Page 13 of Taken By Sin

It’s incredible to witness life unfolding outside. At the orphanage, everything happened within. My entire existence was confined within those four walls. Although it was a large space, it felt limiting. Rare outings fostered a world of fantasy in my mind... but now, I get to experience lifebeyondthose boundaries.

I may lack experience in many areas, but when I turned sixteen, I had a tutor. I believe that’s what helps prepare a girl for the harsh realities of life, especially when it seems she’ll never be adopted. She was a kind woman who taught me the basics, yet nothing can truly prepare you for the real world—except, well... the real thing.

I've always wondered what today would be like, my first day in the real world with no one to tell me what to do or how to act. This is the question I've always asked myself is, who am I?

Who am I?

No better time to find out than now.

We slip into the backseat of Mr. Rollin’s sleek blackSUV. The leather seats are cool against the backs of my legs. Pants, that’s the first thing I want to get.

“What is the allowance?” I ask, not wanting to take Sin’s money, but what other choice do I have right now?

Bria gives me a smirk, pulling out a sleek black credit card. “We don’t get an allowance, Magnolia. We get whatever we want.”

My eyes widen. “I’m going to get something to apply for a job. Do you recommend any places around here?” I glance at the storefronts as we pass boutiques, florist shops, and bakeries.

Bria shakes her head. “No need; find a hobby. Do whatever makes you happy.” She shrugs.

“What if I get bored?” Bria looks at me as if this has never been a thought in her mind.

She scoots closer to me, grabbing my hands in hers. “Magnolia, listen. I’m going to be honest, I don’t have many friends.” She frowns, and it looks so odd on her sweet face. “No one will get close to me because...” she trails off. Finally, she says, “We won’t get bored, and I do hope that we become very good friends.”

I study her for a moment, wondering if she’s the answer to everything. “Did he bring me here for you to have a friend?” I murmur.

She laughs. It’s small but filled with humor. “I don’t know if Sin would ever do anything like that for me. He loves me, but he has a funny way of showing it.” She tilts her head to inspect me. “The truth is, I don’t have the slightest idea why Sin brought you home, but I’m so happy you’re here.”

This woman is so much sweeter than her brother.

Every semester we got an allowance for new uniforms, and they were always the same. I nervously smile, trying to wrap my head around the difference just a few days make.

Last week, I was waking up in the orphanage. This time in the afternoon, I would be helping with the dishes after lunch. Then it would be off to clean the floors with the other girls, but now? Shopping. None of it seems real.

Yes, I could demand that Sin take me to the place I was supposed to be going to, but what road would that lead me down? A halfway home for unwanted girls, embarking on a harsh shove into a society they're completely unfamiliar with?

Why not enjoy that beautiful home with what appears to be a truly promising friendship and a dog? Sin could be a side note, but a genuine friendship with a girl—one I'm not anxious about potentially losing to adoption—could be life-changing in itself.

Bria said she doesn't have many friends, and that is already a common ground; I don't have any either, not really.

Lost in thought, I barely register that we've stopped. I'm thankful for Bria allowing me some grace to think on our short drive here. For now, I'm going to live in the moment.

Whatever comes my way, I will be prepared, and one of those ways is finding a few outfits to help me escape my past at the orphanage. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, and this is my chance.

The bell above the door jingles as we enter the spacious,well-lit boutique. The shiny marble floor is complemented by a variety of tables and racks scattered throughout the space.

Bria walks off, her long nails trailing different fabrics. I decide to do the same, walking towards the back. Rollins keeps his eyes on us both, standing in the middle of the store. He looks pretty funny here, drowning in a sea of scarlet and black dresses.

I run my fingers over a flowy yellow dress, the fabric smooth and cool against my skin. It sways gently with my touch, and I can almost envision myself twirling in it through the gardens outside of Sin’s home. I leave it behind, knowing it’s a ridiculous thought. I need something to apply for jobs in, not frolic.

Everything here catches my attention. It's all so beautiful, so captivating as it shimmers from the overhead lights.

Twenty minutes pass by and Bria catches me off guard, walking up behind me and carrying at least ten dresses. “Every woman needs a black dress,” she hints, noticing my empty arms. She disappears into the dressing room. “Grab some things, whatever you want!” she says from behind the velvet curtain.

I hear her squeal in delight as I trail off, wondering what my life has become. An orphan girl who is now surrounded by luscious fabrics, I don’t think I can fully comprehend why Mr. Hot and Cold wants me here, but for now, I’m going to pretend that this was where I was always meant to be.

I sink through the aisles, becoming increasingly aware of my surroundings. Women that look like they’re fresh from the salon. Put together, with their entire lives in order, they aren’tmuch older than me. A few of them give me odd looks, checking out my attire.

I focus my attention on the gleaming racks of clothes. Skirts have been my entire wardrobe, so it isn't a surprise when I gravitate to a pair of white pants that flare slightly at the bottom. There’s no world in which I need these; they’re more of a Devil Wears Prada vibe.

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