My hand trembled and I withdrew it.

Silas's hands didn't stop, but he surprisingly glanced up at me.

I didn't look at him, nor did I care to anymore.

Silas got angry again and locked me in the bathroom.

There was a lot of noise outside that evening, along with strong winds and snow. I sat there and listened all night.

In a daze, I was jolted awake by a frantic phone ringing.

"Is this Miss Spencer? Your mother has been in a car accident and is currently being rescued. Please come to the Public Hospital immediately."

My heart lurched.

"Silas!"

I slammed my palms against the door, trying to drown out the sounds outside.

Silas opened the door, wrapped in a bathrobe. His loose collar revealed hickeys and the woman in his arms clung to him.

"What's wrong?"

"My mom … she was in a car accident. Can you please take me to the hospital?"

I knelt on the ground and begged him, tears welling up in my eyes, afraid he wouldn't take me because he was upset.

"Juliette, you didn't even bother making up a good lie. It's 3 a.m. in a blizzard. Normal people stay home. Did a car crash into your mother's house?"

Sue sneered, pointing at the dark sky and the heavy snow outside.