Ava’s POV
The cold was starting to settle deep into my bones, but I stayed rooted in front of the door, hoping… maybe even praying, that my stepmother would come back and open it.
I lifted my hand, knocking again, harder this time around.
“Please…” I whispered, pressing my forehead against the door. “Please, just let me in. I swear I’ll figure something out. I will make sure more money comes out.”
The only answer I got was the sound of the television from inside. It wasn’t loud at first, but then the volume went up, drowning out any chance of her hearing me. I could almost picture her sitting there on the couch, her legs crossed, remote in hand, with a smug expression.
I know she wasn’t going to let me in not unless I agreed to what she wanted.
And I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.
I steppe
