Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out the first chapter of Chained Up Heart! I'm very grateful that you took the time to give it a look! It's rated M for a reason, so if you don't like mature content(It's mostly sexual in this story xD), then don't read it. Well, I hope I'll get some reviews and all~ Oh, and if you like Naruto, check out my other story, Replaced With Red and Black. Thanks~

"Hold onto your father and I, alright? The world is a dangerous place for a noble lady like yourself." -Mother

Her name was Hanako. She was the new maid who nervously polished my Mary Janes. An inexperienced slut, the other maids called her.

What was a slut?

Shakily, Hanako gently patted my dress and rose to her feet, "Come now, Aika-sama. The master and mistress are waiting for you." Her callused hand trembled as they clung onto my soft, tiny fingers.

That's right. Today was the day that Mother had appointed for me to meet someone. She had mentioned something about an arranged marriage.

Hanako halted in the center of our garden, "I'll be right back, Aika-sama. Please stay where you are, and please don't get your shoes dirty again." She vanished into the mansion.

I did what I was told. I'd always did my best to. My finger felt at the silky skin on my hands, remembering the calluses that were there just yesterday from years of piano and writing. However, they disappeared after Mother had hired someone to smooth out my skin. Blisters hidden by my Mary Janes burned, reminding me of my daily ballet practice. Thick textbooks were neatly placed on my desk in the study, originally meant for children three years ahead of me. My parents wanted me to become the perfect child.

But nobody was perfect.

I recalled the dark bruises that had infested my tiny body before I'd learned that no matter what, their expectations were to be fulfilled immediately. No slouching, no unnecessary commentary, no mistakes, no flaws. Although I was young, I was the daughter of the Anrui, a wealthy and prestigious family. Therefore, I needed to be presentable to others.

Even then, I'd rarely seen the world outside of the mansion. On the occasions that I did, my view of the public was blocked by deeply tinted windows and servants. Mother had never let go of my hand when we left the mansion. "Hold onto your father and I, alright? The world is a dangerous place for a noble lady like yourself," she'd always gripped my fingers tightly, as if I'd escape from her grasp the second she'd loosen up.

Many guests showered me with compliments. I was a very mature little lady. Such a beauty. The face of a porcelain doll. Always well-dressed and polite. Not like other 7-year-olds, who were rowdy and cared about nothing but fun.

Despite their condescending tone when comparing me to other children, I'd longed to be like those other children. To relax. To smile freely. To have fun.

Glancing around, I noticed that the side gate was open. Taking in my situation, I stepped towards it. I was actually alone for once. Not being constantly watched. This wouldn't have happened if it were with any other maid, but Hanako wasn't used to her job yet.

I finally realized. This was my chance! I gathered speed and leaped through the latches into the outside. I was in the outside world. Alone.

My heart pumped fiercely. Backing away from the perimeter of the mansion, I twirled myself around and stopped myself by a tree. Was this real?

A heavy hand was placed onto my shoulder, and I jerked slightly, twisting around to see a rather large middle-aged man. A few feet away was a filthy truck, its paint peeling and parts rusting. He kneeled down and pulled a sucker out of the pocket of his shirt, "Care for some sweets, young lady?"

I curiously examined the lollipop, "Sir, my mother won't allow me to consume candy."

He chuckled, "I see. You must have it rough." The man slid the sucker into my small hands anyways, "But no need to worry. What she doesn't know won't hurt her."

My insides warmed up as I gratefully opened the package and popped the lollipop into my tiny mouth. The aroma of strawberry spread, and I closed my eyes to savor the taste.

"I see you like it," the man patted my back, "So what're you doing away from home, miss?"

I remained silent, then stepped away from him, "I'm not supposed to talk to people I don't know."

"Aw, come on, sweetie," A raspy laugh escaped from him, "I mean you no harm. Actually, I've come to take you on an adventure! A really fun one, with lots more candy just for you!" He pulled out a handful of sweets from his pocket and grinned.

The idea was tempting. I'd never left my mansion without instructed company, and this man didn't seem bad. He smiled warmly as he opened the passenger door of his truck. Oh boy, a front seat! My feet fidgeted as I yearned to hop in.

At such a young age, I'd never thought about the true evil in the world.

I'd never experienced a decision that would be life-changing.

I'd never realized that the appearance people showed at my presence could have been fake.

I'd never noticed that although Mother fussed a lot, all of those words were said for a reason.

At the time, I'd never would have guessed that the world was such a dangerous place for a noble lady such as myself.

I stepped towards the man, allowing him to pick me up and slide me into the passenger seat. The door slammed shut. I gazed at the trail of trees that I'd gone through. I guessed that I'd gotten further away from the mansion than I'd thought. Still, I could see the slanted roof above the leaves. My home.

The jingle of keys. A loud eruption of rumbling. Tires squeaking.

I turned back to search for any trace of the mansion.

It was gone.

And there you have it! Don't worry, the whole story isn't taking place when she's 7. The next chapter will be quite a few years later. I'm basically just establishing her back story, which is kind of big I think. Anyways, tell me your thoughts about the chapter, I hope you all enjoyed! I don't really expect this story to be popular or anything so... not going to set review goals. :P Well byee! - Alice xoxo