Chapter 2

The fiery sting on my face lingered as I stood rooted to the spot, clutching my cheek.

Mom had explicitly told me that if I just remembered that number and did everything she asked, she would love me dearly.

But now, the look in her eyes was colder than any of my father's violent outbursts, chilling me to the bone.

The man in charge merely cast a fleeting, cold glance my way. Then he reached out, drawing Mom closer by her shoulder.

“Easy now, darling. Don’t stress yourself. Let’s go.”

Mom leaned into his embrace, her shoulders still trembling slightly.

Just then, the door of a stretched luxury sedan parked nearby swung open, and a little boy in a crisp white suit hopped out.

His hair was perfectly combed, and he ran straight to Mom.

“Mommy, are you okay? Daddy and I came to get you! Did anyone hurt you?”

Mom looked down at the boy, her eyes instantly welling up. She knelt down, pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice thick with emotion.

“Mommy’s fine, my precious. It’s all thanks to you and Daddy for rescuing me.”

Her hand gently stroked the boy’s back, a tender gesture, as if cradling the most priceless treasure.

That was a tenderness I had never, not even once, received.

I stood watching, a sharp, twisting ache seizing my heart, mingled with an indescribable envy.

My body seemed to move on its own accord. I awkwardly shuffled a few steps closer, wanting to be nearer to Mom.

But before I could reach her, the little boy suddenly looked up. He shoved me back forcefully.

“Get away from my mom!”

“Don’t you dare touch her with your filthy hands! Go away!”

I already had injuries, and the push sent me sprawling onto the ground.

Mom stood up as well, her gaze now filled with even more intense revulsion.

She instinctively pulled the little boy behind her and spoke to the man.

“Please, take my darling to the car and sanitize him. She’s just... unclean.”

The man nodded.

They turned to walk towards the luxury car.

Panic surged through me. I forgot the pain, forgot the fear, and ran after them, yelling.

“Mommy! Mommy, don’t leave!”

My voice was raw with tears, but Mom didn't even turn her head.

The man seemed annoyed by my cries. He paused, giving a subtle nod to two burly men in dark suits nearby.

Soon, a large cargo van pulled up. The back doors swung open, revealing a pitch-black interior reeking of damp earth and something acrid.

Inside, a metal cage held a massive Doberman, its name Brutus.

The moment it saw me, it snarled, baring its razor-sharp teeth, and let out a ferocious, guttural bark.

Fear froze me to the spot. I even forgot how to cry.

The little boy's face was flushed with triumphant glee.

“Mommy, look! I specially asked Daddy to bring Brutus! He’s here to protect you!”

“If this little monster dared to bully you just now, Brutus would’ve definitely taken a bite out of her!”

Julian Thorne, the man, said nothing. He just gestured for his men to open the cage door, then reached out and grabbed my arm.

His grip was merciless, sending a fresh wave of agony through my already wounded flesh.

I struggled, trying to pull away, but his hold was unbreakable.

“No! Let go! Mommy, help me!”

I screamed, but he acted as if he hadn’t heard, forcefully shoving me into the metal cage.

I fell onto the cold, hard floor of the cage, the pain bringing fresh tears to my eyes.

The little boy leaned over the edge of the van, tilting his head as he curiously asked the man.

“Daddy, is this little monster coming home with us too?”

The man didn't answer. He simply motioned for the men to put Brutus back into the cargo area.

The van doors slammed shut, plunging me into absolute darkness.

The foul stench grew even stronger. Brutus seemed displeased that I was occupying his space, circling the cage and barking at me incessantly. If not for the metal bars, I was certain he would have torn me to shreds.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I curled into a ball, my knees pressed against my chest, and muffled my sobs.