I had reached my limit.
I raised my hand. And I slapped her, hard, across her pale face.
Smack!
The sound was incredibly crisp.
Angela clutched her cheek, stumbling back two steps, and screamed toward the doorway behind me. “Frank, save me!”
I heard frantic footsteps approaching, accompanied by Frank’s furious roar: “Hannah!”
I didn’t look back. I took a step forward in my heels, grinding my shoe onto her canvas sneaker. As Angela feigned a cry for help to
Frank, I grabbed a fistful of her hair with one hand and slapped her again with the other.
“Are you insane!” Frank grabbed my wrist.
But I didn’t let go of her hair. Using his momentum, I yanked her head back even harder. Angela let out a wail, a mess of sobs and
screams.
“She called me a mistress and a prostitute! She was about to rip my clothes off to see what was underneath…” I explained, looking at the confused crowd. I fumbled for my phone. “I have proof…”
“That’s enough!” Frank interrupted, his voice booming with anger. He grabbed me forcefully. “You’ve had it out for Angela from the
beginning! And today, you took advantage of her being alone to attack her!”
04:40
Chapter 2
“We have eyes! We all saw you hit her!” He pulled me so hard I stumbled. “Look at her! And then look at you!” He pointed at my unh- armed state. “How come you don’t have a single scratch? Besides, I know you. You think I don’t know your personality?”
“Remember when you were a kid and dragged me to the amusement park until our parents had to call the police? Who cleaned up
that mess for you? Me!”
“You hold a grudge! You’re angry that Angela took what you thought was yours… so you did this!”
“Apologize to Angela!”
The crowd’s eyes were on me, filled with suspicion and contempt.
I let out a cold laugh. “Fine. I’ll apologize.”
Frank’s grip loosened. “You don’t even have a boyfriend. Last time you just said that to spite me…”
“I’ll apologize,” I murmured, then my voice rose to a shout.
“I’ll apologize my ass!”
I aimed for the other side of Angela’s face, hiding behind Frank, and slapped her again, with all my strength.
I shook out my wrist. “The recording? I’ll post it in the group chat.” I smoothed my slightly messy hair and gave my signature smile.”
Enjoy.”
I went home that night. Later, I met with my professor privately. With everything settled, I felt a new sense of confidence and free- dom. I poured all my energy into buying a house and opening my studio. After a month of intense preparation, my family and I were
on our way.
On the plane, my parents happiness was palpable. From now on, their retirement would be nothing but enjoyment. And I would
work hard to be their rock.
[Frank has sent you a friend request.)
