"For many years, Layla lived only for herself. She always considered herself unique, but the changes in her family turned her world upside down. With the arrival of summer vacation, no one knew that a new world awaited her. Tormented by her stepmother and stepsister, Layla decided to escape to her grandfather's house in the forest at the start of the break. But she had no idea that this summer would change her life forever. It was filled with new challenges, hidden secrets, unfamiliar emotions, and mysterious people. Yet, she knew only one thing for certain—nothing in her life happened by chance."
Chapter 1: Awakening from a Dark Dream
I always had mysterious dreams. The same one every time—a forest surrounding my grandfather's house. I could hear the birds singing, feel the peaceful embrace of nature. But one day, the forest darkened. I felt someone watching me.
Two pairs of glowing, blood-red eyes… Cold, piercing gazes locked onto me. He was a tall, pale young man dressed in a long black cloak, yet he didn't seem human. He watched me like a predator eyeing its prey but made no move to attack. He simply stood there, staring.
Suddenly, an ornate mirror appeared before me. In its reflection, I saw myself at seven years old—long, golden hair cascading over my shoulders, my innocent green eyes mirroring the tranquility of the forest. Behind me stood a large wolf, its fur a deep shade of brown, its gaze dark and enigmatic. It seemed to be protecting me.
Then, out of nowhere, a cold hand touched my shoulder. I turned to see who it was…
"Daniel, stop it. We should move Layla to a different room."
I woke up to the sound of my stepmother shouting angrily at my father. My room was quiet and warm. I looked out of the large window—raindrops were falling gently to the ground, and the sky, covered in heavy clouds, seemed to whisper.
My single bed, with its white pillow and blanket, gave me a sense of comfort. The light curtains swayed softly, letting in the cool morning air. Taking a deep breath, I changed out of my nightgown and put on my brown dress along with low-heeled shoes of the same color. After fixing my hair, I stepped out of my room and made my way toward the living room. My stepmother's voice grew louder with every step I took.
Charlotte stood near her daughter Emily's old room, then turned her gaze toward mine, carefully examining it. A faint frown crossed her face, suspicion flickering in her eyes, but her determination remained firm.
"Daniel, I think we should move Layla to another room and give this one to Emily. She needs a space of her own, and she's struggling to settle in here," my stepmother said. Her voice was calm but carried a quiet determination as she waited for Daniel's reaction.
My father sat in his chair, gripping the armrest tightly. His face was clouded with uncertainty and concern. He closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought. He wanted to say something but wasn't sure how to explain it without upsetting me.
"Why? Layla's room is perfectly fine. She's comfortable here. Why change it?" he finally said, his voice laced with reluctance.
Charlotte raised her voice, speaking with growing intensity. Her words were sharp, calculated, and driven by a clear purpose.
"This room is more suitable for Emily. It's bigger and more comfortable, while Layla's is a bit smaller. I want my daughter to have a space of her own." Her tone was firm, almost indifferent, as if she truly believed she was doing the right thing.
Daniel's unease deepened. He closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. He loved Layla, and this change didn't sit right with him. Lowering his head, he hesitated for a moment before looking back at Charlotte.
"But Layla is comfortable here too. Why should we move her out of this room?" His voice was steady, yet laced with uncertainty.
Charlotte sensed her husband's hesitation and turned slightly away before fixing him with a soft but unwavering gaze. She could feel his resistance, but she remained firm in her decision.
"As a family, we have plans. Emily needs a new space, and this room is perfect for her. Layla will have to accept it." There was confidence in her voice, a quiet resolve in her eyes as if she was preparing me for the inevitable.
A dull ache settled in my father's heart. A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over him, yet his love for me brought a different kind of sorrow. He ran a hand over his face, his head slightly trembling as he let out a weary sigh.
"I need to think about this. I don't know how to explain it to Layla. It just doesn't feel right." His words were slow, heavy with the weight of his conflicted emotions.
I stood behind the door, listening to their conversation. My heart tightened. This room meant so much to me—it wasn't just a place to sleep; it was a sacred space woven with memories, solitude, and peace. But my father… he was dear to me too. And now, he was caught in an impossible situation—torn between his wife and his daughter, unwilling to hurt either of us.
I knew my stepmother Charlotte all too well. She wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted. Now everything was clear—she was determined to remove me from this room and give it to Emily. My father, on the other hand, was trying to resist.
But I… I realized I had to step back. If I didn't, it would only make things harder for him. A deep ache spread through my chest, but I had no choice. Taking a slow, steady breath, I reached for the door handle and turned it gently.
As I stepped inside, my father, Daniel, sat with his hand pressed against his forehead, his face filled with unease. Charlotte, on the other hand, stood across from him, staring at him with barely concealed frustration.
In a soft voice, I said, "I… heard everything."
My father immediately stood up, concern evident in his eyes. "Layla, sweetheart, we… we can figure this out."
Charlotte's voice was sharp, unwavering. "There is nothing to figure out, Daniel! Emily deserves this room. She needs it more than Layla. After all, she—"
Pain echoed in my voice as I whispered, "It's fine."
My father's face filled with shock. "What?!"
I forced a small, hollow smile. "If this will keep the peace… I'll leave my room."
Charlotte, sensing her victory, smirked. "Smart girl!"
My father exhaled deeply, closing his eyes. "Layla, this isn't fair…"
I slowly shook my head. "Not everything in life is fair, Dad."
As I spoke those words, an emptiness settled deep inside me. That was the moment I truly understood—I had never really belonged in this house.
And this was only the beginning.
"Did you enjoy the story? How did you feel about Layla's experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to know!"