Second Chances, No Mercy

lucrative opportunity. I pivoted to live-streaming and online sales. The attention I wa

hold back, accusing me of us

my parents, I moved out. I used part of the income to cover my living expenses, and the rest to

ined legal rights and protections. Slowly but surely, more wom

nged my number. With Melissa unable to c

o thrive-showing no signs of regret-they began to panic. Eventually, they tracked down my new contact information and started b

thing they did was for your own good. No parent is perfect.

en you-estranged from everyone. You think it's easy to find a good mat

I was working on

'm heartless, and you're a shining example of family loyalt

elp! Is this how you talk to

you don't want to hear it, stop letti

k off. But my parents weren't do

basket of fruit, while my parents b

n you? We were just trying to protect your reputation and help you make the right choices. You've made money now, sure, but lo

o grab my hand, b

n anymore," I said coldly.

just want to make sure you're safe. Living alone isn't ideal for a young woman. Why don't yo

e moves in, it won't be long before you expect

Why make such a big deal out of it? Just because you're earning

fair. Put the house in my name, and transfer the savings you're

ested in unison, their synchro

t," I said, poin

lf, to be selfish when nece

realized I wasn't backing down. But their remorse didn't matter to me. The moment I died at the h

they were his accomplices-willingly chainin

as growing increasingly desperate, running

o medical reasons, arranged a mee

. Instead, they adopted a humble de

t my son go. I'm an old woman who worked tirelessly to raise him. You'v

of her hand. "It's all my fault. I'll apologize-whateve

but her eyes betrayed t

ight. What I did-I only did it because I love you so much. We could've had a happy marriage

t harmony, presented them

nsate you. Just name a

h false hope as they

ke them didn't change overnight. This was

omeone who schemes to get a girl pregnant to lower the wedding costs isn't abou

ble and lunging at me. I sidestepped with ease, watching as she

ie! Back off now while you still can.

ng I regret is ever m

r sentence," Ms. O'Brien informed me. "I'll

n ever. The case had attracted significant public at

for Greg to resort to des

sue, Greg appeared from nowhere and covered my mouth with his hand. I s

d feet tightly bound. Greg sat on the edge of the

f my past life-dying under his fists-

g me? This will only make things worse fo

years? What the hell's the difference? My life's al

he shouted, then lunged forward,

e you doing this to

is is all your own doing. You still have a chance, Greg. Serve your sentence,

y over. You ruined me! If I'm go

ment, my mind went blank. The excruciating pain of

s end the same way. I refuse to die at his hands again-not when

fear, snapping Greg out of his frenzy. Relief washed

t, his eyes darting wildly as he assessed the scene outside. Police had surrounded th

ked glances told another story. Greg feared death, even more than he hated

go immediately!" a po

ammered, sweat dripping fr

to push him

e a master of turning bad into worse. It was just three years in prison, but now? Kidnapping? You'

with rage, his grip tightening as he shook me

ill me, but now you'll rot in prison as a rapist a

kill you!" he screamed,

sniper's shot rang out. The impact threw

, staring at the hole in his chest in disbelie

ouldn't deny the grim satisfaction. A small wo

In the following weeks, she made a few half-hearted attempts to harass me, but her failin

d partnered with Ms. O'Brien to launch a legal aid program for wome

of love and family bonds. But their motives were transparent; they sought my success

d chance, was mine

finall