The sun bathed them in its warm glow, as if blessing their innocent affection. "I love you too, brother!" Vanessa exclaimed, returning William's hug with equal enthusiasm. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, a testament to their unwavering bond. "You know what, brother? I want everyone to know my name," she announced, her voice filled with a newfound confidence. She stood tall, her hands on her hips, her smile radiant, a spark of ambition igniting within her eyes.
The sweetness of her words masked a growing desire, a yearning for recognition, for a place in the world where her talent, her creativity, her very being would be celebrated. She wanted to be more than just William's sister. She wanted to be Vanessa, a force to be reckoned with, a name whispered with awe and admiration.
"Really? What do you want everyone to know your name for?" William asked, his eyes wide with admiration, his heart brimming with pride for his sister. He knew she was special, that she possessed a talent that set her apart. He couldn't imagine anyone not recognizing her brilliance, her creativity. He was already aware of her exceptional artistry, but he was eager to hear what she envisioned, what dream she held within her heart.
He leaned forward, eager to listen, his gaze fixed on her with a mixture of love and anticipation. He wanted to support her, to see her dreams come true, to be the biggest cheerleader for her success. He knew, without a doubt, that Vanessa had a bright future ahead of her, and he was eager to be part of her journey.
"I want everyone to know me once I achieve my dreams!" Vanessa declared, her voice brimming with a charming confidence.
"Alright, alright," William chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he rose from his spot under the oak tree and approached Vanessa. He was clearly charmed by her confidence, her unwavering belief in herself. He knew, in his heart, that she would achieve anything she set her mind to.
He was eager to hear more about her dreams, to understand her vision. He was her biggest fan, her constant supporter, and he was ready to stand by her side as she embarked on her journey.
But all that adoration, that unwavering support, would one day be twisted into a bitter hate, fueled by the darkness that would consume her, leaving William to confront the horrifying truth of her actions.
A slow change for the pass few years.
[ William was eighteen and Vanessa is fifteen ]
[ May 6 ]
The grand dining hall of the Astoria mansion buzzed with the chatter of their cousins, their laughter echoing off the polished marble walls. Vanessa sat at the table, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her dress. She could hear their whispers, their snickers, their pointed comments about her attire, their casual cruelty aimed at her chosen style. "That's it..." she muttered, her voice low and dangerous, her eyes flashing with a simmering rage. She pushed back her chair, ready to confront them, to defend herself, to make them pay for their mocking words.
William, sensing the storm brewing, reached out, placing a hand on her wrist, his touch a gentle anchor in the face of her rising fury. "Vanessa..." he said, his voice laced with concern. He knew her well, knew the fire that burned within her, knew how easily it could consume her. He wanted to protect her, to shield her from the harshness of the world, but he knew he couldn't always be there to fight her battles for her.
"Let me go, William! It's my turn to show them," Vanessa snarled, her voice a low growl, as she brushed William's hand away, a simmering rage burning in her eyes.
Vanessa stalked towards her cousins, her movements filled with a chilling purpose. She reached out, her fingers curling around a lock of her cousin's hair, her grip tight, her face a mask of cold fury. "If you humiliate my appearance, I'll destroy your appearance instead," she hissed, her voice a dangerous whisper that sent shivers down their spines. They could see the raw, unbridled fury in her eyes, a terrifying glimpse into the darkness that was beginning to consume her.
"Vanessa! Stop it! You're hurting your cousin!" William pleaded, rushing towards her, his voice filled with urgency. He tried to pull her away, to break her hold, but her anger was a force he couldn't easily control. He had seen this darkness growing within her, a simmering rage that had been fueled by the years of snide comments and cruel whispers. He knew he couldn't stop it completely, but he couldn't stand by and watch her destroy herself and everyone around her.
Maybe when I left her after I was twenty years old... Her own ambition and cruelness became worse... Is it my fault leaving her? William thought to himself, he suddenly snapped back to reality.