A Childhood of Neglect
Emily had never seen the world, but she felt its cruelty with every breath.
Born blind in a family that prized beauty above all else, she grew up in the shadows. Her two sisters were celebrated for their looks and charm, while Emily was hidden away like an embarrassment.
At five, she lost her mother. After that, her father grew colder, harsher. He never called her by name—only “that girl.” She was banned from the dinner table, kept away from guests. To him, she was nothing but a burden.
By twenty-one, his cruelty reached its peak.
