Chapter 3 - The Breaking Point
Elena flinched as if physically struck by the demand. Her lower lip quivered uncontrollably, and a fresh wave of hot tears spilled over her cheeks. She looked up at Margaret, desperation clawing at her throat. She had barely slept, her body ached from postpartum recovery, and the baby wouldn't stop crying, yet the tyrant before her demanded obedience above human endurance. Before Elena could force a response past her choked breath, the front door of the villa clicked open, echoing softly through the hallway. Footsteps approached the kitchen entrance, bringing a momentary pause to the psychological warfare playing out over the marble island.
