Zerina’s POV

Florence's gaze raked over me with contempt, her eyes lingering on every inch of my body. I felt a surge of discomfort and shifted uncomfortably under her intense scrutiny. "Come closer and stop standing there like a dumwit," she snapped. I walked closer, still confused about what was happening.

The nurses moved forward, guiding me towards the bed. I sat down, my eyes scanning them warily. What if they were here to administer injections? I had an intense fear of needles, and the thought made my heart race. It was one of my major fears and it made it to the top five of the list. I really hoped to God that it wasn't injections or big needles because I would scream my lungs out and run out of my room. The nurses untied my towel, leaving me exposed. I felt a wave of shame and tried to cover myself, but Florence's sharp voice stopped me. "Don't you dare do that. Let the nurses do what they came here for. You are to just sit there and obey every single damn instruction."

I swallowed hard, my eyes following their every move. The nurse that has been keeping a straight face ever since I walked out of the bathroom retrieved something from the first aid box that sat beside me, and my heart skipped a beat as I wondered what it could be. I quietly prayed to the universe hoping it wouldn't be a needle or a knife. I glanced at Florence, her expression unreadable. I knew she was capable of anything, and the thought sent a chill down my spine. What if they wanted to do something bad to me? Cut me up and sell one of my organs or something. The thought made me shiver. I had read on the internet a week ago that a kidney cost millions, and my stepmother was one greedy being. I just came out of that traumatizing room and here she is, still trying to hurt me more than she has already been doing all my life.

But when the nurse pulled out bottles of oil, cotton wool, and other medical supplies, I exhaled in relief. The dark-haired nurse lifted my arms and turned me onto my back. I knew they must have been shocked on seeing the hideous scars at my back, the most prominent one cutting across my belly. I looked up at Florence, but her expression remained impassive, devoid of remorse. Yeah, what was I expecting? That she would flinch when she saw the indelible marks she left on me?

Again, to my surprise, the nurses started to clean the wounds that were still kind of fresh. As they cleaned, I hissed from the pain of methylated spirit against my wounds. But come to think of it, why was Florence suddenly showing this "kindness"? Did she wake up from the wrong side of the bed? Or has she finally started to accept me as part of the family? I scoffed at the thought. I must be stupid for thinking such. Even after six years, I still craved their approval. Grow the fuck up, Zerina and stop hoping for something that would never come.

A thousand curses have escaped my mouth since today. I guess I was on edge these days, and something else changed. I don't know what but my body is starting to feel alive. I don't know if I should call it that.

"The wounds will be healed in two to three days, but for the scars, there's nothing much we can do about it." One of the nurses spoke up. "For the scars to fully heal, she would have to go for a laser therapy. "

"What's that? " Florence asked.

The black-haired nurse spoke this time. "It's the use of high-energy light to break down scar tissue, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. It's effective for..."

Florence interrupted "Spare me all the medical bullshit. How much does it cost?"

"It doesn't cost much just.."

"Oh never mind. I'm not about to spend a single dime on her."

Now, that's the stepmother I know.

Saying that she waved them off with her hand.

The nurses swiftly gathered their belongings and exited the room, leaving me alone with Florence. I stood up from the bed, my head hung low in discomfort, as I wrapped the towel loosely around my chest.

The silence that followed was oppressive, and I could feel Florence's eyes on me, her gaze heavy with disdain.

Without a word, she rose from the couch and approached me. "Get dressed and head to the kitchen to help serve food. Don't make me come after you," she said, her voice cold and detached. With that, she turned and left the room, leaving me still wondering what the hell was her purpose for these medical treatments on me.