i

against the wall, his hand clamped tightly around my neck. Pa

voice hoarse and weak. "

f he was toying with the idea of crushing the life out of me. My chest bur

't think

him? Why did I even have to slap him in the first place

of a ringing phone broke through the suffocating silence. His hold loosened j

eturned to me. His gaze was cold, calculating, like a

omous. "The next time you dare to lay your filthy hands o

cally, my entire

sharp as a blade. "I could end your life right now,

oor, coughing violently and clutching my neck. My

bed to answer his phone as if nothing had happe

eling? I didn't understand any of this. Why had my father

turned to me. He looked completely calm, detached,

t the door wouldn't let me leave. And even if I could, where

gain as the weight of my s

ry

saw the caller ID. Mom. What could she possibly wan

uctantly answered t

?" she demanded, her t

ice flat. I didn't have the patience for her dramas

tely. There's something importa

e couldn't see me. "What's this about?" I asked, kno

r future," she s

making everything seem urgent, even when it wasn't.

," I said, ending the call

. She was still here, sitting on the floor with tears streaking her

r opened almost immediately. My m

said, bowing slightly as

uring toward Mia. "Have the maids clean her up and br

" Rex said

ave, but her vo

said, her voice trembling but defiant. "You can't just treat m

expression hardening. Did she hav

value your life, you'll do as you're told. I don't tolerate di

ar return to her eyes. She bit her lip,

o," I sa

ing for her to follow him. T

tience was already wearing thin, and I

behind me. The staff bowed their heads as I passed, bu

nto the back seat. The car roared to life, and I leaned

p mansion,"

off. Whatever my mother wanted, it