Chapter 6
“Jennifer’s mother personally said you instructed her to prepare seafood for Edward. Stop pretending to be innocent.”
Nicole tugged Alexander’s arm, demanding he hold Jennifer and Edward
accountable.
Alexander’s eyes turned cold as he glanced toward the doorway. Immediately, Jennifer’s wrist was seized.
Before she could react, a pungent assault flooded her nostrils.
A hand pried her jaws apart, forcing a jar of scorching chili water down her throat.
“No-”
Jennifer’s protest choked in her raw windpipe. Blistering heat engulfed her throat, searing like liquid fire.
Her face swelled rapidly from the vicious spice.
“Mmph… not
Tears streamed from her stinging eyes. Her trust in Alexander, like the torturous liquid, was violently swallowed.
As her vision blurred, Jennifer watched Alexander and the other two vanish. Her knees buckled, darkness swallowing her.
Chapter 6
She awoke alone in the sterile hospital room, hours or days later.
Jennifer pressed a hand to her aching chest, tears escaping despite clenched eyelids. She breathed deeply, steadying herself.
Her phone rang abruptly–an airline confirming flight details.
She endured the tedious identity verification, whispering only, “Window
seat. Thanks.”
The call ended as the door swung open.
Her mother entered, threadbare clothes dust–stained.
“Jennifer, don’t blame me. After they left, I just wanted to peel some exotic fruit for Edward. How was I to know he’s allergic? I can’t afford this responsibility. You know I can’t lose this job.”
Jennifer stared at the ceiling, fighting fresh tears.
Her own mother. Willing to sacrifice her without hesitation to save herself.
The bond Jennifer cherished was merely a bargaining chip in this woman’s eyes
“Alexander and Nicole are taking Edward to a training camp for a few days. Let this matter drop.”
Her mother placed a thermos of chicken broth on the bedside table before leaving
The door clicked shut. Jennifer’s composure shattered into wrenching sobs.
Days later, scrolling through her social media feed, Jennifer found
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Nicole’s update.
A video showed Edward proudly telling friends, “This is my mom!”
A friend’s gaze locked onto Alexander beside him. “So that’s your mom? Then the guy next to her must be your dad!”
Edward flushed, burying his face without correction.
Nicole and Alexander exchanged a glance, chuckling in unison.
Jennifer’s nails dug bloody crescents into her palms. Suddenly, she laughed too.
A bitter, aching laugh that stung the corners of her eyes.
Soon. She’d leave this house. Leave Alexander. Forever.
