She dug her nails into her palms, wishing the floor would just open up and swallow her whole.
Her eyes began frantically scanning for an exit.
Terror gripped Cecilia. Shattered by her husband and mother-in-law's betrayal, she followed her brother's direction and looked up.
But instead of facing her tormentor, she met the confused gaze of the woman who had saved her life.
Cecilia flinched, taken aback.
Ruby was looking right at her.
"CC, what exactly did I ever do to you? What did I say that made you hate me so much?"
She asked, her voice a mix of concern and hurt.
Cecilia was baffled, waving her hands in a panic.
"No, I—"
Jonathan tried to calm her.
"CC, it's okay. Don't be scared. You can say whatever you need to.
You're safe here, and I'll protect you."
The second the words
