“In a few days, we will have all the money we need, and she will be one less problem for us to worry about.”

 

***

 

The rain was beating down on me, and the pain in my body from pushing myself hard was agonizing. The burning in my lungs was becoming too much and my legs were cramping, but I knew I was in for far more pain if I didn’t make it on time.

 

Last time I was late by only two minutes, and I got beaten so hard that I couldn’t lay down for a week.

 

I only slowed down as I got closer to my father’s office, panting to catch my breath. The voice of my stepmother drew my attention.

 

“Harland, sweetie…In a few days, she won’t be our problem anymore.” The subtle smugness and malice in my stepmother’s tone made me instinctively aware that they were talking about me.

 

What did she mean?

 

My heart was pounding from the running and from what I had just heard, but I couldn’t help but quieten my footfalls as I listened.

 

I knew I shouldn’t be eavesdropping—anything I did without permission would come back to bite me. But her words made me stop in my tracks. I had to know more.

 

“…they’ll take her, and we’ll have the money.”

 

My eyes widened and my body began to shake uncontrollably.

 

What was she talking about?!

 

“Tick tock, Rosalie. You’re late again,” said a voice behind me.

 

I snapped my head around and came face to face with Derek’s sinister smile.

 

My stepbrother’s gray eyes were looking me up and down in my drenched clothes, as if he wanted to peel them off with his gaze.

 

Ever since he first met me when I was fourteen, he had been trying to lay his hands on me. I didn’t even want to know what he would’ve done had my stepmother not forced him to leave me alone—only because I was the one who had been making money for the family.

 

I tried my best to avoid Derek, and that no doubt angered him. That was probably why he got sick pleasure from seeing me chastised by my father or stepmother.

 

But at this point, Derek wasn’t my greatest concern.

 

I noticed that the voices in the office had fallen silent. They had heard what Derek said.

 

“Rosalie!”

 

My father’s voice set my nerves on edge. I was done for. I almost tried to flee, but I knew Derek would stop me.

 

Nothing like a good beating to end the night.

 

Gloating, Derek moved around me and pushed open the door.

 

took a deep breath, suppressing my fear, not daring to look up at the people

 

“Father…” my voice trembled.

 

mouse,” My stepmother said with a smirk. “Who knows what

 

eavesdropping on us?” my

 

alcohol and began to tremble uncontrollably. I knew how horrible my

 

to look him in

 

redirect his attention. “Here’s the money I

 

voice was like

 

late, you’re also eavesdropping… Looks like someone needs a little lesson,” she

 

father raised his

 

mine to cover my head. Trembling, I bit my lips so that I would

 

seconds… the expected

 

being pulled out of my

 

to see my father with money in hand, gloomily surveying me. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt even more

 

told me that something worse was going

 

hefted the wallet in one hand and frowned. “Is that

 

today, so not many customers came to the restaurant… I’ve given you every penny I’ve

 

Slap!

 

heavy blow struck my face, knocking me backward and onto

 

ground, hearing my father’s angry roar faintly over the

 

dependent on you for support? How

 

head and back

 

in my arms and cried out,

 

me in a trance, and

 

“Father… please stop…”

 

was coming from a very far away place. “Harland… Sweetie, remember… That pretty face

 

him happy. I used to wish I could make

 

 

This

did the moon goddess give her such a talent to begin

 

leaned against the wall and cowered on the floor, looking at my father in fear, afraid

 

is more of a disappointment than we expected. No matter. You already spoke to Talon this morning. You know what the plan is for

 

amusement. There was something sinister lurking in

 

at me with a subtle smile. “Do tell her, Harland. I bet she will be excited about the news. I know I

 

was happy at this moment… it wasn’t

 

couldn’t help but flinch backwards in fear. He raised his hand and

 

going to do a big job for me. In

 

with fear, but

 

need of a… maid, and is willing to pay a lot of

 

I gasped in disbelief.

 

but he sold me, as if I was just

 

was terrified, shocked, and speechless. This couldn’t

 

Isis and my father as he stood up. The

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255