After Falling for My Childhood Friend, He Sent Me to Hell

"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.