Chapter 4

Eleanor's words were heartfelt and sincere, imbued with all the grievances of a wronged wife.

Arthur wavered.

He remembered how, over the years, Eleanor had humbled herself, kept the house immaculate, and been utterly devoted to him. How could a woman who gave up everything to be with him, and bore his only son, possibly harm her own flesh and blood?

Seizing the crack in his resolve, Eleanor pressed her advantage with the precision of a master tactician. Her face was a portrait of wounded dignity pushed to its limit.

"Arthur, if you doubt me, investigate. But if you find nothing, you will have shattered more than my heart. You will have broken the trust this marriage is built on. If that happens, I will take Leo and leave. We will divorce!"

The word "divorce" hit Arthur like two crushing blows.

It worked. He convinced that she was the victim, driven to despair by his own wicked daughter.

Mrs. Harrison, our ever-watchful neighbor, chose that moment to swoop in. "Eleanor, dear, don't speak such words in anger! We've all seen your devotion to this family. It's the girl who's rotten-jealous of her own brother to the core!"

"Exactly, quickly go and comfort your wife. A good wife like her is hard to find! If she leaves in anger, you'll regret it too late!"

The neighbors' chattering became the final straw that broke Arthur's remaining reason.

He whirled around, his eyes blazing with fury, glaring at me. "Are you only happy when you've torn this family apart and created utter chaos? All those books you've read, have they all gone into a dog's belly?!"

Before he finished speaking, he turned and walked to the toolbox in the corner, pulling out a dark, heavy whip.

It was the same whip we used to discipline our large German Shepherd when he was disobedient. It was covered in tiny barbs, and dried, blackened flesh still clung to the tip, giving off a mixed scent of rust and gore.

"Since studying won't make you a decent person, then right here at home, Dad will teach you how to behave!"

CRACK!

The whip whistled through the air and lashed my back. The neighbors feigned concern, murmuring, "Don't go too far," but their eyes couldn't hide their approval.

"Serves her right! Disobedient children need to be disciplined!"

Eleanor, holding Leo, a smug smile playing on her lips, looked at me like a lamb about to be slaughtered.

"Dad, it wasn't me! Call the police. Check for fingerprints!" I choked out, the metallic tang of blood flooding my mouth as I bit down on my own tongue.

Arthur didn't hear me. With a flick of his wrist, what seemed like a gentle tug sent the whip's barbs deep into my flesh, then ripped them out, a searing, tearing pain.

I hated it!

I hated it so much I trembled!

Why? Even with a second chance, even planning every move, was I still trapped in this nightmare?

Just as I desperately closed my eyes, believing I was doomed to repeat the past, Arthur's second whip was already raised high, aimed straight for my eyes!

I was finished.

At that critical moment, Leo, unconscious in Eleanor's arms, stirred. A faint whimper escaped him.

"No... don't hit Lily..."

Everything froze.

Leo forced his eyes open. With all his might, he cried out.

"It was a man! A man who smelled like cologne pushed me!"