Chapter 1

I wanted to run away, but my fear was paralyzing. I didn't even know where I would go or how would I even survive. Now that a legal guardian was appointed to me. I knew he would control the money my parents had left for me, and everything that they owned. We lived a modest life, so it wasn't much.

I took a deep breath and stood up from the chair making my way to the door, only to hear Mr Perry heave out a heavy sigh.

" If you ever need anything, Lily. Just call me. It will be alright. You have nothing to worry about." Mr Perry continued speaking while he moved back behind his desk, and sat back down.

I nodded and stepped outside the office only to be greeted by two burly-looking men posted at the door, making me halt my steps. My breath hitched at the sight, but I didn't ponder too much on it.

" Good morning Miss." One of the men greeted me, lifting his hat, while the other just stood there unmoving and glanced at me, tipping his hat.

I politely nodded and stepped out of the office. I was in no mood to smile at anyone. Now, I had to move to an unknown place and live with a man I had never met in my life. I wondered what my parents were thinking when they made that decision for me.

I walked between the two men, nodded at James and walked out of the office back into the afternoon cold.

On the way home, all I could do was wonder how the man in the office was connected with my parents. I was sure, I had never heard his name spoken in the house. Unless he was one of my father's business partners. The more I thought about it, the more suspicious I began to be. And by the time I reached home, I had already decided not to wait and find out.

As soon as I walked inside the house, I glanced at the clock on the wall. It showed three thirty in the afternoon. I didn't have much time to pack my things before the men that Mr Kinnaird spoke of, would come and pick me up.

Climbing up the stairs with hurried steps, I stormed into my room, and threw some things into the bag pack, along with all the paperwork related to my parent's death. My birth certificate and everything that I had that proved my identity.

Storming out of the room as fast as I went in, dashing down the stairs, I picked up the house keys from the hook and finally swung the door open to leave, only to find the man sitting in the doorway with a blank expression.

" Look at that! You're all ready to go. Or perhaps run away would be more suitable to describe this particular action." He noted with a wicked smile on his lips, peering from behind his hat.

I released the breath that I was holding. My instincts told me to lie, but my logical brain told me, it was a bad idea since he had already caught me in the act and I had no clue what the man would do if I blatantly lied to him.

" I do not know you and I made it very clear that I do not wish to live with you." I softly murmured, while clutching my backpack close to my chest.

" Yes. Mr Perry informed me of your thoughts and that is the reason why I'm here instead of being at work sitting comfortably in my chair and doing my job. Now, look at me chasing a rambunctious teenager, trying to keep her from running away." He stated in annoyance, gesturing with his hand while I just forgot myself for a second, as my eyes just followed his gesturing hand.

" Now, I'll give you two options. I have no intention of dealing with the tantrums of a child since I have much better things to do. You can either come with me or stay here. I will provide you with a monthly allowance that will allow you to pay for your necessities. But you'll be on your own. I'll only get involved with legal matters, don't come crying to me when things aren't to your liking." He preached in the same annoyed tone, while I could barely contain my excitement at the news that he wasn't forcing me to go live with him.

Mr Kinnaird pulled out of his pocket a business card and shoved it into my coat pocket as if he already knew the answer " On that piece of paper you will find my home address, work address and contact number." He said as he turned around to leave without waiting for me to give him an answer.

Slowly, delicate snowflakes started falling from the sky as I watched Mr Kinnaird walk to his car and step inside in the back seat.

I finally let out the squeal of joy that I had been containing and stayed in the doorway. making sure that the man would leave before he changed his mind.

The car left with a screech and that was my cue to go inside and return to my life as if the day hadn't even happened.

Now that I didn't have to worry about moving to somewhere new and with a man I didn't know. I could finally focus on my studies and other things that teenagers do.

Hearing my stomach grumble, I finally realised that I hadn't eaten anything that day. I made my way to the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge trying to pick something to eat. There was still plenty of food left from my parent's wake and since I lived on my own, I didn't even manage to make a dent in it.

Taking it to the canteen in the town over, that catered for the homeless was the only remedy. Nodding to my thoughts, I picked up a bowl of what looked like a casserole, to heat it and sat down at the table while I waited for the food to be ready.

I looked around the now-empty house, I shuddered at the thought that it was just me now, and no one else.