Chapter 26 (doll with no chioce)

"Hey everyone, I want to be upfront with you about something. I missed uploading chapters 26 and 27, and I've decided to continue the story from where I left off. I know this might be frustrating for some of you, but I appreciate your understanding and continued support. I'll do my best to make the story work despite this gap. Thanks for sticking with me!"

***The next morning***

Anna eyes fluttered open, her bones and muscle felt so weak.

The memories of last night replayed in her head. She tried to stand up from the bed.

"Urgh...!" she gruted in pain. she felt too weak to move in between her thighs felt so sticky.

The door opened immediately the the maid walking in.

"You're awake" the maid said.

"You're bath is ready" she said.

Anna nodded her head, her body feeling heavy and exhausted from the previous night's activities. She stumbled out of bed, her legs wobbly and unsteady, and made her way to the bathroom.

The sound of the running water was soothing, but it could not compare to the pain that pulsed through her body every time she moved.

As she eased herself into the bath, the warm water enveloped her tired body. She let out a sigh of relief as she submerged herself in the water, the heat beginning to soothe her sore muscles.

She let the water wash over her body, cleansing away the traces of the previous night. The feeling of the water and bath salts was comforting, but the events of the night before lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of her helplessness.

She sat there for a while, letting the water wash away the physical pain and the mental exhaustion. But despite the comfort of the bath, the memories of the previous night continued to haunt her. She felt a sense of shame and humiliation at the way she had been treated, but at the same time she couldn't deny the physical pleasure she had experienced despite the pain.

The mixed emotions confused her, and she found herself feeling conflicted. Her body ached from the punishment, but at the same time there was a part of her that had enjoyed the experience. She felt guilty for her own enjoyment and for having given in so easily to Marcus' demands.

As she scrubbed herself, she glanced at herself in the mirror and saw the hickeys that adorned her body. She felt a mix of resentment and disappointment at the sight of them. She had not asked for this life, she wanted freedom and choices, to make her own decisions, to be a person of her own. But now she was a doll, a toy, a pet, a slave. And the worst part was that she wasn't even sure if she could defy him.

She finished her bath and got out of the tub slowly, wrapping herself in a towel. She looked at her reflection in the mirror once again, taking in the girl who stood there. A girl bound to a life she never asked for, a life of pain and pleasure combined, a doll with no choice.

She stood there for a moment, unable to bring herself to move. The towel felt heavy on her body, its weight a reminder of the weight of her new life. She took a deep breath and straightened her back, trying to compose herself. She had no choice but to face this reality, to survive in whatever way possible.

She dried herself and put on the clothes the maid had laid out for her. She couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment as she put on the outfit that had chosen for her. The simple, plain dress felt like a symbol of obedience, of submission. She felt like a puppet, dressing up for a master's play.

As she turned to the mirror to check her appearance, she saw the hickeys still visible on her skin, a reminder of the night before. She felt a tinge of revulsion and guilt, knowing that some part of her had actually enjoyed the attention, the attention of a man who saw her as nothing more than property.

New York, NY

"I hope you can forgive me, my love and welcome your son back." maya reflected in her thought.

"Antonio, hurry up! We need to get you to school!" Maya stated.

"Okay, Mom," Antonio replied, his mouth full of food.

Antonio quickly finished his breakfast, grabbed his bag, and followed his mother to the front door. As he slipped on his shoes, he looked up at his mother with a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Mom, when are we going to see Dad ?" Antonio asked, his voice small and hesitant.

Maya looked down at her son, her expression tense, but not unkind. She gently rested a hand on his shoulder and sighed. "Soon, Antonio. Soon. You just be a good boy and do your best in school, okay?"

Antonio nodded, but his face conveyed worry, as if he was afraid to believe her words. "How soon, Mom?" he asked again, the anxiety growing in his tone.

Maya's face showed a mix of sadness and frustration. "Antonio, I don't know when," she softly pleaded. "You just need to trust me, okay? I promise your father will be home soon."

Maya's smartphone rang, the harsh sound filling the quiet car. She looked at the screen, and see that it was her manager calling. She accepted the call, holding her phone to her ear as the car continued its journey.

The voice of her manager, Amanda, came through the phone, "Hey maya, are you still flying out tomorrow for the shoot in Italy?"

"Yes, Amanda." Maya nodded, her mind already starting to make mental preparation for the trip. "She missed him deeply, and the thought of seeing him again after 7 long years both terrified and excited her. She couldn't be certain how he would react upon seeing her, but she hoped that love would overcome his animosity.

Her heart was heavy with regret, and she yearned for the chance to repair the shattered trust between them. She couldn't bear the thought of their son growing up without both parents, and she hoped that her decision to travel to Italy would give them all a chance for redemption.

The car approached a stoplight, and the driver came to a halt at the intersection, providing a momentary pause as Maya spoke with her manager on the phone. A pedestrian crossed in front of them, a woman dragging a large suitcase toward a taxi.

The conversation between Maya and her manager resumed amid the humming engine and the ambient sounds of the city's traffic. Amanda's voice was clear and assertive through the phone, and Maya listened attentively, her expression becoming more focused and determined.

"Listen, Maya". Amanda tone became more serious, cutting through the cheerful chatter of the street noises outside. "I know this trip is a bit more important than your other gigs, so I want to make sure everything goes smoothly, got it?"

Maya nodded, her mind on the task at hand. Her fingers unconsciously traced a pattern on the fabric of her car seat as she replied, "Of course, Amanda. I want everything to be perfect. Not only for the shoot, but... for personal reasons as well."

There was a pause from the other end of the phone as Amanda considered this new information. "Personal reasons?" she asked, curiosity piqued in her voice.

"I thought it might be." Amanda's voice took on a sympathetic tone, and she knew instantly what Maya was referring to when she mentioned personal reasons.

Amanda was a long-time friend and colleague of Maya's, and they were more like sisters than mere work buddies. As such, Amanda knew about Marcus and their painful history.

"It's been over seven years, but you never really got over him, did you?" The question was gentle, devoid of judgment.

Maya felt her throat tighten at Amanda's words. "No, I haven't.." her voice was barely above a whisper.

"I get it," Amanda softened, her tone understanding and full of empathy. She knew how much Maya had suffered since his departure, how the wound of abandonment was never truly able to heal.

"Look, you get ready and focus on the shoot, alright?" Amanda's tone changed back to being more business-like and practical. "Just let go of any baggage that might weigh you down, and don't be distracted, okay? This is your first gig after a long time, and you need to do well. For the sake of your career."

"I understand, Amanda," Maya replied, her tone more professional now as well. "I'll give this shoot my all, and ensure everything proceeds smoothly."

"I know you will." Amanda's voice had a note of genuine confidence. She never had any doubts about Maya's professional dedication. "I'll see you soon. Safe travels, and take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will," Maya promised, her tone regaining a bit of her usual determination. "Thanks, Amanda. Till soon."

"Take care, Maya." Amanda ended the call, and the sound of the dial tone filled the silence in the car once more.

The driver continued the journey towards Antonio's school, the car moving swiftly through the busy city streets. As they drove, the skyscrapers and buildings of New York City passed by, their reflective glass glinting in the sunlight.

The driver made a smooth turn onto the street where Antonio's school was located and came to a stop outside the front gate. Maya, shaken out of her thoughts by the car's gentle stopping, gathered her things and looked over at her son, still half-asleep and unaware of his mother's inner turmoil.

"Looks like we're here." Maya smiled at her son. Antonio groaned and sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He looked out the window and saw his school, his drowsy expression instantly brightening

Antonio, although still drowsy from his interrupted sleep, knew the routine well. He unbuckled himself from his seat belt and grabbed his backpack, preparing to exit the car.

"Remember, Mom, I have after-school club today," Antonio reminded her, his voice still groggy with sleep.

"Ah yes, you're right." Maya nodded, feeling a slight jolt of panic in her chest. She had forgotten about Antonio's after-school club.

In her preoccupation with her career and her looming trip to Italy, she had overlooked Antonio's extra activities outside school. The realization of her oversight filled her with a pang of guilt, and she silently berated herself for being so preoccupied.

"I'll pick you up afterwards, okay?" she quickly reassured him, forcing a smile even though her mind raced to make a mental note to handle this oversight later.

"pinky promise" Antonio said raising his pinky finger to his Mum.

"pinky promise" Maya said as she collided her pinky finger with her son.

"Okay." Antonio nodded and pushed open the car door, stepping out into the crisp morning air.

As he did, a cool breeze played through his hair, rustling the leaves of the trees lining the sidewalk. The air was filled with the sounds of kids playing on the playground nearby, their excited laughter mixing with the hum of traffic in the distance.

"Have a good day at school, Antonio." Maya watched as her son closed the car door behind him, a smile plastered on her face even though a small part of her felt a pang of distress, knowing that her mind was filled with thoughts of Italy, her career, and her own personal issues, neglecting her responsibilities as a mother in the moment.

She tried to shake off the feeling, but it lingered, an invisible weight on her shoulders. As she watched Antonio walk away, she could feel the anxiety rising within her, the growing feeling of helplessness in being a single mother and a career woman.

But at the same time, she felt guilty for her own selfish goals, her own longing to return to her first love. In neglecting her family obligations, she felt she was failing as a mother, and no amount of professional success could ever compensate for her negligence of her own son.

All she could thought of having a happy family with marcus and her son.

The car's engine roared to life with a purr, sending a small cloud of exhaust into the air, and took off down

and I will be on the first flight out tomorrow morning."

"Great!" Amanda's voice was chipper and full of excitement. "Everything's all set up for your arrival. The hotel, the venue, the modeling gigs, everything. It's going to be a busy but amazing trip. Can't wait to see the new collection on you."

"I'm looking forward to it too," Maya replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She trusted Amanda's organizing skills, but she couldn't shake off the worry of how Antonio would handle the trip.