The silence that engulfed the whole living room was thick and suffocating. It was stretching like an invisible force pressing down on my chest, each second making me want to cry out of frustration and pressure.
I knew what I said took them by surprise. It was still in the air and I could feel it poisoning the atmosphere.
And then..
"How dare you?"
My father's voice tore through the silence. The sharp edge of his disapproval sliced into me, sending shivers down my spine. It reminded me of when we were kids— when Elizabeth would lie and frame me for something I didn’t do.
So, I braced myself, fearing deja vu. His dark, scrutinizing eyes bore into mine, the same moment his expression contorted with something between disbelief and disgust.
My stepmother, who was standing beside Elizabeth
