The Abusive Mother

Lesley's breath hitched, her chest tightening as if an invisible hand were squeezing her heart. Her pulse raced, each beat echoing like a drum in her ears. She took a step back, her body instinctively recoiling at the sight of her mother's venomous smile. Cassandra's lips curled in a way that sent shivers down Lesley's spine. She knew that smile all too well—it was never genuine, never kind. It was a mask, one that hid her mother's true intentions. And Lesley was certain that Cassandra's sudden interest in her was only because of Donovan.

"Lesley, my dear," Cassandra purred, rising gracefully from her seat. Her movements were deliberate, each step calculated as she closed the distance between them. Lesley shuddered, her eyes darting to Jace, who stood beside her like a silent sentinel. She clung to his presence, desperate for some semblance of safety.