My lower back slammed into the railing, and the pain spread through my nerves. I gasped, "Ouch, that hurts!"
I couldn't afford to fall. I gripped the railing, trying to steady myself.
But I was losing strength fast, and before I knew it, I was teetering on the edge. I was about to tumble down.
Alice, furious that she hadn't managed to push me over, lifted her leg and kicked at me with force.
"No!" I panicked. I reacted quickly, dodging her attack, but my back collided with the railing again—ouch! My bones felt like they were going to snap.
Alice, frustrated by her failed attack, stormed toward me, her face twisted in anger. "Listen to me, Aurora. Just because you're staying in my house doesn't mean you get to marry my brother. Got it?"
"I don't get it," I retorted. I'd never once con
