When I gave birth, Hudson was away on a business trip.
During my postpartum recovery, Hudson was with Aria, hosting a one-month celebration for the children.
When I wanted to see my babies, Hudson only ever had one answer: "They're too young. It's not convenient."
So I waited. And waited. Until Colton and Willa started calling Aria "Mommy."
"Check it out! Look at the tattoo I gave this whore. Not bad, right?"
A violent surge of pain tore me out of my memories.
A crowd had gathered around me, staring down at the tattoos scrawled across my body.
Someone read the words aloud, one by one.
"Whore."
"Slut."
Every filthy word forced my eyes shut in anguish. If only this were a dream.
If I could just wake up, I'd still be that girl from the mountains.
I would never have met Hudson. Never would have willingly given him two children.
The next day.
The same routine.
I was dolled up like a ragdoll. Someone even smeared lipstick on my mouth.
Only after they made sure none of my injuries were visible was I taken to the visitation room.
Willa Acevedo stood timidly behind Hudson in a pink dress, peeking out at me from behind him.
"Daddy, is this the bad woman that brother was talking about?"