“In a few days, we will have all the money we need, and she will be one less problem for us to worry about.”

 

***

 

The rain was beating down on me, and the pain in my body from pushing myself hard was agonizing. The burning in my lungs was becoming too much and my legs were cramping, but I knew I was in for far more pain if I didn’t make it on time.

 

Last time I was late by only two minutes, and I got beaten so hard that I couldn’t lay down for a week.

 

I only slowed down as I got closer to my father’s office, panting to catch my breath. The voice of my stepmother drew my attention.

 

“Harland, sweetie…In a few days, she won’t be our problem anymore.” The subtle smugness and malice in my stepmother’s tone made me instinctively aware that they were talking about me.

 

What did she mean?

 

My heart was pounding from the running and from what I had just heard, but I couldn’t help but quieten my footfalls as I listened.

 

I knew I shouldn’t be eavesdropping—anything I did without permission would come back to bite me. But her words made me stop in my tracks. I had to know more.

 

“…they’ll take her, and we’ll have the money.”

 

My eyes widened and my body began to shake uncontrollably.

 

What was she talking about?!

 

“Tick tock, Rosalie. You’re late again,” said a voice behind me.

 

I snapped my head around and came face to face with Derek’s sinister smile.

 

My stepbrother’s gray eyes were looking me up and down in my drenched clothes, as if he wanted to peel them off with his gaze.

 

Ever since he first met me when I was fourteen, he had been trying to lay his hands on me. I didn’t even want to know what he would’ve done had my stepmother not forced him to leave me alone—only because I was the one who had been making money for the family.

 

I tried my best to avoid Derek, and that no doubt angered him. That was probably why he got sick pleasure from seeing me chastised by my father or stepmother.

 

But at this point, Derek wasn’t my greatest concern.

 

I noticed that the voices in the office had fallen silent. They had heard what Derek said.

 

“Rosalie!”

 

My father’s voice set my nerves on edge. I was done for. I almost tried to flee, but I knew Derek would stop me.

 

Nothing like a good beating to end the night.

 

Gloating, Derek moved around me and pushed open the door.

 

a deep breath, suppressing my fear, not daring to look up at the people

 

“Father…” my voice trembled.

 

you she was a troublemaker, hiding and eavesdropping like a mouse,” My stepmother said with a smirk. “Who knows what she’ll do when she

 

on us?”

 

to tremble uncontrollably. I knew how horrible my father could be when

 

to look him in

 

to redirect his attention. “Here’s the

 

was like nails

 

how slick you are, trying to cover up your crime with just a few bucks? Not only are you late, you’re also eavesdropping… Looks

 

father raised his

 

mine to cover my head. Trembling, I bit my lips so

 

second, two seconds… the

 

wallet being pulled out of

 

eyes to see my father with money in hand, gloomily surveying me. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt even

 

eyes told me that something

 

the wallet in one hand and

 

and whispered, “It’s raining hard today, so not many customers came to the restaurant… I’ve

 

Slap!

 

face, knocking

 

the ground, hearing my father’s angry

 

Are you saying that I’m dependent

 

head and back like a heavy

 

my arms and cried out, “No, I am sorry…

 

a trance, and my vision began to

 

“Father… please stop…”

 

Sweetie, remember… That pretty face and voice of

 

that my father found someone after my mother died, and she seemed to make him happy. I used to wish I could make her happy, too.

 

 

obviously isn’t working hard enough! This money is nothing! Pennies

Why did the moon goddess give her such a

 

the floor, looking at my father in fear, afraid he would raise his hand to

 

a disappointment than we expected. No matter. You already spoke to Talon this morning. You know what the plan is for her. In a few days,

 

amusement. There was

 

“Do tell her, Harland. I bet she will be excited about the news. I know I

 

had me terrified. If she was happy at this moment… it wasn’t for

 

I couldn’t help but flinch backwards in fear. He raised his hand and pressed it on

 

are going to do a big job for me. In fact, one that will change our lives

 

heart was pounding with fear, but I remained silent

 

seems he is in need of a…

 

I gasped in disbelief.

 

him father, but he sold me, as if I was just a sheep…

 

terrified, shocked, and speechless. This couldn’t

 

back and forth between Isis and my father as he stood up. The look on Isis’s face showed nothing but amusement and confirmed the truth of what

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