An hour later, I finally saw Nancy. She was filthy, her face and hands marked with scratches and bruises. The moment she saw me, she ran into my arms and broke down in
tears.
“I promise I’ll always listen to you from now on, Mommy!” she sobbed. “Please don’t leave me again!”
My heart ached as I held her close, stroking her back and soothing her.
“Nancy, you’ve been so good. I love you very much. I will never leave you, Nancy. You have to believe me.”
It took a long time, but Nancy finally calmed down. Only then did I ask, “How did you get those bruises?”
Nancy’s eyes darted toward Stephen’s parents, filled with fear. She stayed silent.
Furious, I turned to face them.
t happened to her?”
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 9
Stephen’s mother, Melissa Smith, shrugged nonchalantly. “That brat wouldn’t listen, so I gave her a few smacks. What’s the big deal?”
I demanded, “With what?”
She smirked and pulled a whip from her side and held it up like a trophy. “This is how our family disciplines kids! It’s just a little whip. It won’t kill her!” 1
Feigning curiosity, I raised an eyebrow. “Really? Then let me give it a try.”
Melissa, her eyes gleaming with excitement, handed me the whip proudly. “I made it myself. You’ll find it very effective. I know how to discipline kids!”
The moment Nancy saw the whip, she burst into tears, trembling. “No, don’t hit me! I’ve been good, I promise!”
I raised the whip, but instead of striking Nancy, I turned and lashed it across Melissa with all my strength.
Her screams filled the room as I delivered blow after blow.
“You insolent brat!” she shrieked. “A daughter–in–law beating her mother–in–law? Do you have no respect for your elders? Stop it, you wretch! Stop! You’re going to kill me!”
Only when her injuries mirrored Nancy’s did I finally lower the whip, my anger only slightly appeased.
“You said it wouldn’t kill anyone, didn’t you? Let me show you how effective it really is,” I said coldly.
Melissa, now covered in bruises and too weak to fight back, could only turn to her husband, Richard Howard, and son for help.
“Are you two just going to stand there? Watching me get bullied like this?”
Richard shot me a sharp look but said nothing, choosing instead to step outside for a cigarette.
I knew the reason for his silence. Stephen had likely warned them to tread carefully around me. After all, he still needed something from me.
“Teresa, that’s enough. You’ve vented your anger; let’s move past this. Please forgive my family,” Stephen said, his tone low and submissive.
Melissa’s eyes widened in shock, finally realizing the position they were in.
I replied calmly, “Then have your parents apologize to my daughter.
Melissa gasped. “What? You want us to apologize to that little brat? Do you know how old we are? And she’s just a child!”
I stood firm. “Age doesn’t matter. When you’ve done something wrong, you should apologize, no matter who you are. Otherwise, I’ll call the police and report you for child abuse.”
Left with no choice, Stephen sighed heavily and turned to Melissa. “Mom, call Dad back in here. Both of you need to apologize to Nancy.”
