2
The abrupt smack and barrage of insults left me feeling both pained and humiliated.
Everyone in the beauty parlor watched intently as a wife seemingly confronted her husband's lover.
"She appears quite composed in her speech and actions."
"It's surprising that at her age, she'd lure married men and engage in such disgraceful behavior. Truly, anything can happen in this world."
The murmurs of onlookers echoed in my ears.
Fighting through the sting on my cheek, I tried to explain, "Siena, there's a misunderstanding. I'm Troy's..."
Siena cut me off before I could finish.
She yanked my hair and shoved me to the floor. Several of her companions joined in, striking and kicking me.
The severe pain nearly rendered my entire body numb.
As Siena continued her assault, she berated me, "You harlot. You enticed my husband, and now you deny being his mistress.
"If you're not his lover, how do you know my name?
"It's laughable. I didn't realize you were so deceitful.