CHAPTER SIXTEEN

M-Mom," I whispered, holding my stinging cheek, my voice barely audible over the sharp, painful throb radiating across my skin.

"How dare you say that to me after everything I’ve done for you? How dare you!" Her voice thundered.

I couldn’t look at her, lowering my gaze as tears slipped down my cheeks.

"I don’t care if you wed her father or whatever foolish choices you’ve made," she hissed, her words laced with venom. "But mark my words—nothing good will come if you continue defying me. I forgave you once; don’t think I’ll do it again. Choose your words and actions wisely, or you’ll regret it."

With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing as she stormed out of the room. I stood there, rooted in place, unable to move, my heart pounding. I wasn’t sure how I finally managed to make my way to my bedroom, but before I knew it, I was slamming the door shut behind me. I stumbled over to the bed and collapsed onto it, burying my face in the pillows as a fresh wave of tears overt