chapter thirty eight

Third person POV

The house was dead silent as Emilia sat in her room, alone and isolated. She couldn't muster the courage to face her parents' venomous words downstairs.

Contrary to most people's belief, Emilia had no friends apart from Nathaniel. But with the current rift between her and Katherine, being around Nathaniel felt awkward.

Emilia sighed, chugging down a bottle of wine. The alcohol numbed her problems, offering temporary escape.

The noise downstairs signaled her parents' return from work. Emilia's anxiety spiked, knowing she couldn't hide from their wrath.

"Where is that good-for-nothing child?" her mother screamed, storming upstairs.

Mrs. Thompson burst into Emilia's room, laughter erupting at the sight of her drunk daughter.

"You're so foolish to think wine will wash away your idiocy," Mrs. Thompson taunted.

Emilia slurred, "Mom, please...I just need to rest." She pushed the wine bottle off her bed and lay down quietly.

Mrs. Thompson's smirk grew wicked. She rushed down