Share

Confrontation

Author: Author Rain
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-27 22:43:54

Chapter 002

Reese

''Fuck me harder and deeper, Troy!'' the woman repeated, and as an obedient lover, Troy flipped the woman over, and without giving her any warning, he thrust his hard shaft inside her, harder and quicker, which caused her to groan even louder.

I felt myself getting dizzy, and I had to lean against the wall to stop myself from passing out. Troy's right hand was holding her waist while fucking her hard, and the other hand was massaging her breast, simultaneously pinching her nipple. He released a low, loud groan before he opened his mouth to talk to the woman. ‘‘Fucking shit! You're still so fucking tight, baby…’’

I tore my gaze away from Troy and instead focused my attention on the woman who was now on all fours. I waited for her to speak, but she was too busy writhing and moaning like a wild animal.

I watched Troy fuck her for a few times before pulling out his still hard and swollen member. He flipped her again so that she was lying on her back. ''Mandy, baby…’’ he muttered lovingly. ''Let's finish this…''

Mandy…

Oh my god!

Mandy Cooper. My own mother. The woman who carried me in her womb for nine months.

The air sucked out of my lungs, and I dropped down on my knees. My legs were too weak to support me.

Now that I think about it, I understand why the silver stiletto heels were so familiar; not only did Troy give them to her as a present on her forty-fifth birthday, but I was the one who purchased them.

My husband and my own mother betrayed me. Had I been blind? Had I simply failed to see that they had been cheating on me for a considerable amount of time, and I had never noticed anything weird or suspicious about them?

''Oh yes, fuck! I'm coming!'' I ignored my mom's loud moan and covered my face with my hands.

Was she the reason why his dick wouldn't get hard when he tried to make love with me?

I couldn't help but remember that night of our wedding when we started making out. He kissed my lips, and I responded by kissing him back with equal fervor, mimicking what he was doing to me. He shoved his tongue in my mouth, and I met it with mine, battling, dueling, and tasting back his sweet mouth.

We were both naked, and his lips were now on my neck, sucking the pulse there, which caused me to moan aloud. When he captured one of my nipples, I arched my back, giving him more. My right hand was clutching his nape before it travelled down south to grab his manhood, but I was surprised when I found it soft and limp.

‘‘Troy…’’ I muttered, and started to pump his sleeping dick, but no matter how hard I tried to make it stand, he really couldn't get an erection.

‘‘I'm sorry…’’ he heaved a heavy sigh before pulling away from me.

I tried to seduce him many, many times, but he really couldn't get hard. I only wanted to experience how it felt to be loved. How it felt to finally become a woman. But Troy denied it to me.

But now that I am watching him fuck my mom, he was as hard as a billy club while he continued to pleasure her, fucking her lovingly.

‘‘Fuck, fuck, fuck!’’ Troy groaned, his voice was hoarse and loud, but it was filled with an incredible amount of emotion. It was a voice that he had never used before, and he would never use with me.

''Yes, fuck! Just like that, Troy...'' My mom's eyes were closed when she said those words before biting her lip, savoring the sensation. ''Will you tell my daughter once she comes home?'' she asked as if they weren't having a sex. Like they were just having a casual conversation.

She arched her back, moaning like a bitch in heat. Instead of Troy keeping her quiet, he muttered something that made my heart burst out of my chest. He kissed her as he thrust in and out of her, letting out moans after groans as they both reached the peak.

''Yes. I'll tell her about us…'' Troy uttered firmly and confidently, loud enough for me to hear over the blood ringing in my ears.

I felt pain, actual physical pain striking me, as if someone had thrust a sharp knife into my chest, and it hurts so horribly. I heard a loud noise echoing in my ears, and I realized that it was the sound of my mouth taking in a lungful of air. I couldn't remember how to breathe. But I had to, even though there was a big lump in my throat obstructing, and nausea started to engulf my vision like a dark flood.

When mom opened her eyes, a satisfied smile plastered on her lips, but it disappeared almost immediately as soon as her gazes met mine. ''Reese!'' she screamed, her voice was no longer in a state of pleasure.

I slowly stood up from crouching down, my mind was blank as I exploded. I slammed the door wide open, and sent them murderous glares.

''R-Reese…'' Troy said, his voice was still raspy, but sounded shocked. He was struggling to look at me. His face was sickly pale. A trail of white liquid streamed down his inner thigh.

I couldn't speak for a little moment. I opened my mouth to speak but there were no words coming out. I swallowed multiple times, preparing myself to confront them.

''How long have you been cheating on me?'' I asked, my eyes were more focused on Troy, still trying to control my voice from shaking. ''Is this the reason why you asked me to stay in your parents’ house?

Because that woman is staying here!'' Of course, I was referring to my mother, but I didn't even throw a glance at her, though I could see from the corner of my eyes that she was already scrambling off the bed, clutching the white sheets to cover her naked body.

Troy made a choking sound, the color seemed to drain not only from his face, but from his entire body.

''Why?'' I asked, my lips were now trembling. Even my voice was now shaking. It hurts. My chest ached. I couldn't control the emotions that were starting to accumulate in me. I was finally able to breathe. I gulped like a swimmer breaking through the surface of the water.

''I…'' he stammered, looking down at his still wet, glistening erection, which immediately went limp when I stared down at it as it hung between his legs. ''Okay… I'm not going to deny it---''

''As if you can!'' I scoffed, gritting my teeth. ''I saw you. I saw everything!''

''Reese, I have too much respect for you---''

''You know nothing about that word, you bastard!'' I cut him off, pointing my finger angrily at him.

''Reese, please listen to me first…'' he said, his eyes pleading, his voice begging as he took a step towards me.

''Stay right there!'' I remarked, disgusted at him. ''Don't you dare come near me, you, fucking piece of shit!''

He made a halt, and took a step back. I heard my mother's sharp intake of breath, surprised at the words coming out of my mouth, and I didn't stop to look at her. I turned on my heels, rushing out of the room.

I moved with rapid, almost noiseless steps, my palm pressing my chest, while the other covering my mouth, controlling myself not to sob.

I have no idea where to go. The only thing that was on my mind was to go back to my in-laws’ house. My mother-in-law was at least nice to me and she would definitely favor me over her son once she learned the truth about him having an affair with another woman—with my slut mother.

I still find it hard to believe that she would do that to me. The woman who carried me in her womb for nine months just betrayed me. God…

''Reese!'' I heard Troy's voice, but I went on leaving. ''Reese!'' he called out once again, and then I felt his fingers wrap around my wrist in a strong grip, and I was forced to spin around to face him.

''Don't touch me!'' I barked on his face, shaking off my wrist from his grasp with great force before my hand flew and slapped him across his face.

He was stunned at first, but he quickly recovered. ''At least let me explain…'' he said, his voice softened, like the one I was accustomed with.

''Explain...?'' I scoffed, the corner of my lips curved with disdain. ''What kind of explanation are you going to tell me? That you finally discovered the medicine for your ailment?'' I gazed down at his manhood which was now covered with black boxers. ''A medicine for your dick that won't get up! And you wanted to try it out with my mother, who just happened to be your mother-in-law!''

My voice was getting louder, and I didn't realize that I was already shouting at my husband—the very first time I just did.

Troy froze. I could see many emotions swirling around in his brown eyes, and I silently shook my head when I couldn't identify any of those. I was so disappointed that I thought I knew my husband very well.

''Reese…'' My mom's soft voice made me narrow my eyes, but still, I didn't look at her. I was staring straight into Troy's eyes, still trying to read him. ''It's not Troy's fault. It's me…''

I couldn't help but arch an eyebrow upon hearing what she just said. ''Really? There are many men out there! But why my husband? Are you that horny to have sex with your son-in-law? With your daughter's husband? I never thought you were such a slut to seduce him---''

My mother gave me a hard slap on my left cheek, and I stared at her with my mouth gaping open in disbelief.

My hand involuntarily stroked my face in an effort to alleviate the discomfort I was experiencing. I felt a rough line on my cheek, and that was when I realized that her ring scratched my face.

I stared at the ring on her finger. I never saw her wear her wedding ring with dad. She said she removed it after a year of my dad passing away. I never saw my father though. Mom said, dad met an accident while driving to the hospital where she was currently giving birth to me.

Does this mean that the ring she was wearing came from Troy?

''Don't call me names, Reese! I am still your mother!'' she roared on my face, and was going to hit me again, but Troy pulled her away from me.

My eyes landed on his hands that were holding her shoulders, and tears instantly spring up in my eyes.

Those hands should be the one hugging me right now and comforting me. It hurt like hell, and my chest seemed to explode, but I controlled myself. Even though I didn't want to cry in front of them, my eyes had their own minds.

''I'm sorry, Reese…'' Troy uttered the words with a heavy sigh. ''But the moment I laid eyes on your mom at the school, I instantly fell in love with her.''

''S-School?'' I stammered, completely oblivious to what he was talking about. All I knew was that Troy and I were classmates in Marketing Analysis Research at Lancaster University before he persuaded me. And that was three years ago.

''I saw your mom in the university when she visited you—to tell you that she has already broken up with her ex-boyfriend...'' he explained. ''And that moment that I saw her, I knew that she was the one…'' he took a deep breath as he turned to look at mom lovingly, which made me sick in my stomach. ''And the only way I could get close to her was…''

Me. Of course, it was obvious. He didn't have to voice it out.

Related chapters

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Explain

    Chapter 003ReeseI raised my palm to stop him from talking further. It was clear as water that he persuaded me just to get mom. He used me. He only married me, but he never loved me. He was head over heels in love with her. With my mother!Rage gripped me by the throat, and I swallowed the lump, but it stayed there and I almost choked.Anger rose within me, and then it swelled, and then it slammed me, walloping my entire being, killing me.I blinked my eyes, attempting to stop the fresh tears that were beginning to form in my eyes. The words he said to me delivered a hard blow in my gut, and made me want to puke on his face.''I'm sorry, Reese…'' Troy's voice again. ''I'm sorry---''''Sorry for what? That I found out about your affair?''He shook his head. ''I'm sorry that I hurt you. That you found out like this…''I glared at him, and without saying anything more, I turned on my heels and went downstairs, and then I found myself running. I ran blindly, beads of water clung to my cl

    Last Updated : 2024-12-27
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   The Stranger

    Chapter 004ReeseI was shocked, my eyes widened in surprise. I didn’t expect this man to pull me into a kiss. I was completely stunned, and it seemed like everything was moving in a slow motion as he kissed me. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but the raging sensation that I was experiencing inside manifested itself as a fire.Thinking back about what happened earlier in the house when I had caught mom and Troy, made me move and taste back the man’s lips after closing my eyes. I felt his lips curve into a smile before he took control. He kissed me tenderly, and I enjoyed the sensation of his soft lips brushing against mine. Even the slightest contact with his lips caused waves of warmth to travel all the way down to my stomach.When his hands started to travel from my shoulders down to my waist, I found myself encircling my arms around his neck, drawing him closer to me.The corners of my mouth were explored by his tongue in a way that was both kind and demanding, causing me to

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   One-night stand

    Chapter 005Reese''Want more?'' His voice made me turn to look at him, and a smirk displayed on his lips as if he was enjoying what he was seeing. He was now holding the bottle of the hard liquor. ''This is vodka...''I nodded, holding out my glass to him. After he poured down almost half of the glass, I quickly took another sip, and then another, and another, until I emptied it. Until I noticed that my head had begun to spin, and as I looked around the living room, I could feel my vision becoming blurry.As I cast my gaze upwards toward the ceiling, the dazzling light from the chandelier caused my eyes to squint. The only colors I could make out were black and gray. This was a man’s house. He’s not married yet.Just as I was about to turn around to face the man, I felt two warm arms wrap around me. ''I can’t wait, baby...'' he murmured, his minty mixed with alcohol breath fanning the back of my ear, which instantly sent a tingle sensation down my spine, and goosebumps appeared all ov

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   First time

    Chapter 006ReeseThe man stood up to his full height, and in a single second, I was spun around with him caging me in his grasp. Bubbles were spread all over his body, and it seemed like he actually took time to rub himself with the shower gel as well, while I was deeply absorbed in my thoughts. ''I’ll satisfy you, baby. I promise you that...'' was all he said before he smashed his lips against mine.Just as I was about to respond to the kiss, he retreated back, touching his forehead against mine. ''I’ll give you a chance to change your mind...'' he breathed, his voice barely audible. ''Just tell me, and I’ll drive you back home. I'll take you back to your...''I shook my head. There was no turning back. I’m going to do this.''Are you sure?''I nodded.He opened his mouth to speak once again, but I tiptoed and crashed my lips to his, making him gasp, but soon kissed me back.On the contrary, this kiss was anything simple and gentle. He was hungry and ready to devour me tonight.The t

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Addictive

    Chapter 007ReeseTo my astonishment, Enzo lifted one of my legs and placed it on his shoulder, which made him enter deeper as he continued to drive his hard member inside me.The sight made me stare at him in disbelief and aroused at the same time, with him pounding into me with so much desire in those steely blue eyes while sweat was dripping from his temples.''Fuck!'' he cursed out loud when I unintentionally squeezed my walls, and I felt his warm seeds explode inside of me.Both of us were panting by the time he pulled out from me, and collapsed beside me, allowing ourselves to catch our own breaths.After he managed to compose himself, Enzo turned to look at me. I didn’t move, as I was still trying to calm my heartbeat while I stared blankly at the ceiling.''I didn’t know that you were a...''I rolled to my side with my back facing him. I didn’t want to have a conversation with him after everything that had taken place.He didn’t know I was a virgin, and I didn’t tell him that I

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Convinced

    Chapter 008Reese''I told you I'd drive you home. You can't find a taxi here...'' I whirled around, my heart plummeting as I watched Enzo walk towards his car, his lips curved into an amusing smile, making me stifle a groan.He opened the door for me, and he shrugged his broad shoulders, setting off a chain of rippling muscles beneath his white dress shirt. I quickly tore my gaze away from him, and contemplated whether I should get in or not.''Get in---'' he said, lifting a hand to brush away a tendril of hair from my face, making me flinch. ''What's your name?''I bit the inside of my cheek, not wanting to answer him. This would be the first and last time that we'll be seeing each other, so there was no need for him to know my name.I slid inside his car and didn't wait for him to shut the door as I pulled it close.Enzo crossed to the driver's side and opened the door, sliding into his seat to start driving.''Your address?'' he asked and pulled out into the road.''Just drop me so

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Revenge

    Chapter 009Reese“What the hell are you doing?!” The piercing sound of Olivia's voice jolted me awake. “You are so stupid! Do you know how much those tablewares cost?""I'm sorry. It was..." Mia's kicking the tray down the stairs cut me off. “Mia, why did you do that?”I gave a slight shake of the head and started to pick up the shards of glass carefully, before I walked down the stairs.“Oh, I'm sorry. It was an accident.” Mia scoffed, walking past me, and trudged her way up the stairs. “Good morning, mom.”“Good morning, baby.” Olivia returned the gesture of greeting her daughter back with a kiss on the cheek, and I remained rooted on my spot when I heard the next words she said. “You should go home early. Your brother will come to see us later.”“Sure, mom!” Mia answered, trudging her way upstairs to collect her bag before leaving for work, while I padded my way towards the kitchen to dispose the glass in the garbage.Troy would visit his mother later, and I had to leave the house

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Divorce Petition

    Chapter 010ReeseAs soon as I woke up the next morning, I took a shower and changed into a black dress. It was the same dress that I wore when I attended the funeral of Troy's father. After letting my ginger hair fall down my back, I applied a minimum amount of make-up to my face, and concealer to hide my eyebags. I wore dark lipstick—the lipstick that mom gave me as a gift on my last birthday.I didn't look like an innocent, dumb, and idiotic virgin wife anymore. And I enjoyed my appearance as I stared at myself in the mirror in front of me.I squared myself as I descended the steps, looking around the living room, but there was no one around.I had no idea if my mother-in-law had knowledge about this plan of Troy. Well, I would just follow her instructions to me. Don't divorce her son.Mia's gone to work. Yesterday, she expressed her displeasure at the fact that she had not seen her brother when she got home, and was shocked when Olivia told her that he was with my mother.''What di

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01

Latest chapter

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Trust you

    Chapter 116EnzoAfter Reese had fallen asleep, I stepped out of my room and onto the balcony of my house. My heart seemed to be continuously sliced, leaving my soul feeling empty.Even in the darkness, with only the faint glow from the garden lamps, the yellow roses in my garden were visible. They were her favorite, Byers had told me, and I had planted them over the years, just to witness her smile once more upon seeing them.I had been waiting for her return all this time. And finally she was here, and now my beloved wife.Yet, I hurt her once more. I understood her earlier reaction. She had been abducted by Mandy and her lover, and perhaps they had harmed her in some way, which she recalled when I pressured her, and I despised myself for causing her that pain.I compelled her to recall that trauma, and the urge to inflict pain upon myself was overwhelming.Pain constricted my throat, and the solitary tear that dropped onto my cheek took me by surprise. I closed my eyes tightly as a

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Memory

    Chapter 115Reese"You're definitely mistaken...'' I said in a firm tone. "I didn't want that kiss. He forced me to kiss him...''Enzo regarded me with indifference, and I felt as though all the air had been sucked from my lungs, leaving me breathless.Oh my God...He didn't believe me at all.Tears began to gather in my eyes, and I couldn't recall when I had become so vulnerable because of him. Why did his apathy wound me so deeply that I felt on the verge of shattering?Hadn't I grown accustomed to being accused and disbelieved?''Seriously, Enzo?'' I questioned, incredulous. ''Had I intended to cheat, I wouldn't have even mentioned his presence to you. I can't believe it...'' I huffed. ''You're not that blind, aren't you?''He scoffed again, placing his hands on his hips.''Come on, Reese. Me, blind? You knew I would figure it out even if you hadn't told me about it. That's why you texted me, right? So I wouldn't just show up at your workplace like during the pageant...'' Each word

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Accusation

    Chapter 114Reese''Marcus...'' I groaned, sending him a glare. I was starting to lose my patience. "What the hell are you doing? What the fuck do you still want from me? Why can't you just leave me alone, Marcus Andretti!?''I had no desire to endure more drama. After his actions, I deserved a distance of a thousand miles from him, just like how I put a space between myself and my ex-husband.Marcus' gaze bore into me, his jaw muscles twitching, fists clenched at his sides. ''Really?'' he smirked, ''You're asking me now what I want from you?'' he rasped, and I could hear his teeth gritting.I met his gaze with a blank expression, utterly clueless of what he wanted from me.''I want to fucking kiss you, hug you, touch you...'' he huffed a breath, before he slowly closed the distance between us, and whispered, ''I want to make you fucking mine again, Riley...''And with that, he cupped my face in between his large hands and kissed me harshly, muffling the sound I was going to make.My

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Photoshoot

    Chapter 113ReeseMarcus arrived on set, warmly greeting the staff members. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was aware of my photoshoot here.What was he doing here? No one had mentioned that he would be at the studio today.The make-up artist, who had just finished enhancing my look, seemed to pick up on the surprise etched across my face. Kara gave me a curious glance.''You seem unaware that Marcus will be joining us for work today. We apologize for not informing you beforehand, Miss Riley. We're featuring him in an article for our next magazine issue, which will span roughly eight pages. That's unbelievable, don't you think?'' she chuckled, continuing to style my hair.If she found that unbelievable, I can't imagine what she would think of my thoughts at this moment. It seemed that fate enjoyed the notion of Marcus and me crossing paths again.However, given that we worked in the same industry, it was highly likely we would meet again.''He wasn't sch

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   You moaned

    Chapter 112Reese''Enzo...'' I whispered his name, my voice husky. I was aware of what he was doing to me, but my mind was far away from stopping what was going to happen.''I'm sorry...'' he said, running his fingertips on my kissmarks, and my heart skipped a bit when he leaned forward, placing soft kisses on each of them. ''I hope you feel better now...''My thoughts were in disarray as he pressed another kiss onto my collarbone, seemingly healing all the marks he had left.''Enzo, please...'' I pleaded, my hands resting on his shoulders, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away.He stopped, shooting me a playful look. ''Are you scared that Riza will hear you moan and find us?''My cheeks reddened at his words. ''There must be some misunderstanding...'' I countered, turning away from him. ''For your information, I do not moan...''Enzo slightly chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. ''Really? But you just did. Didn't you hear yourself just now?''I shook my head. '

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   The seeker

    Chapter 111Reese''Now, you're the seeker, Leese!'' Riza laughed as she scampered off to hide.Later that afternoon, following Riza's return from school, we engaged in a game of hide and seek. It was my turn to count, and I pressed my forehead against the living room wall, counting from one to ten, while Riza sought a hiding spot. A subtle smile crept onto my lips.Once my counting ceased, I surveyed the room. Judging by the sounds, Riza hadn't strayed far.''Riza...'' I called out, grinning. ''Where are you, my baby?'' I playfully teased, beginning my search around the living room.Embarking on a hiatus from the limelight to share a life with Lorenzo Carter, I hadn't anticipated the sheer delight my heart would experience, frolicking with such a spirited little one.Feeling grateful for everything that had happened, I was still troubled by the thought of Enzo keeping secrets from me, making me question if marrying him was the right decision.What would Troy think about me marrying h

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Why?!

    Chapter 110ReeseBefore I realized it, tears were cascading down my cheeks, and Enzo drew me into a tight embrace. I wept uncontrollably, my face pressed against his chest, my arms wrapped tightly around him.I had never allowed myself to be so vulnerable in front of anyone, and it was ironic that Enzo was the person comforting me right now as I fell apart. My shoulders trembled, and my cries filled the room.I was unaware of how much time had passed as I wept, occasionally fearing Enzo might leave me. Yet, he stayed, holding me closer with each tear I shed.Noticing my depleted strength, he lifted me up and walked towards the bed.He sat down, settling me on his lap, and continued to embrace me as I continued to cry into his chest.And gradually, I began to release my hold.**********This morning's breakfast consisted of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Although they seemed delicious to my mind, my stomach disagreed.In fact, it was my heart that felt uneasy, to the point where I lost my

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   Comfort

    Chapter 109Enzo''May I attend my daughter's birthday party?'' Vincent implored, his eyes beseeching as he gazed at me.''I'm sorry, Dad, but I've only invited her close friends to surprise her...'' I replied. ''I think she'll be confused if she sees you there again...''I understood my father-in-law's feelings; he simply wanted to be part of Reese's significant life events, just as he was at our wedding. It was I who asked Vincent to walk Reese down the aisle, and he couldn't have been happier.''What if Reese wonders why I'm the one walking her down the aisle?'' I remember Vincent asking me on the day of our wedding, his voice tinged with worry yet laced with excitement.''Don't worry about it...'' I reassured him, patting his shoulder. ''I'll explain that you're the closest elder I have in my life right now...''Thankfully, Reese never questioned it.I also made it clear to Vincent that we couldn't force Reese to remember everything like what the doctor said, and I was relieved he

  • Taming the Divorced Runaway Wife   The Daughter

    Chapter 108Enzo''It's true...'' Troy's mouth fell open in shock as he realized Mandy wasn't Reese's biological mother. With each word he read, his frown deepened. ''Mandy isn't her real mother. She even abducted her with her lover...''The thought of Reese suffering at Mandy's and her lover's hands made me clench my fists, and grit my teeth in rage. I couldn't help but hold the man before me responsible for everything that had happened to her.''But why?'' Troy's expression was one of confusion. ''Why would she do that to her?''I had no idea why Mandy had kidnapped Reese. My assumption was that Reese had caught her with her lover, and perhaps threatened to expose them to Troy.''I need your help to put Mandy behind bars...'' I declared to Troy with a commanding tone.Hesitation flickered in his eyes as he met my gaze. He was still in love with Mandy after everything he found out. It was clearly written in his eyes. But I don't care about him. I just wanted to give Reese the justice

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status