"Oh, shut up! If you're going to cry again, then get out! We don't need a crybaby in this house!" Ruby snapped, irritated by Kate's tears.
Kate froze, stunned by her mother's harsh words.
Ruby was the only person she could turn to, yet even she refused to help her.
She had already endured more than enough.
"Kate, this is how things are now. If you want to live here, you have to follow the rules. No one will tolerate you otherwise."
"Mom, he's—"
"James is my partner now. Just go along with him for my sake."
"But he took advantage of me! He beats me like I'm nothing! Why do I have to endure this?"
"Maybe he wouldn't act that way if you didn't make him angry. Kate, things have changed, and so should you!"
"Mom, but he's a monster, you—"
Ruby's sharp glare stopped Kate mid-sentence.
She was already annoyed after being soaked with water, and Kate's defiance only made it worse.