Chapter 426
Chapter 426:
That memory cracked something in her.
Her lashes went wet. Tears gathered and slipped down as she whispered, unsteady, “Please… get up p>
But Fulton stayed on his knees, shoulders shaking. He lifted his face, voice rough. “Does that mean you’ve really forgiven me p>
Tessa gave a small nod. “Alright… I’ll go back with you p>
Fulton’s whole body trembled with relief. He jumped to his feet and grabbed her hand like he would never let it go, spilling gratitude in a rush. “Thank you, Tessa — thank you. When we get home, I’ll cook your favorite dish myself p>
Gabriela saw the decision in Tessa’s eyes and swallowed everything she wanted to say. With a quiet sigh, she tugged Aubrey toward the car and left the couple behind.
As the engine started, Aubrey frowned and muttered, “How did Fulton even get out of jail? And seriously — do men like that ever actually change p>
Gabriela’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. The memory of Fulton’s cold, calculating gaze flickered in her mind, and a chill ran through her. Change? She doubted it.
Still, with Tessa choosing to go back, all Gabriela could do now was hope he wouldn’t show his cruelty again.
Tessa followed Fulton into the house.
Raven and Sigrid both shot her sharp, contemptuous looks.
Dі𝘀𝘤𝗈𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘩𝗂𝖽de𝗻 𝗴е𝘮ѕ 𝗈n ѕ.co𝗺
Raven curled her lip. “So. You finally crawled back home p>
Sigrid added coolly, “Perfect timing. There are dishes in the sink. Go wash them p>
Not wanting to argue, Tessa turned to Fulton instead. “Fulton, I’m feeling a little worn out. I’d like to go lie down in the room p>
Before she could finish, Fulton’s hand struck her across the face.
The sound cracked through the air. Blood rose at the corner of her mouth.
Tessa stumbled and clutched her cheek, stunned. Her voice shook. “Fulton… why would you hit me p>
“How dare you ignore my sister?” Fulton snarled. “You think just because you bring home a paycheck and a little money, you get to look down on us p>
He grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked, forcing her head back so she had to look at him. “Listen carefully. In this house, I’m the one in charge. I don’t care how capable you think you are — you’ll never change how this home is run p>
A cold tremor gripped Tessa’s chest. Tears spilled down her face. “You swore you wouldn’t hit me again p>
His expression twisted with cruelty. “I promised not to hit you, yes — but look at how you treat my family. If you showed them proper respect, I wouldn’t have to lay a hand on you p>
Tessa’s voice rose, desperate and shaking. “They insult me and throw sarcasm at me every day. How am I supposed to treat them kindly p>
Fulton’s tone turned flat and icy. “You will respect my mother no matter how she treats you, and you will obey her every order p>
In the next breath, his boot slammed—
…into her knee. “Earlier, you refused to come home with me, so I had to kneel in front of strangers and beg you. Now it’s your turn to pay for that humiliation p>
Sigrid’s voice cut in from the side, vicious and eager. “Fulton, don’t forget — she called the police and had you thrown in jail. Teach her a real lesson p>