Chapter 17: No Family, No Mercy

Ella’s POV

Carol’s hand still hovered in the air, the sting from her slap burning across my cheek. Beside her stood Gerald, his scowl as deep and sharp as ever. My so-called parents. The people who once promised me a home, a future, a family. Promises that turned into lies the moment I stepped into their house.

The hospital room felt even smaller with them inside, the bright walls closing in, the smell of antiseptic stinging my nose. My whole body ached ...