Chapter 2

The sky was gray and murky the next morning before dawn.

The chickens were clucking noisily when I groggily reached over to the side of the bed.

It was cold.

Eve must’ve snuck back in the middle of the night again.

Sighing, I got up, ready to begin another day’s work of hauling water, chopping wood, and starting the fire. There was never a moment to rest.

After two hours of work, Dad finally woke up, strolling over to the table with a sour look, waiting to be served.

Eve came over, eyes downcast, and carefully placed a steaming bowl of oatmeal on the table.

Dad’s eyes locked onto her, dark and menacing. Suddenly, his hand shot out, grabbing her roughly.

She flinched, and the hot oatmeal spilled all over his pants.

Dad leaped up, fury flashing in his eyes. He grabbed her by the hair, yanking hard.

“You evil woman! Trying to ruin this family’s legacy, huh?”

He spat his words like venom, his face twisting with rage. “What were you doing sneaking around last night, huh? Meeting another man?

“Acting all pure and proper, pretending you don’t want me, but you just think I’m too old for you, don’t you?”

Eve winced, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded, “No, it’s not what you think. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

He ignored her, grabbing a cane nearby and lashing out. Each strike was accompanied by cruel words.

“I could smell the booze on you last night. Who were you with? Since your husband’s gone, you think you’re free now?

“Not a chance! I paid good money for you, and you’re going to give me a son before you even think about leaving!”

Eve had no way to escape.

She covered her head with her arms, trying to protect herself. Her clothes were soon torn, revealing bruises underneath.

My dad’s eyes grew darker. He threw the cane aside and grabbed her by the arm, dragging her toward the main room.

Her feet scraped against the floor. Her eyes filled with fear as she cried, “Please, let me go!”

However, he didn’t care.

His eyes met mine, and a chill ran down my spine. I knew if this continued, she wouldn’t survive.

So, I found the courage to throw myself at my father, wrapping my arms around his leg. “Please, Dad, it’s not her fault! She was checking on me last night because I wasn’t feeling well. Please, let her go.”

He glared at me with pure disgust.

Without hesitation, he lifted his foot, kicking me hard.

Pain shot through me as I was thrown backward, hitting the ground with a thud. It felt like everything inside me had shifted.

I coughed up blood.

“You ungrateful brat! You dare get in my way?

“You eat my food, live under my roof, and you still have the nerve to stand up to me. You worthless girl! Once I have a son, I’ll sell you off.”

Then, he continued dragging Eve toward the room.

I forced myself up, despite the agony, and grabbed his leg again.

“Please, Dad, don’t do this. Let her go!”

He stomped on my hand, grinding it under his boot.

I screamed in pain, but I couldn’t let go. If I did, Eve wouldn’t stand a chance.