Chapter 6: Controlled

Alley Houston has secretly stayed at Taylor Kindsley home for two days before the breaking up between her and Karimba Cellon has reached Mr. Shayne Houston and Mrs. Mary Houston - Alley’s parents. They quickly arrive at the modest apartment of Taylor Kindsley, just as the two sisters are having their meal.

“Mom, dad… Why are you here?”

“Sir, Madam…”

Alley Houston và Taylor Kindsley lập tức buông đũa, đứng dậy rồi cúi chào ông Houston và bà Houston. Khuôn mặt hai cô gái trẻ đều biểu lộ sự bất ngờ xen lẫn sợ sệt. bà Houston cũng không nhiều lời, thong thả đi về phía Alley Houston rồi vung tay tát lên mặt cô một cái.

Alley Houston and Taylor Kindsley immediately drop their chopsticks, stand up, and greet Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston. Their faces display a mixture of surprise and fear. Mrs. Houston doesn't say much either, calmly walks towards Alley Houston, and then slaps on her face.

Slap!

The sound of the slap reverberates, leaving Alley Houston stunned and staggering. Taylor Kindsley rushes to support Alley Houston, while glaring angrily at the middle-aged woman who just struck her. Knowing Taylor Kindsley's fiery temperament, Alley Houston holds her back and shakes her head, signaling her not to react violently.

At this moment, Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston have both settled into their seats on the sofa, their eyes flickering with a fiery intensity as they gaze at Alley Houston's delicate frame. Mrs. Houston crosses her legs, tilts her chin, and looks at Alley Houston with disdain before speaking sternly:

"Alley, how did I teach you? When you married into the Trinh family, you were supposed to maintain your virtuous character and become a dutiful wife in order to secure Chairman Cao's favor. Now that you and that man have separated, tell me, do you still deserve to be my daughter?"

Alley Houston lowers her head, unable to speak up. For over twenty years, she has endured her parents' eccentric upbringing. Alley Houston is like a programmed machine by Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston, incapable of resisting, lacking the strength to rebel, and even afraid to go against their wishes, even in the slightest.

Fearfully, Alley Houston steals a glance at Mr. Houston, whose demeanor is no different from Mrs. Houston's — both cruel and cold-hearted. However, there are moments when Mrs. Houston's physical abuse becomes too severe, and Mr. Houston would administer an effective pain reliever for her. Since childhood, Alley Houston has lived in a family with strict discipline resembling a tyrant's regime. A fleeting moment of Mr. Houston's tender compassion is enough to etch gratitude in her heart.

Unfortunately, they are of the same kind.

"Alley, you have disappointed us greatly. You must find a way to return to Chairman Cao's side, or else..."

As Mr. Houston speaks, he steps closer to Alley Houston with a threatening gaze in his eyes. Taylor Kindsley, fearful, quickly positions herself in front of Alley Houston. Mr. Houston slowly brushes Taylor Kindsley aside with his hand, while still glaring at Alley Houston as if issuing a warning. He then uses his large, rough hand to gently stroke Alley Houston's hair, speaking in a raspy voice:

"You wouldn't want your father to have to use medication on you again, would you, obedient daughter, and you too, Taylor Kindsley?"

Mr. Houston speaks with a sneering smile, while Mrs. Houston complements his sinister expression. Alley Houston and Taylor Kindsley retreat backwards. The thought of that dreadful medication makes Alley Houston tremble, her spine chilled as if she has fallen into an icy pit. Taylor Kindsley has also experienced that torment, her face instantly turning pale.

"Mom, Dad, I... I promise to return to be by Karimba Cellon’s side," Alley Houston says with no other choice, bowing her head in commitment.

Satisfied with the appropriate response, Mr. Houston smirks faintly and reaches out to caress Alley Houston's delicate, pale cheek, praising her in a low voice:

"That's a good girl, my daughter!"

Instantly, the countenance of Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston softens, assuming the roles of loving parents. Mrs. Houston approaches Alley Houston, gently stroking the imprinted red mark on her pale cheek and speaks in a soothing tone:

"Alley, we only want what's best for the Houston family, for you. Karimba Cellon is a good man, and the Cellon family is one of the wealthiest in the country. The Houston family cannot offer you the same wealth and prosperity. Being by Karimba Cellon's side will only bring benefits, not harm, to you."

Alley Houston's heart pounds in her chest, and she reluctantly nods, tears streaming down her cheeks. Mrs. Houston continues speaking while gently caressing Alley Houston's back, intensifying the sense of fear within her. Then, she hands Alley Houston a blister pack of pills and carefully instructs her:

"Here's your pain medication. It won't have any side effects if used regularly. Be obedient and don't let any scars mar your face. Quan Cao wouldn't like that."

Trembling, Alley Houston accepts the light blue pills from Mrs. Houston and obediently nods. Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston are satisfied with her compliance and don't linger for long.

Once they leave the house, Taylor Kindsley snatches the blister pack of pills from Alley Houston's hand and tosses it into the trash.

"Taylor..." Alley Houston exclaims in fear, widening her eyes at Taylor Kindsley. “How can we get out of this? I can't stand it anymore.”

“Me too.” Taylor Kindsley sighs and hugs Alley Houston so tight. “But I believe that one day, we can go somewhere away from them and live the life that we want.”

“Really?” Alley Houston asks Taylor Kindsley. She thinks about a future with Karimba by her side, as a beautiful dream. 

“But he’s never by my side anymore.”

Taylor Kindsley remains silent, sitting heavily on the sofa and pouring herself a full glass of water, gulping it down as if wanting to wash away the anger lodged in her throat.

When will this control and manipulation ever end?