A scream split the hallway.
Mom rushed forward, cradling Verena in her arms, her face twisted with anguish.
“Si, Si, my
dear girl, are you hurt? Hold on, I’ll take you to the hospital!”
Dad stormed over and slapped me across the face.
“Miranda, when will you stop making trouble? Verena is your own sister! If you hadn’t run off years ago, none of this would’ve happened. She stayed with us for eight years–what right do you have to raise a hand against her?”
His voice thundered.
“I’m telling you now, Verena is my only daughter. If you dare touch her again, you’ll be the death of me! And don’t even think about leaving without five hundred thousand!“!
So that was it. All about money.
Verena lay limp in Mom’s arms. Fury consumed her as she abandoned her daughter and lunged at me, clawing and striking.” “You lunatic! How could I have birthed a monster like you? No wonder you were kidnapped–you deserved it! Eight years of torture wasn’t enough. You’re nothing but a parasite, a debt collector, a bloodsucking demon!”
Her blows split my skin; I fought back so hard my fingernails tore from their beds, blood soaking my sleeves. My screams echoed, rattling the building.
I saw a neighbor’s door crack open–just as my father kicked me down the stairs. Then he bowed low, his voice suddenly contrite.
“Sorry, everyone. Our daughter’s unstable. She’s lost control again. We’ll take her home right away.”
Murmurs rose in the hall.
“I knew the Locke family had a lunatic. Turns out it’s true–an adopted girl, no less, How ungrateful.” “Poor Verena. Beaten by her own sister for no reason.”
Despite Father’s excuses, the police still arrived. Verena was rushed to the hospital. My parents, without hesitation, dragged me in front of the officers.
“She pushed Verena down the stairs!” Mom cried,
Dad added grimly, “Her injuries are severe. The wedding might be delayed. She must pay compensation! Half a million–or we’ll see her in court.”
Blood and tears stung my face as I trembled.
“Fine. Then we’ll go to court. Let’s settle this once and for all. Since you don’t want me, we’ll cut ties here.”
They hadn’t expected me to fight back.
