Ava’s POV
The sting of the slap still burned on my cheek as I stood quietly. I could feel my eyes watering, but I refused to cry in front of her. She had already hurt me enough, but I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of seeing my tears.
“You humiliated Sarah in front of the three brothers!” she lashed out again, her voice sharp like a knife cutting into me.
“I didn’t humiliate her,” I said softly, careful not to raise my voice. I was hurt, yes, but I still respected her enough not to yell.
“You’re lying!” she snapped, raising her hand and slapping me again. My head jerked to the side, but I didn’t move. I didn’t fight back. I just stood there and let the pain settle on my skin. “You need to stop talking back and just admit that you embarrassed Sarah!”
My face throbbed, but I
