Breaking Free from the Love Trap

My name is Julia Sinclair. I was once the cherished daughter of the Sinclair Family. But it all collapsed completely when I was seventeen. The family business failed. To save themselves, my parents decided to send me to the Watson Family as a slave. I begged through my tears, saying I didn't want to go, but they just coldly pushed me away. Just like that, a black car took me to the Watson Family villa. As soon as I got there, Mrs. Watson gave me a brutal warning—making me kneel and clean the entire living room floor. The floor was huge; I scrubbed from dawn till dusk, my knees rubbed raw, aching deep down. At night, they gave me leftovers—worse than what the dog at home ate. The days that followed felt like pure hell. Every day, before dawn, I had to get up to clean the yard, wash clothes, cook, and take care of the Watson family's daily needs. If I didn't do something right, I would be scolded and beaten. Mr. Watson treated me like a punching bag, bullying me for no reason. Once, he poured boiling tea on my hand. The pain made me cry, but he just laughed out loud nearby. I thought about running away countless times, but with the Watson family's tight security, I never had a chance. So, I endured three years of brutal torment in the Watson family. Over these three years, I wasted away to nothing but skin and bones, my eyes growing numb and hollow. I thought my life was over—that this was the end. Until that day, when a familiar figure appeared at the gate of the Watson Family villa. It was Richard Deer, my ex-boyfriend. The moment he saw me, his eyes instantly filled with tears. He rushed in, knocked Mr. Watson—the one beating me—to the ground, grabbed my hand, and ran. My mind was completely blank; I followed him like a robot. Only after we were in his car did it finally hit me—I was saved. I lay in his arms, crying uncontrollably, letting out all the hurt and pain I'd bottled up over the last three years. Richard Deer gently patted my back and said softly, "Julia, I'm sorry I came too late. From now on, I won't let you suffer even an ounce of pain." He also promised to help me forget the pain of the past and help me reclaim control of the Sinclair Family, making those who hurt me pay dearly. In that moment, I felt hope blossom inside me again. With Richard Deer's help, I slowly began to heal. He hired the best doctors for me, helped me restore my health, and taught me business skills, giving me the strength to take back the Sinclair Family. Over the years, we worked hard together, slowly dismantling the forces that once betrayed the Sinclair Family. Finally, at twenty-three, I successfully regained control of the Sinclair Family. That day, I stood on the top floor of the Sinclair Family Company, watching the bustling streets below, my heart heavy with emotion. Richard Deer stood beside me, smiling as he said, "Julia, you did it." I turned to look at him, my heart overflowing with gratitude and love. I felt it was time to make him a promise. So, on a romantic evening, I prepared a candlelight dinner and proposed to Richard Deer. I nervously said, "Richard, thank you for all the help and care you've given me these past years. I like you. Let's get married." But unexpectedly, Richard's face instantly went pale. He was silent for a long time, then said apologetically, "Julia, I'm sorry. I can't say yes." Hearing his words hit me like a lightning bolt; I stood there, stunned. I couldn't understand. He had clearly promised he'd be by my side forever—so why was he refusing me now? Tears flowed uncontrollably as I turned and ran back to my room, locking myself inside. I don't understand—why is this happening? Could all those beautiful moments from the past have just been my imagination? I cried in my room for what felt like forever, until I was too drained to keep going, then I fell into a hazy sleep. I don't know how I'm supposed to face the road ahead. And I wonder if Richard and I can ever go back to how things used to be.