"Darling,I'm thrilled you're back.You're the best gift I could ask for.With you here,I'll be like my old self again."Mrs.Smith patted my hand while speaking in a warm voice.

Mrs.Smith's gesture made me want to hug myself and apologize.For three years,any physical contact meant brutal beatings or humiliation.

Although I feared her touch,I couldn't avoid it now.I bit my inner cheek,fighting the urge to flinch.I mustn't make mistakes or raise suspicions or else William would be angry.

The consequences of his anger were unbearable.My trembling was subtle,but I feared Mrs.Smith would notice.Luckily,she was too joyful to notice.

Every beating was agonizing.Every humiliation left me with deep scars.Now,being in the home of the person responsible for everything filled me with a sense of despair.I accidentally glanced at William and saw him glaring,his anger palpable.

Fear told me to behave.My pale face likely raised Mrs.Smith's suspicions.

"Darling Claire,what's wrong?Do you not like that worthless boy?I'll chase him away if you want."Mrs.Smith asked,unaware of William's true actions.

As long as the past three years remained hidden,I could stay with the Smiths.I no longer sought love,but craved familial love and friendship.

These were my motivations for living.

"Get out,boy,and bring your father back.We'll dine together as a family.You can fend for yourself at the office."Mrs.Smith ordered William.

William's subservient demeanor was almost comical.I didn't want to see William

.His presence was terrifying me.Mrs.Smith's actions brought me unexpected joy.

"Aren't you ashamed to eat with us?Claire's weight loss is clearly for your sake."Mrs.Smith scolded William.

William stood silently,unable to retort.

"Mother,why don't I count as family?"William asked.His voice was laced with resentment.

"You're just a servant.You are suitable only for working.Claire is my princess.She is a true member of this family."Mrs.Smith replied.

William's humiliation was palpable.

"Leave now.You're ruining my appetite."Mrs.Smith urged.

William's departure left me uneasy.

Would he retaliate against me for Mrs.Smith''s words?

Mrs.Smith instructed the chef to prepare my favorite dishes.But my stomach being damaged from years of torture in River Mouth,couldn't handle spicy or heavy food.

In River Mouth,I dared not speak of my suffering.Now,I had no one to confide in.

"Claire,darling,don't worry.I'll throw you a grand welcome feast.Eat well and regain your weight."Mrs Smith said with a voice filled with concern.

Her words brought tears to my eyes.In River Mouth,they preserved my appearance,fearing William's wrath.But William's actions were contradictory.He sent me to River Mouth,yet instructed them to protect me.I couldn't understand his motives.

After dinner,I excused myself.I was afraid that my condition would raise suspicions.Weeks of malnutrition had taken its toll.

I guessed William hadn't gone to the office.He was probably with Izzy.Everyone seemed joyful except me.

After coming back to my room,I collapsed.I was overwhelmed by pain and fear.When I woke up,I felt slightly better.Mrs.Smith had assumed my frailty to excessive weight loss.

A plausible excuse.

I didn't want the Smiths to worry or suspect William's involvement.For now,this reasoning would suffice.

As expected,my wound started bleeding again.Fortunately,I had a medical kit in my room,thanks to William's basketball hobby.

Mrs.Smith regularly checked the kit,ensuring it was well-stocked.I treated myself,and the bleeding stopped.For months,I lived cautiously in the Smith household,trying hi avoid any kind of attention.

Mrs.Smith noticed my unusual behavior and began probing me.Previously,I wouldn't have cared about offending others.As the only girl in the Smith family,Mrs.Smith had spoiled me rotten.Everyone outside the household flattered and catered to me.

Now,I was unrecognisably timid.William likely feared his secret would be exposed.When Mrs.Smith noticed something was amiss,William swiftly took me out of the house.

Mrs.Smith agreed with William's decision,advising me to avoid him.

"Don't go to my mother.I'll find you if needed.Move to the apartment on YT Road."

After throwing out these words coldly,William dropped me off.

"Okay"

I nod my head in agreement before entering in the car,minimizing my presence as much as possible.

"Have you really learned to behave or are you faking it?"William asked before adding,"You bullied Izzy,making her cry.You're so cruel."

I meekly apologized,avoiding further confrontation.William's tone turned icy as he said,"Don't try to manipulate me

.I won't mistreat you if you obey."

William's hand on my head triggered me.In River Mouth,such gestures preceded with suffocation.

I immediately knelt and began trembling.But,he misunderstood my reaction.He said in an indifferent voice,"You're acting again,thinking everyone will pity you?"

His distrust were build from Izzy's words.I knew the truth.Izzy's influence made William so cruel.

"Please forgive me.I won't repeat my mistake."I apologized.But,William's annoyance grew more.

"Get up.I don't want to see you."He said in a cold voice before turning to the driver.He ordered the driver to stop and tossed me out.

I took a deep breath after being free from William

.Suddenly,a familiar voice startled me.

"Hey,you're hard to find."

I turned to see July,my River Mouth protector.

"July!I've missed you so much."I rushed into her arms as I was overwhelmed to see her again.

"There,there,don't cry.Did I arrive late?"July asked.

"No,you're not late.I'm just happy you're here."I replied.

July's warm demeanor soothed me.

"Let's go.I've got your back."She led me to a luxurious car.The expensive vehicle hinted at July's residents.

We arrived at a high-end complex.The apartment's decor suited my taste.With July by my side,I felt at home.

"Do you like it?Let's stay here."July's simplicity hid something great.

Time passed and William's absence lifted my spirits.However,nightmares continued haunting me.

I woke up from another terrifying dream.While being shaken from the dream,I prepared dinner.July's whereabouts were unknown.As a guest,I took care of household chores.

That was the only thing I could do to contribute from my side..Though July wouldn't keep score.I couldn't exploit her kindness.For now,our symbiotic relationship brought me peace.

Life has been great these past few days,free from William's disturbances.Living with July,I felt relaxed and happy.July was someone I met in River Mouth.She had always protected me,but I had learned not to rely too heavily on anyone after what happened with William.

"I want to find a job and support myself."I told July.She had taken care of me for over a month while insisting me to recover from my past hardships in River Mouth.

I proposed to look for jobs as I was eager to be independent and avoid relying on others.That way,I wouldn't be helpless in the future.

During this month,I hadn't contacted William,but I had seen his daily posts on social media.It was clear that most of them were posted by his darling,Izzy.It seemed like William's family hadn''t seen those posts.Only friends of the same age could see them.

Last night,William posted a photo of him and Izzy watching fireworks together with caption:"Thanks for the spectacular fireworks display."

It was obvious that they spent the day together and William surprised Izzy with a stunning fireworks show.That was typical of William.When he cared for someone,he would be wholeheartedly devoted.

I didn't interact with the post,avoiding any entanglement with them.But soon after William called me and unleashed a torrent of accusations while yelling coldly,"You're so malicious.Izzy's so kind yet you made her cry."

"Izzy is willing to accept you and forgive you.She even asked me to look out for you.Yet you're still so cruel."

William's cold voice left me baffled.I hadn't contacted him or Izzy.

"I didn't do anything,William.I apologize.I'm sorry."

Experience taught me that apologizing,regardless of fault,might minimize trouble.

"If you've done nothing,why are you apologizing then?It just proves your guilt.Izzy's in the hospital because of being overwhelmed by your words."William's venomous tone continued,"Come to the hospital.Kneel by Izzy's bed and admit your mistakes."

In William's eyes,I was inherently cruel,always bullying Izzy.He never questioned Izzy's actions or considered my perspective.

After hanging up,I prepared to leave,but another call came.William's distant voice sounded from the other end,"You don't need to come now.Izzy graciously forgave you.Your presence might upset her.Stay home and reflect."

William hung up,likely rushing to comfort Izzy.I felt relieved and changed my plans.Since I was already dressed,I decided to visit grocery shop.July handled my expenses,but I wanted to cook dinner before she returned.

I chose the bustling market,seeking its lively atmosphere to lift my spirits.While exploring the market,I discovered its unique charm.Last time I was here,July and I bought fish,but we left quickly.

This time,with enough time,I wandered around and got fascinated by everything.

William assumed I was still obsessed with him and resentful of Izzy.He believed I bullied Izzy in school and still harbor ill feelings.While Izzy being hospitalized for a week,William devoted himself to her,leaving me and July in peace.