Chapter 6

Once I managed to recover a little, I pushed myself up and staggered toward the door.

That was when I saw my stepmother waiting outside.

I was a mess, my new clothes covered in dirt.

Afraid she would look down on me, I climbed into the car slowly, trying not to draw attention to myself.

But she immediately lifted my skirt, revealing the bruises on my waist and abdomen. Her face turned dark with rage.

"Damn it, who hit you?" she demanded.

Oddly enough, her anger didn't scare me.

Instead, it made me feel safe.

No one had ever shown any emotion for me before. I had always been a disposable presence.

Having me around brought no joy, and my absence wouldn't bring any grief.

Even stray cats and dogs had better luck. Some of them at least found kind souls to take them in.

I mumbled quietly, "Just classmates playing around. It doesn't hurt."

Her voice rose sharply. "Playing around did this? If you don't tell me the truth, I'll send you away."

Terrified, my legs went weak, and I blurted everything out.

I even mentioned Lauren's father and how influential he was.

That night, I overheard my stepmother on the phone.

"What do you mean she's just a burden? She calls me Mom. Do you think I'd throw her away?

"This is your job. Are you doing it or not? If not, we're done."

The next morning, she made me wear my dirty clothes from the day before and took me to school.

At the entrance, a crowd of reporters with live-streaming equipment rushed toward us.

Standing behind me, she gave me a subtle signal.

Then, her expression changed, and tears streamed down her face.