My Stepmother Beat Me Until I Had A Miscarriage

"I have a family photo of the three of us," I said desperately, "If you don't believe me, check my bag."

Someone skeptically rummaged through my bag and soon pulled out the photograph.

Although Gary had marked it out with a black pen, it was still clear enough that he was in the picture.

The group stared at the photo, murmuring among themselves. Some said it resembled him, while others disagreed.

My heart pounded with anxiety.

"Scarlett," I pleaded, "I really am Gary's daughter. I swear, I won't tell anyone about today's events. I know you're upset because you care about Gary so much. He won't blame you for this."

As I spoke, I tried to discreetly dial the police on my phone, but Scarlett saw me.

She yanked my hair viciously, her voice laced with venom. "So you've come prepared, huh? Is this some sort of show? Planning to call Gary while you're at it?

"Thinking of calling the cops? Seems like you're feeling guilty, doesn't it?

"Just because you're younger, you think you can insult me and call me old and washed-up?

"Let me tell you something, tomorrow it's me marrying him, not you, the so-called mistress.

"Is it just because your hair looks better or your face is younger? I'll make sure you regret showing up here."

They pinned me down and slaps continued to rain on my face until I was left speechless, tears of pain streaming down my face.

Scarlett grabbed a pair of scissors and methodically began cutting my hair, leaving me with a bald head.

I could only sob helplessly, unable to fight back.

I remembered how much Halle used to love doing my hair. "My little girl," she'd say, "your hair is so shiny. Long hair looks the prettiest. You're my little princess."

Gary also adored my long hair. "That's right, my daughter is just as beautiful as your mother. We'll learn to style your hair together."

My hair was precious to me, a tangible link to Halle and the happy family we once were.

Gary and Halle had promised to protect me and make me the happiest princess.

But now, with Halle gone and Gary's new wife beating me without reason, the home that once felt warm had turned into a cruel battleground.

The sharp scissors cut into my scalp, blood trickling down my face.

One of the women, with my blood smeared on her hands, hesitated, clearly frightened.

She looked at Scarlett and said, "Scarlett, don't you think we're going a bit too far?

"What if Mr. Hathaway finds out and gets upset about this poor girl?"

Scarlett snorted dismissively. "Too far? What's too far? She's a mistress destroying a family. Besides, I'm the one Gary's marrying. Why are you scared?

"Make sure to do this right, and I'll reward you all."

Seizing the moment, I finally managed to speak through my tears, "Please, just let me go. I'm not a mistress. I'm married, and I'm pregnant with my husband's child. I swear I'm Gary's daughter."

Hearing this, they hesitated and released my grip. I fell to my knees, begging, "Please, just spare me. I'm really not a mistress. If you let me go, I'll never show up in front of Gary again. No one will interfere with your chance to become Mrs. Hathaway.

"Just let my child be safe, and I'll do anything you ask."

I thought I had humbled myself enough, but those words seemed to push me further into danger.