But just as I stepped towards the door, shaken, I felt the sharp press of a gun barrel against my spine. As I turned back, I only saw one of Luca’s guards, his gaze cold and predatory.
“Miss,” he said, forcing a smirk, "You aren't allowed inside."
Before I could comprehend his words, he shoved me back from the door, the metal of the gun shining under the dim light.
Due to the sudden commotion, Gracia opened the door. Her eyes widened as she found me on the ground. Her face settled into an expression of forced surprise.
“Victoria!” She gave me a long look. Her gaze roamed over my worn clothes and tired face. “You’re… home? My poor girl, prison must’ve been tough on you.”
There was a hint of mockery in her wrinkled eyes.
“Yeah, but I managed,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady and stood up.
Without delay, I stepped inside, but before I could take another step, Celestia rushed forward with a bottle of disinfectant spray.
Her lip curled in distaste. Without hesitation, she emptied half the bottle over me, drenching me from head to toe.
“Don’t take it personally, Victoria,” she mumbled. “Just making sure you’re not bringing any bad luck with you.”
I clenched my fists, the sting of humiliation burning through me, but I kept silent. I knew my place there was shaky and fragile, and for now, I didn’t want to fight. I just wanted to be home.
Without another word, I turned toward my room. As I opened the door, I froze.
Boxes and bags filled the space. The clutter was filling every corner. My belongings were nowhere to be seen.
I turned to Gracia, who was standing in the hallway, her gaze averted. “Mom, what happened to my room?”
She bit her lower lip as she avoided my eyes. “Well… you were gone for so long, and Celestia needed the space. We had to use your room for storage.”
“And my things?” I was blanked. I opened my mouth twice but no words came out. Even though I already dreaded the answer, still I forced myself to ask,
She looked away. “We got rid of them.”
Every word hit me like a slap, but it was my uncle, Richard, who twisted the knife deeper.
From the sofa, he barely glanced at me. “Victoria, Celestia's five months pregnant. She needs a clean, open space for the baby. You didn’t need those things anymore.”