The Abandoned Princess

The piercing wail of your alarm slices through the early morning quiet. Groaning, you slap at the offending device, the digital numbers glaring 6:30 a.m. Seventeen years of routine, built on the foundation of a second chance, begin again.

You swing your legs out of bed, the familiar chill of the floor meeting your bare feet. The day stretches ahead, filled with designs, deadlines, and the comforting rhythm of your successful life.

After your shower and morning routine, you stand before your closet, selecting an outfit – black leggings, a crisp white button-down, and a stylish black blouse coat. Professional, put-together, the image of Willow Minnie Lyra Lopez, the accomplished interior designer. You add black heels, the click of them on the floor a familiar sound as you grab your bag and keys.

The door of your apartment building closes behind you with a soft thud. Outside, the city is just beginning to stir. Your black 2019 Range Rover sits waiting, a symbol of the life you've built through hard work and determination. As you slide into the driver's seat, your thoughts drift to your mom, Ava. You plan to visit her later, before heading to the office. She is your rock, the woman who gave you everything when others gave you nothing.

The engine purrs to life as you pull out of the parking lot, heading towards another day of work, another day of making your adoptive mother proud, unaware that today holds a revelation that will change the trajectory of your carefully constructed life forever.