When the Boss’ Lady Became His Sister-in-law

Chapter 44

Kristin bolted towards the charred remains of the house in a panic, only to be stopped by the firefighters. “Is this your place? It’s been burning all night. If the neighbors hadn’t been choked awake by the smoke, this whole thing would’ve been toast by now. Don’t even think about going in there, it’s still not safe. These old houses just fall apart once they catch fire.”

Kristin was shaking like a leaf, squatting on the ground with her fingers trembling. Because of her severe depression, she’d lose her speech when stressed out. She wanted to talk, but no words came out. She wanted to lift her arms, but they seemed to have a mind of their own.

Her brother was still inside.

Her biggest fear was dragging Garner into this mess. Why… why wouldn’t they just leave her. alone?

Curled up into a ball and quaking all over, Kristin silently wept on the ground.

Why did they have to do this to her? How much did they need to torment her before they’d call it quits?

Did they really want her dead?

“My Uncle is still in there,” Summer cried, clinging to his mom and pointing at the room. “Please, can you save my uncle?”

The firefighters exchanged looks. “We’ve been in there, there’s no one.”

Kristin stiffened her body and looked up helplessly at the firefighter. “No… no one?”

“It’s empty, you guys are lucky, didn’t come back last night.”

Taking a deep breath, Kristin reached out and pulled Summer into a gentle hug.

Everything was okay as long as Garner was okay.

“Summer!” Garner came running in with breakfast in hand, his face as white as a sheet.

finally breathed a sigh of relief, crouching down to hug

made him stand outside listening to a lullaby all night long. Only if

home alone all night without a wink of sleep and anxious for dawn

okay… Summer and I didn’t come back last night,” Kristin sobbed, holding Summer tight, a little shaken. “Garner… I’ve crossed Ruby,

got some self–awareness.” No sooner had

10:06

Cider

walked in.

stressed out by you

to meet Clarence’s eyes. She was scared and disgusted

shielding Kristin and Summer. “Garner, you think too highly of yourself,”

about eight or nine, got out of the car and pinned

one against nine, but the odds

her hair right in front of the kid. “Ruby

at Clarence fearfully, not daring to speak.

but in response, Clarence ruthlessly slapped him across the face. Summer hit the ground without tears, but blood

kept wiping his nose with his back to her, but what could

Kristín struggled out of control, fighting back, desperately trying to push Clarence

away.

Clarence was too strong, gripping her hair tightly,

voice cracked, kneeling and begging non–stop, wishing she could kill Clarence, but only

son of a bitch!” Garner struggled to his feet, fighting against

fall, not in front

drag, Clarence blew out a cloud of