Olivia’s POV

“Don’t you dare touch her!” I spat, my voice trembling with rage as I gripped Ethan’s arm, my eyes blazing with defiance. “If you want to hurt someone, hurt me, not my daughter.” I would protect Mia with every ounce of strength I had left, no matter the cost.

“You ungrateful wretch!” Ethan roared, his hand swinging across my face with a force that sent me sprawling to the floor. Pain seared through my cheek, and I cried out, the sting radiating across my skin. ...