From that day on, I finally had a way to fight back. Still, I knew perfectly well that on my own, I didn't stand a chance, not in my condition, not against both of them working together, so I needed someone on my side.
I was getting so weak that even Derek started to worry, and for the first time, he made an exception and allowed my mom to come see me. Of course, it wasn't out of kindness. He and Vanessa stayed close the entire time, watching every move like guards.
My mom is the only family I have in this world.
The second she saw me, her eyes filled with tears, and her voice broke as she rushed over. "Joanne, what happened to you? How did you get this thin? Did he do something to you?"
Derek didn't miss a beat. He stepped forward, wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and pulled me gen
