The only option for an escape from Victoria would be nannying at the Cardell Palace. I had lots of babysitting experience — more than anyone would ever want — and they don't require a high school graduation, which was surprising.

My dream was far from wanting to continue watching kids, however, I would still be able to get away from Victoria. I shuddered at the thought of her. She never fails to find a reason to scream at me before leaving the house. Sometimes she would even hit me.

I checked the clock, wondering how much longer until my nuisance of a stepmother would come back home. She usually arrived home at around 8:30 pm, before my dad came home at 9. He still hadn't figured out Victoria leaves the house every day. A distant, yet traumatic memory was brought to my mind.

    I was about ten years old. My dad came home from a long day of work to find everything in perfect order.

"Oh Vic, I don't know how you do it. You're a superhero; taking care of these 5 kids all on your own," My father praised Victoria.

"No," I objected, "I take care of Milo, Cooper, Oliver, and Amelia all on my own! Vic goes out to parties with her friends all day and leaves me to be the mum!"

"Oh Grace, stop being silly! I work hard taking care of you! Why would I leave you to take care of your siblings? " Victoria lied. "You're only 10 years old,"

"Go to bed, pipsqueak," My father laughed as he gave me a small pat on the head.

I stomped my foot on the floor and ran downstairs to my bedroom.

"I'll be right back, John, I'm going to put her to bed..." Vic stormed into my room as I was taking the extra throw pillows off my bed.

"How dare you tell your father that!" Vic screamed.

She quickly searched for a ruler in the closet and promptly smacked my wrists. A scream escaped my lungs, hurting my throat. The pain was unbearable.

"Don't tell your father about this ever again. This ruler," she signified the ruler in her hand. "is reserved for you if you ever tell him."

I never talked to my dad about it ever again.

~ ~ ~

A few hours had passed as I researched more information about the nanny job. I've always loved and taken interest in the Royal Family, they were such wonderful people. I would be taking care of the two youngest princes. There were four princes, but the two oldest are old enough to take care of themselves. The eldest, Greg Horan, is twenty-five. The second oldest, Niall Horan, eighteen, is a few weeks older than me. The last two princes were Christian Horan, ten, and Adrian Horan, eight.

Prince Greg and Prince Niall are both from Mullingar, Ireland. Their father married the Queen after their mother passed away from an unknown illness, and the Queen's husband tragically died of cancer. Both Greg and Niall had left their small town in Ireland and moved into the castle.

Though, no one quite knew much about the newest additions to the Royal Family; the press never really seemed to speak about Greg and Niall. This only piqued my interest more. Why were they so quiet about the two?

But I now had the opportunity to work in the same building as them; I could finally search more into the lives of their family.

I heard the sound of the garage screeching open. I immediately threw my phone on the couch and stood up as I heard Vic open the door. I barely had time to mentally prepare myself to ask her. Would she hurt me if I even asked? My dad agreed to let me leave when I'm 18, however, that was before Vic was in the picture. Now that Vic is in charge of me, she'll probably threaten me if I leave.

I heard the creaking of her footsteps on the floor walking towards me. I took a deep breath, ready to ask her. . . .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It hurt my heart to write about this abuse. I'm so sorry for anyone who has to go through this. I hope things will get better, I believe in you. I'm rooting for you! ❤️ You can do this. You can get through this. ❤️❤️❤️Everyone has trials in life but they will make you stronger, they will make you a better person in the end.

ilysm ❤️