“Drag this girl aside. Let her watch and learn what happens to those who break the rules.”
“It’s scorching hot! You’d let Lily stand out here in the sun?” I cried.
He glanced at Lily’s pale face but was too blinded by rage.
“Enough. Climb, or else—”
The unfinished threat was clear enough.
I dared not argue further, terrified he might turn his fury on Lily.
So I staggered forward, every step heavier than the last.
Richard’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk at my obedience.
Within minutes, sweat soaked through my clothes.
The sun blazed like an oven, my head spinning, nausea rising in my throat.
Suddenly my right leg gave way again, and I fell, my mouth slamming against the ground.
Blood smeared across my lips, brighter than the carpet on our wedding day.
My unhealed wound tore open, blood soaking through my white dress.
The guards paled with horror.
Richard leapt to his feet at last, his face betraying real panic.
Lily broke free and ran to my side, sobbing. She turned toward Richard Hayes and cried out, “Daddy! Mommy’s mouth and leg are bleeding—please take her to the hospital!”
Her little face was full of panic.