake and some kind words from her uncle and cousin, Aileen. Instead, the atmosphere was tense, as if everyone was holding their breath.
As the day wore on, Amanda found herself in the living room, the remnants of a hastily organized birthday gathering strewn about. Aileen was laughing with friends, the sound like nails on a chalkboard to Amanda's ears. She felt invisible, overshadowed by the bright lights of her cousin's perfect life.Hey, Amanda!" Aileen called, pulling her into the group. "We're about to open presents! Come join us. With a forced smile, Amanda approached, but her excitement dwindled as her uncle, Vincent, watched from the sidelines, his expression inscrutable. As the presents were opened, Amanda felt more like a spectator than a participant.Finally, Aileen handed her a small box wrapped in shiny paper. This is from all of us! Open it, with hesitant fingers, Amanda tore into the wrapping, revealing a delicate silver necklace. It glimmered in the light, and for a moment, she felt a spark of joy. It's beautiful. Thank you.
Glad you like it,Aileen said, smiling, but Amanda couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.As the celebration continued, Vincent cleared his throat, silencing the room. I have something to say, he announced, his voice heavy. today marks a significant milestone for Amanda.Everyone turned to look at her, and she felt a mix of dread and anticipation.
It's time for you to understand your responsibilities now that you're an adult, he continued. As per your mother's will, you are entitled to a modest inheritance.The room buzzed with whispers, but Amanda's heart raced. What do you meanYour inheritance will go to Aileen,"Vincent said, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "You've done nothing to earn it. Aileen deserves it, and you will remain here under my care.Amanda's voice trembled. "I… I don't understand. Why should Aileen get my inheritance?""Because you're an orphan, Amanda. You don't have a family. Your mother left you to me, and I have decided how things will be handled," he replied, his gaze icy. "You'll give up what is rightfully yours."]A cold wave washed over her as realization struck. "I'm an orphan? You've been lying to me all these years? You took everything from me. Enough.Vincent thundered, his face contorting in anger. You have no claim to anything. It's time you learned your place in this family.Tears burned in Amanda's eyes, a mixture of betrayal and despair."You can't do this to me. I deserve to know the truth about my family!Your family? You have none," he sneered, stepping closer, his voice low and threatening. "I've been more than generous, and now it ends.Get out Aileen shouted suddenly, her voice cutting through the tension. This is my birthday! You can't throw her out!"Vincent's expression darkened. You want to protect her? Fine. But don't expect me to support her. She is nothing to this family."
With that, he turned to Amanda, his eyes filled with disdain. Pack your things. You're leaving.the words hung in the air like a death knell. What? You can't mean it. Do it,he ordered, his voice brokering no argument.
Stunned and shaking, Amanda fled to her small room, heart racing. She frantically gathered her belongings, feeling like a stranger in her own life. She couldn't believe her uncle had schemed against her, hiding the truth about her past for his own gain. The necklace Aileen had given her slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor.When she emerged with a small bag, Vincent was waiting at the door, arms crossed, an unwavering expression of triumph on his face."Leave. And don't come back," he said, his words laced with finality.As she stepped outside, the door slammed shut behind her, echoing the severing of ties she had once thought unbreakable. The weight of betrayal bore down on her, and the world outside felt cold and unwelcoming.With nowhere to go and her heart shattered, Amanda turned away from the only home she had ever known. She had lost everything—her family, her inheritance, and the safety she once took for granted.But deep inside, a flicker of determination ignited. She would find out the truth about her past and reclaim her life, no matter the cost.