Chapter 4 - The Sabotage
Just as Lily began to gain confidence, the Whitakers struck.
Frank and Ashley appeared at the studio two weeks later, uninvited. They had tracked her down through the public press releases Victor had issued. They burst into the green room where Lily was preparing for a major cover shoot.
"You think you’re better than us?" Ashley screamed, her face twisted in jealousy. "You’re nothing! We made you!"
Frank lunged for Lily, his hand raised. "You signed a contract with a man you don't even know. You’re coming home, and you’re signing over that paycheck to us for the last ten years of 'service'."
Security was moving, but Lily didn't wait for them. She stood up. She looked at Ashley, who was wearing a dress Lily had once saved up for, and then at Frank, who looked small and pathetic in his cheap suit.
"You didn't make me," Lily said, her voice cool and clear. "You tried to break me. And you failed. I’m not a child anymore, Frank. And I’m certainly not your servant."
"You'll never make it!" Frank yelled as security dragged him out. "They’ll find out you’re trash the moment they see who you really are!"
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The room was silent. Lily’s hands were shaking, but she looked at the mirror. She saw the girl who sold candy, yes. But she also saw the woman who had fought for her life.
"I am who I am," Lily said to the empty room. "And that's enough."
