Chapter 4

Brittany eagerly led me to stand between Frank and Ms. Donovan.

"Ms. Donovan, look, this is my sister. Isn't she beautiful!"

Ms. Donovan scrutinized me from head to toe, her expression disdainful. "She's fine, but too thin. How can she have sons with such a small butt?"

As she spoke, she reached out and pinched my butt.

Just as I was about to lose it, Brenda slammed a cup on the table.

"How dare you look down on my daughter? My daughter is a college graduate; is your son good enough for her? The eighteen thousand we discussed before is off the table. I want two hundred eighty thousand!"

"What!"

Ms. Donovan was shocked by Brenda's outrageous demand.

After all, in this town, a family that could produce eighteen thousand dollars was already considered wealthy.

Let alone Brenda now demanding two hundred eighty thousand.

Frank quickly stood up, went to his mom's side, and whispered something to her.

Ms. Donovan looked at me again, her expression different now.

Then she took off the cheap jade bracelet from her wrist and put it on mine.

I forced a smile and accepted it, feeling nauseous at the sight of these ugly faces around the table.

Finally, they impatiently set the wedding for two days later.

After dinner, I wanted some fresh air, so I took a stroll around town.

Just because I was outside for half an hour, Brenda slapped me the moment I returned.

"Were you trying to run away?"

Brittany fanned the flames. "You walked out right after dinner, what else would you be doing if not trying to run?"

I tried to defend myself, but Brenda didn't listen and continued to punch and kick me.

I looked up at them, my eyes filled with hatred.

Brenda shivered under my gaze, then kicked me again.

She then tightly bound me with rope and roughly shoved me into the room.

I was locked up for a full day and two nights.

During that time, I begged, I cried.

They didn't even give me a bite to eat or a drop to drink.

Why did I come back to torment myself?

On the morning of the supposed wedding, I was finally untied, shaking my numb hands.

"You little bitch, if you dare to run again, I'll break your legs!"

Brenda's shrill voice rang out. I didn't respond.

"I've already given the money to your sister. Don't blame me for being cruel. Your sister needs that money more than you."

Brittany chimed in. "Exactly."

I ignored Brittany and turned to Brenda, unable to keep my thoughts to myself. "Why are you pretending? Didn't you call me back just to sell me off and give all the money to Brittany for her wedding?"

Brenda glared at me, righteous fury in her voice. "We're your family! You make a fuss over us spending a little of your money? You'll never be done complaining!"

I froze, no longer willing to humor them.

"If I remember correctly, five years ago, you were the one who kicked me out."

"And this time you called me back, just to sell me for a good price, so why bother with these grand words? You're so hypocritical!"

Brittany rushed toward me, snatching my bag and rummaging through it in front of me.

She didn't find a single dime, stomped her foot, and walked off.

Brenda's face was beet red, furious. "How dare you talk back? I'm your mother! I can treat you however I want!"

"I'm telling you, if your sister's wedding gets messed up, you won't have it easy either! Hurry up and help your sister get the money!"

Just then, Frank walked in, and Brenda's tirade abruptly stopped.

Brenda then dragged me into the car. Puzzled, I asked, "Aren't we having the wedding? Where are we going?"

Frank's lecherous voice answered. "To get our marriage license, of course. We'll be back just in time for the ceremony."

I was too weak from hunger to resist, responding coldly to his words, calmly looking out the window.

This farce needed to come to an end.

At City Hall, Brenda held my arm firmly, whispering a warning in my ear.

"If you dare to say anything to the staff, don't blame me..."

I forced a smile and nodded, walking determinedly into City Hall.

Frank was practically beaming, and Brenda gave me a satisfied smile.

Then the clerk double-checked the computer, then looked at me, confused. "Ma'am, aren't you already married?"