Bound By Lies

Scarlett’s point of view.

Little Ashley's cries had been relentless, and I was at my wit's end. I'd tried everything - diaper changes, feedings, and even online research - but nothing seemed to calm her. A call to my doctor revealed the culprit: too many clothes.

I quickly switched her to lighter attire, and she finally succumbed to sleep. I was exhausted, having endured a full day of her crying. I was just drained, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes, threatening to spill over. It took me everything to push the thought of sadness aside, trying to focus on the future. I had to take care of Little Ashley; I definitely couldn't do it while sobbing. I had to control my emotions and think only about her.

I let out a deep breath as I swung the door of the closet open; my hand grasped a nightdress. A lone tear flowed out of my eye as I brought it to my nose.

Scarlynn’s fragrance of love entered my nostrils, and it felt like she was closer to me, even though she was so far away from me, she was unreachable, and I'd never see her again.

I pushed all the thoughts out of my mind. I decided to put on clothes before that man comes home.

After getting ready, I walked across the room and sat on the couch, resting my head against the backrest. My eyes drooped, and I closed them, trying to gather my thoughts and process everything that had happened. As if that was too much to ask?

The door to the room swung open, and Asher walked in, his footsteps echoing through the room.

My brows furrowed as I gazed at him; his steps were uneven. The air around him reeked of stale alcohol, and I instinctively covered my nose as he drew closer.

"There you are, little whore," Asher said, his tone laced with bitterness.

As he walked closer, I tried to cover my nose as much as possible, hating the smell of alcohol.

Asher tossed his jacket over me, and I leapt off the couch. "What's wrong with you, huh? What's your problem?" I asked, my tone stern as I shot him a glare. He let out a scoff.

"My problem is you, whore," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "You don't belong here but in the streets."

He took another step closer to me, and before I could react, he grabbed me by the neck, tightening his grip.

I gasped as he squeezed, trying to remove his hands, but he wouldn't budge.

For a moment, I thought I was going to die until I kicked him in the groin. He quickly let go of me, groaning in pain. My breath came in short gasps as I tried to catch some air, a sharp pain cutting through my neck.

"How dare you cheat on me? I've been nothing but faithful to you, and you go and sleep around like some shameless whore?" Asher's tone was laced with disgust.

I didn't know what he was talking about, but I knew my sister wouldn't have done that, even if she was forced into this relationship. I wasn't going to let him talk bad about my dead sister.

My eyes locked onto his , my gaze steady and unyielding. "Asher Black, you will not treat me like some kind of trash," I said, my voice firm. "You will not insult me ever again, do you understand? I'm letting this go, but don't ever try it." I grabbed his hand, dragged him to the bathroom, and pushed him inside the shower.

He was too drunk to even try to push me away. I turned on the cold water, letting it fall on him. "Call me when you come back to your senses," I said, turning to leave.

As I made my way out of the bathroom, I locked the door behind me.

Just when I thought I was going to relax, little Ashley started crying, her wailing echoing through the room. "This is just my luck!" I muttered under my breath.

I strode over to the bed, scooped her into my arms, and held her close to my chest. For some reason, I wasn't scared to hold her, maybe because I was getting used to being a mother. I just prayed I would do a good job raising her.

Ashley immediately fell asleep, but when I tried to put her back in her cot, she started crying again. I decided to just hold her while she slept.

My mind wandered back to what Asher had said. What was he accusing my sister of? Scarlynn was not a cheater. She had dated a couple of guys in high school, but that didn't make her a cheater. Asher was just a jerk with no backbone, and maybe the alcohol was talking.

Whatever it was, I wouldn't let him accuse my sister of having an affair. She wouldn't have done it, no matter what. I trusted her.

"Scarlynn, open this damn door!" Asher's tone was laced with fury. A growing sense of irritation spread through me, my patience wearing thin. I wondered what my sister had gone through living with such a jerk.

I decided to let him sleep in the bathroom tonight and deal with his nonsense tomorrow. It was his punishment for raising his hand on me.

Next time, he would think twice before trying anything. I didn't even realize when I'd fallen asleep, sitting on the bed with little Ashley in my arms, her head gently rested on my chest.