Chapter 6

It hurt, but compared to the suffering I'd endured over the years, it was nothing.

I looked up at him blankly, my eyes devoid of their former pride, arrogance, and passionate love. There was only emptiness now.

Seeing that I didn't resist, James seemed to lose interest. But for some reason, he suddenly became angry.

"Charlotte Coleman, don't think I'll forgive you just because you're playing the victim," he growled.

He grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up. My face turned red as I struggled to breathe.

Only then did a hint of life seem to return to me.

Seeing this, he abruptly let go, throwing me to the ground.

"Let me tell you something," he said. "You killed Rose. You should be grateful I haven't killed you in return."

I sat on the floor, gasping for air, but I no longer wanted to defend myself.

They would rather believe I killed Rose out of jealousy than listen to my explanation. It was true then, and it's true now.

At this point, I just wanted to survive. Only by living could I see any hope. Any thoughts of love had long since been ground away by daily abuse.

A moment later, Mr. Lee knocked and entered.

"Sir, Charles Coleman is here," he announced.

James gave me a meaningful look.

"Let him in," he said.

A familiar face appeared, and my heart filled with fear.

My brother, who had doted on me for over a decade before forcefully sending me back to my birth family.

"Scared?" James asked with interest, noticing my reaction.

I pressed my lips together tightly, saying nothing.

Yes, I was afraid. In fact, Charles terrified me even more than James did - this brother who had once spoiled me rotten.