Chapter 1: The Cruel Discovery
The penthouse was supposed to be quiet when I returned early from my business trip in Singapore.
Instead, I heard my daughter screaming.
I dropped my suitcase and ran toward the sound. What I saw in the living room made my blood freeze.
My 17-year-old daughter, Lily, was on her knees on a pile of sharp durian shells. Her school uniform was torn to shreds — long red welts covered her back and arms from where Victoria had beaten her with a leather belt. Blood stained the expensive white carpet.
Victoria, my wife of six months, stood over her with the belt raised.
“Cry louder, you ungrateful little bitch!” Victoria snarled. “Your father thinks you’re so perfect. Let’s see how perfect you look when he gets back.”
Lily sobbed, her voice hoarse. “Please… stepmom… it hurts so much… my knees…”
Victoria laughed coldly and whipped the belt across Lily’s back again, tearing the fabric even more. “You think you can compete with me? I’m his wife now. You’re just a reminder of his dead first wife.”
I stepped into the room, my voice shaking with pure rage.
“Victoria.”
She spun around, the belt dropping from her hand. Her face turned ghostly white.
May you like
“Darling… you’re home early.”
End of Chapter 1
