k, and another slap was coming. Without

ght back?" G

hospital. Without me and your uncle, there'

laugh and flopped onto the couch. The TV was

reporters. "The woman I love," he said, "wi

to share. When there is

words. She couldn't tell if it was her face that hurt or someth

nted her body. Who was

at you're nearly done with college, it's time to get married. He's a few years older, which

d out. "I'm leaving now. This month, you can

se, "Didn't Uncle

not need food or clothes? Next month's her school dance,

Exhausted, Lillian slid down agains

r phone buzzed. A new job opening

8 to 25, height 175 cm or above. Bring a bare-fac

her resume. She didn't have the luxury of sitting around thin

**

Days

ord asked, "Mr. Conrad, would you like to he

to Taylor

llian three years ago. She'd spent most of her time there waiting for him

od mood; he'd just

her usual style, she'd probably already put on the outfit he liked, filled the bath,

nd ways to ask him for more around this time. Given how well-behaved she'

or more than three days. M

cting her to come running over and wrap her arm

The kitchen was empty, and the dining table had no

n the headbands she liked to wear were all still there. A breeze blew in from the balcon

lly demanded, unable to

Lillian hasn't been back for two weeks, and she's n

e and tossed it at the

think she could

truly don't k

selling the bracelet Conrad had given her at a pawn shop, she'd ha

through, she was actual

u? Mr. Conrad is back and f

ther woman then, couldn't he? She b

her uncle J

y dinner at the hotel tonight.

their care, so she had no choice but to agree. She we

she knew this wasn't ju

rk, this is my niece Lillian. Isn't she even more beautiful than in the photos? Just look at that fa

king about sons. A stunning beauty like her, all he

...untouched

"No need to worry. You c

the room

she turned away, she spotted a familiar couple taking a

dinner. I've never been to such a fancy plac

g for the waiter to hand her the

clenched her teeth, looking awa

Fanny, whispered excitedly, while Grac

seats with Lillian. Let Mr. Mar

diately moving next to Grac

cigarette smoke mixed with ove

till in college? What's your majo

ian replied quiet

ust look at these hands..." His hairy, slightly sweaty hand cla

y tightened. He leaned closer, his stale breath makin

t the floor with a loud clatter

llian took a relieved breath, she lock

ce rang beside him. "I'

t bother picking up broken glass. That's not for you." As

ed, he'd treat a w

scarded? They were

ss is empty? Can't you show a little consid

oing to the restroom," Lillian r

soup for you. Drink it while it's hot."

in one gulp, then got up to leave, not wa

cked his lips. "She doesn

eady agreed-you're the best th

rugged soup, so you'll be satisfi

y her out. But

We still expect that investment of yo