Chapter 4

"If my daughter won't speak up for herself," my mother said, her voice firm and unmistakable, "then I will."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Lynn covered her face and didn't dare say a word.

Julian's gaze lingered on her, thick with concern, his expression darkening before he turned on me. Irritation finally broke through.

"Wenna," he snapped, "you're an adult. Do you really have to drag our parents into this?"

I didn't wait for him to finish. Tears burned in my eyes as I lunged forward and slapped him, once, then again, until my palm went numb and…