“Because you're licking that man's boots instead of working hard.” she counters, “You're a woman Mariella. The only man you know how to work can't be your mate, work them all to your side. Knox should be worshipping you, not the other way around. Stop playing coy.”

I swallow, feeling like a child being scolded for never being good enough. “I am n-no,” I stutter.

Mother nods at me, petting Priya. “Then what are you doing? Hmm, you're embarrassing me as your mother, your step ...