Chapter 3
This was clearly my mom controlling my vocal cords, and it startled everyone present.
"So these are the people who've been bullying you?"
"Hurry up and apologize to them!
What have I taught you! You don't hit someone who's smiling at you.
When something happens, look for the problem in yourself first!
Otherwise, why would they only hit you and not others?"
"I've told you so many times—focus on your studies and don't cause trouble, but you just won't listen!"
My mom's voice came through, her accusatory tone making even my soul tremble.
A drop of liquid fell from the corner of my eye—I didn't know if it was blood or tears.
My mom spoke with disappointment:
"And you still have the nerve to cry? If you hadn't been going around school every day with that long face, would your classmates be so opposed to this app?"
"Now you're feeling wronged? Who am I making this app for!"
My mom waited expectantly for my response, but I answered her only with silence.
This completely enraged her.
Then she used the app to control me to kneel on the ground, viciously slapping my own face, each strike with full force.
"I'm sorry! It's all my fault! This app is innocent! After I installed it, I've been living happily every day!
It's launching today—you should all try it!"
My sudden madness thoroughly scared the bullies, and they all fled the scene.
"Kids these days are such ungrateful brats!
This app of mine is their future savior! Yet they don't know how to be grateful!"
"Hmph! Once they start using it, they'll understand their parents' good intentions!"
Having said that, my mom issued me a command:
"You'll keep kneeling and slapping yourself until your classmates approve of this app!
This is your punishment for not listening to me!
I'm going to your school now to prepare for the launch."
Passing students pointed and whispered, their faces full of mockery and contempt.
I felt my soul burning with heat, intense discomfort and shame flooding through me.
Obey, obey!
I had already obeyed her every word to the letter—what more did she want from me!
Clearly, all of this was her doing, so why did she get to act like she had nothing to do with it?
She made me lose my friends, lose my dignity, lose myself, but in the end it seemed like everything was my own fault.
What did I even do wrong...
Just then, someone suddenly rushed out from the crowd and grabbed my hand to stop me from continuing to slap myself.
"Aria Sterling , enough! Stop degrading yourself!"
I froze and looked at the person.
It was my class president, Lucas Hartwell.
If high school had been three years of living under dark clouds, Lucas could be described as the occasional ray of light I glimpsed.
When everyone else distanced themselves from me, he still reached out a hand, encouraging me to resist, encouraging me to escape.
I saw him grab my hand with a face full of heartache, saying with great determination:
"I've made up my mind.
I'll help you report this to the police and tell the public about the torture your mom has put you through all these years!
Don't be afraid—I'll always stand behind you!"
In that moment, I felt wrapped in warmth.
So in this world, I wasn't alone after all. Someone was actually willing to help me unconditionally.
But I'm sorry—I was too weak, too cowardly. I killed myself and let down your faith in me.
But just then, my mom's uncontrolled shrill voice rang out again.
"Ah! Who is this boy? I heard from the school teachers that you've been getting close to a male classmate. Is it him?"
"You're barely old enough and you're already seducing men?"
"I went without eating and decent clothes to raise you, and this is how you repay me?
Do you want to make money by serving men when you grow up? You little slut!"
My head was buzzing. I never imagined such words would come from a mother's mouth.
But the next second, I suddenly felt my hands moving involuntarily.
I saw that I was now undressing in front of everyone in the cafeteria.
"My daughter must remain pure and innocent! You slut, I'm going to check down there and see if your hymen is still intact."