SCARLETT BLACKSTONE
The tension between me and my family was always palpable, but tonight it felt particularly suffocating.
As I glanced back, my heart sank seeing my dad and stepmom plastering on their fake smiles. My sisters shot me dirty looks from across the room, while my stepmom’s brother scanned me with that same cold, dispassionate gaze he’d given me when he encouraged my dad to hit me all those years ago. But tonight, his expression was unreadable, which only made me more uneasy.
“Scarlett, my daughter! How are you?” My dad’s voice boomed, slicing through the uncomfortable silence.
I turned to face him, careful to keep my emotions in check. “I’m very well. And you?” I asked, my tone cool.
He opened his arms for a hug, but I took a step back, extending my hand instead. The fl
