By the time I made it out of the estate, my body was already screaming at me.
I had to ignore it.
I had to ignore the way my ribs ached from Rosa's kicks, the way my arms quivered under the weight of the trash I was hauling, and the way my dress clung wetly to my skin.
It was a constant, nauseating reminder of what had just happened. Of how I had been reduced to nothing by my own sister. The one who was supposed to be a mother figure in my life.
I hate my life.
The only thing keeping me from going insane at this phase was Axel. He was the only beam of light in this dark world I had been forced into.
I kept my head down as I walked because I knew I was quite the sight.
But that didn't stop the stares. Or the whispers.
Some of the estate's servants paused in their work to watch me pass, their gazes flashing with something I'd call curiosity and pity.
Others just shook their heads.
And then there were those who whispered—not in sympathy, but in glee.
