There was no ball. No fairy godmother. No midnight magic. Raised between divorcing parents and then forced under the cruel reign of a stepmother and her family, one girl became invisible - her laughter muted, her voice forbidden. Food became control, blades became release, and perfection became a mask she was forced to wear. The broken slipper is all that remains - its shards sharp but still reflecting the light of a spirit that faded yet refused to die. (Note: Based on actual life events)
Chapter 4 - Invisible Child
Shards of myself scattered quietly across the years, hidden beneath forced smiles.
By then, I had learned the rules.
Smile. Stay quiet. Don't draw attention unless it's the right kind.
My stepmother didn't have to shout to make me feel small. She could cut me down with a cheerful tone, raised eyebrow, or the sing-song way she pointed out my mistakes. Sometimes she ...
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