YOUR MONSTER, MY PRIDE

Annabel sat at her desk as her finger roll over the laptop keyboard as she searched through the internet for causes and cure of dissociative identity disorder, (DID).

She gently reached for the cup of hot coffee on the desk, sipping it slowly as her gaze stayed fixed on the screen.

A soft knock came on the door, interrupting her focus.

The door opened slowly.

Kylie peeked in, her eyes blinking as waited for Annabel's reaction become walking in fully.

"Hey, Kylie," Annabel said with a bright smile, opening her arms wide.

Kylie smiled and without hesitation, ran into her arms.

Annabel pressed a soft kiss on her cheek and arranged her messy hair.

"So what does my little princess want today?"

Kylie shook her head as she hugged her tightly.

"It's time for breakfast." She said with a grin before grabbing an Annabel's hand and pulling out of the room.

Annabel smiled, following her without hesitating.

The dinning table was set with variety of delicious looking meals. Chefs took turns in setting the dishes .

Annabel bit her lips and smile, her stomach growl at the sight of it. She took a seat beside Kylie.

One by one the family began to appear, each faces more unfamiliar than the last.

Her marriage to the Emerson's had been a rushed arrangement. She was never properly introduced to the family. At least not until now.

Each members all took seats according to their rank and seniority in the family.

Suddenly, the door slid opened again.

An elderly man stepped in, dressed in a brown suit that looked perfectly tailored despite the large curve of his round protruding belly.

He carried himself with confidence and authority in every step.

The moment he entered , the atmosphere changed immediately.

Chairs moved. Everyone sat upright adjusting a thing or two about their look.

whispered conversations stopped.

Even Mrs. Emerson—who always carried herself with power—straightened quickly, folding her hands like a nervous schoolgirl

Annabel quietly observed the change in mood as Mr. Emerson joined the table.

He didn't smile or speak, we went straight to the head of the table and sat down comfortably.

He obviously didn't need to speak to command respect.

"Hello Carrie," He said, his deep voice and stern.

Annabel remained unresponsive. The name Carrie didn't belong to her. She didn't move.

Suddenly, everyone eye in the room drifted to her.

No one dared ignore Mr. Emerson— until today.

Mrs. Emerson cleared her throat sharply. "Carrie, he's talking to you."

Annabel eyes drifted to her in confusion. She knew they wanted her as a replacement for Carrie but she never imagined, they would go as far as to change her name.

She clenched her fist, swallowing hard and then nodded nervously.

Mr.Emerson gaze narrowed but then he let it go it.

"You're new, so it'll take a while to get use to how things work around here," he continued.

"We have many rules here but the most important rule…" He turned to the man seated beside him— Daniel, his first son.

Daniel nodded and spoke on cue.

"What happens within the family stays within."

After that, each family members took turns in making an official introduction of themselves—their names and positions in the Emerson hierarchy.

Annabel looked around. The family seemed complete.

Everyone—except Reynold, he was missing.

Just as she was about to ask, a voice cut through the air.

"Hey carrie," Daniel called.

"In this family everyone stays within their boundaries and level. Don't try to go against the rules you'll only get burned."

Annabel smirked as she tightened her grip on the fork.

"I know my boundaries. And I don't overstep them."

She lifted her head, locking eyes with him.

"Annabel!" She said firmly.

"My name is Annabel."

Most of them gasp in disbelief.

She then turned to Mrs. Emerson,her voice unwavering. "I know my role. I will take care of Kylie like she were my child and Reynold as my husband. But I will not change my name."

Mrs.Emerson frowned she opened her mouth to speak but Annabel continued before she could.

"You can change my clothes, my tone, my lifestyle… but not my name.

That name was given to me by my father.

And I won't let anyone take that away."

The whole family stared, stunned in silence.

Jaden, the second son, smirked. He looked impressed— impressed by her audacity.

Mrs. Emerson hissed. "The audacity," her tone grew.

She glared at Annabel.

Just then, a sharp sound of Mr Emerson cutlery hitting his plate echoed like gunshot through the room.

Everyone jolted.

Annabel heart raced.

Now everyone was glaring at her but Mr. Emerson's gaze burn with fury.

Kylie pulled her sleeve slightly. Trembling as she buried her face in Annabel's arms.

Annabel pulled her close, wrapping a protective arm around her.

"You are now an Emerson and no one goes against the word of the elders," Mr Emerson declared boldly.

Annabel body tensed.

She clenched her fist beneath the table.

"You will be known as Carrie, whether you accept that or not."

His tone left no room for an argument.

Mrs emerson smirked triumphantly as she returned to her meal.

But then—

A voice rang out.

Bold. Firm. Defiant.

"No one will call her carrie."

Everyone turned.

Reynold stood at the entrance for a while and then took slow steps towards them. He looked calm, composed in a sharp black suit.

Annabel heart jumped.

She never expected that his presence would fill with relief— but it did.

She smile softly as her eyes filled with expectations.

He drew closer, eyes locked on his father.

"No one will dare call Annabel by a name that isn't hers."

Daniel sprang up, ready to challenge him.

"Are you going against father's word."

Reynold paused, and then turn slowly. His gaze turned cold and sharp. His expression darkened.

Daniel faltered. Shrinking back into his seat without another word.

Reynold turned back to Annabel.

"You will keep your name and if anyone dare call you Carrie…"

His eyes scanned the table. "You'll have me to deal with."

Annabel stared at him, stunned. Her heart racing.

No one had defended her like that, no one— except her father.

And in that moment, she felt a spark in her heart.

An admiration. A sense of safety…. And maybe love.