You never truly grasped the workings of society, having been raised in a family plagued by misfortune. Your father was a man consumed by drunkenness, and your mother earned a living as a stripper.

Growing up in these circumstances, it was difficult to comprehend the societal norms and behaviours that others took for granted. Your childhood was marked by relentless abuse and severe neglect.

Responsibilities and well-being were foreign concepts to you, but one day, your father suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving you to contend with the aftermath of a broken home.

As time passed, your mother began to show signs of change, and for a moment, it seemed as if happiness had finally arrived. Yet, this fragile peace was shattered when your mother succumbed to a fatal drug overdose, once again plunging you into a world of heartache and grief.

After the tragic loss of both of your parents, your step-uncle, Jonathan Driscoll, who had always shown you favour since your childhood, took on the responsibility of becoming your legal guardian. He brought you along to his workplace - a club where he worked.

You found yourself unwittingly ensnared in surroundings that were not quite suitable for someone of your age. These adults, not unlike your mother, were involved in questionable activities.

Caught off guard, you were led backstage and told to wear a dress that had once been worn by your mother. The woman in charge, acting with surprising ease, quickly worked on your makeup. Just then, your step-uncle approached you, placing his hands upon your shoulders and giving them a firm squeeze.

His fingers delicately brushed through her hair, creating a soothing sensation as he conveyed his affection. "You look just like your mother."

So much for the cautious heart, easily swayed by poetic irony.