CHAPTER 18

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As Luna stepped into her abode, her heart still fluttered with the elation of Aaron's proposal, the vision of a shared future enveloping her in a cocoon of hope. The tranquil warmth of their cherished moments stood in stark contrast to the tempest that awaited her.

Upon opening the door, the harsh reality of her father's presence loomed large, eclipsing the anticipation of her new chapter. His silhouette cast a menacing shadow in the dimly lit living room, a harbinger of frustration and fury. The funds she had entrusted to her mother had already vanished, and her father's mood was a volatile storm.

He pivoted sharply at her arrival, his eyes ablaze with anger. “Why are you home so late?” His voice sliced through the atmosphere, sharp and accusatory.

Luna's earlier joy dissipated, replaced by a profound frustration. “It’s none of your concern,” she shot back, her tone resolute.

Her defiance ignited the flames of his already simmering rage. He advanced toward her, his hand moving with a sudden, violent intent. The slap was swift and brutal, sending Luna reeling backward. The immediate sting on her cheek was searing, her father's wrath intensified by a potent mix of alcohol and pent-up resentment.

How dare you show me such disrespect? I am your father, never forget that!” he bellowed, his voice reverberating through the house like a thunderclap.

Luna’s bitterness and despair collided in a sharp retort. “You? My father? When have you ever acted like one?” Her words, laden with years of anguish, only served to further ignite his fury.

Without a moment's pause, he seized a vase from the table, its porcelain glistening ominously in the dim light. He swung it violently toward her, and Luna's instinct to defend herself proved futile. The vase shattered against her arm, the sharp pain of the impact mingling with the warm trickle of blood that began to flow from the wound. She glanced down, her vision blurring with tears and crimson.

The relentless assault persisted. Her father struck her once more, the force of his hand sending her crashing to the floor. The world spun around her, and the cold, unyielding surface felt like a cruel reminder of her reality.

The agony in her head was piercing and relentless, accompanied by a warm, sticky stream of blood trickling from a wound on her forehead. As she lay on the cold floor, her body instinctively curled into a defensive posture, a brutal kick to her abdomen sent waves of torment coursing through her. Each breath became a struggle, her strength waning as she fought to shield herself from the onslaught. The unforgiving floor beneath her served as a stark reminder of her fragility.

In the kitchen, her mother stood frozen, her expression a blend of fear and helplessness. She observed in silent despair, years of submission rendering her immobile, unable to intervene. Her eyes brimmed with a profound sorrow, mirroring the shattered spirit that had endured so much suffering over the years.

The violence seemed to stretch endlessly, a relentless cycle of anguish and powerlessness. Luna’s thoughts wandered to Aaron, the solitary beacon in her shadowy existence. The promise of his love and the future they envisioned together were the only threads tethering her to hope amidst the despair. In her mind, she clung fiercely to the belief that their love could pierce through the darkness and illuminate a path to freedom.

As the tempest of violence finally began to wane, Luna lay on the floor, her breath ragged and uneven. The room was enveloped in a heavy silence, punctuated only by the distant sound of her father’s retreating footsteps. Slowly, her mother approached, her movements tentative and laden with sorrow, her face a canvas of regret and apology.

Despite the pain and fear that enveloped her, Luna managed to offer a faint, reassuring smile to her mother. It was a gesture of solidarity, a silent vow that she would seek a way out of this nightmarish existence. Even in the face of such overwhelming brutality, Luna’s spirit remained unyielding. She understood that with Aaron’s unwavering love and support, she had a chance to escape the cycle of abuse and forge a life filled with hope and joy.

The night was far from over, yet in those darkest moments, Luna’s heart clung to the belief that a brighter future awaited her—a future she would fight to embrace.

To be continued...

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