Chapter 105: Estella Was Slapped
On the way to kindergarten, Estella sat in the backseat, hugging her backpack and staring down, looking upset. Aubree, determined to maintain a faรงade of closeness, watched her through the rearview mirror.
"Essie, are you feeling well? Should I take you to the hospital?" she asked solicitously.
Estella didn't respond.
Aubree frowned, continuing in a sweet voice, "How about I excuse you from school, and we go home to rest?" Still, no reply.
Aubree's patience wore thin. "Estella Farwell, what's with that expression? I can't even have a decent conversation with you!"
Estella shuddered, hugging her backpack tighter at Aubree's displeased tone. Aubree, remembering Sonya's comments about Lucian's reluctance to marry her, and connecting it to Estella's resistance, grew furious.
If it weren't for this child's attitude, would Roxanne be with Lucian? Would I be so anxious about Roxanne's return? she thought.
Enraged, Aubree pulled over, slamming on the brakes. Estella lurched forward, looking up to meet Aubree's burning gaze in the rearview mirror. Estella's eyes widened; she looked around frantically.
Every time this woman does this, I can't get helpโฆ she thought.
Aubree's anger flared at Estella's frightened expression. She opened the back door, slamming it shut behind her. Estella tried to move away, but Aubree roughly grabbed her arm.
"What is the meaning of this, Little Mute? You're displaying your hatred for me to your father, aren't you?" Aubree snarled, tightening her grip. "Have I not treated you well? I practically worship you, and this is how you repay me? Do you think I won't do anything to you?"
Estella's eyes reddened with pain, but she bit her lip, refusing to make a sound or meet Aubree's gaze.
Aubree's anger escalated at Estella's silence. She pulled Estella onto her lap and slapped her bottom hard. "Stupid mute! Do you think I'd appease you if it weren't for Lucian? Ungrateful child! You will accept my marriage to your father! Otherwise, you'll regret it!"
Aubree's vicious curses echoed with the sharp slaps. Tears welled in Estella's eyes, but she stubbornly bit her lip, refusing to cry.
"Still stubborn!" Aubree pinched Estella's inner thigh. "Let's see how much you can take!"
Estella cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to escape Aubree's grasp.
(Note: The final sentence of the original text, "S~แดaสแดh the FษชndNรธvel.nแดt website on Gรธรธglแด to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is a promotional line and has been removed.)