Chapter 5: The Abomination

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Ellie was overwhelmed with trepidation as she contemplated her mother’s reaction. She stood silently, trembling, refraining from engaging with either her mother or the guest in attendance. The guest, Mrs. Johnson, observed Ellie with a mixture of concern and alarm, exclaiming, “Mrs. Malcolm, is that your... daughter?” Her expression mirrored the anxiety Ellie felt at that moment. Mrs. Malcolm, maintaining her composure, replied, “Of course, this is my wonderful daughter, Ellie,” accompanied by a forced smile. She then gently instructed Ellie, “Dear, please greet our guest.”

With visible apprehension, Ellie approached Mrs. Johnson and timidly said, “Hello, Mrs. Johnson.” The response was a nervous, “Hello, Ellie.” Afterward, Mrs. Malcolm tactfully suggested that Ellie leave her alone with the guest. Ellie promptly retreated to her room, acutely aware that her mother was likely to express her displeasure. Mrs. Johnson, visibly uneasy, remarked to Mrs. Malcolm, “Is this truly your daughter? She appears quite different from you. Is she unwell?” Mrs. Malcolm, filled with embarrassment, nodded and asserted, “My Ellie is rather fragile.” She then politely indicated to Mrs. Johnson, “I believe it is time for you to depart.” Mrs. Johnson, in agreement, prepared to leave, and Mrs. Malcolm summoned a butler to escort her.

Once Mrs. Johnson had exited, Mrs. Malcolm marched angrily toward Ellie’s room. Upon arrival, she shouted for Ellie to come immediately. Ellie, overcome with fear, approached her mother. Attempting to explain, she began, “Mom, I am sorry, I...” However, before she could complete her thought, her mother delivered a hard slap that resonated loudly, causing Ellie’s pale complexion to flush red. Her mother then shouted, “Did I not warn you? Are you attempting to disgrace me and tarnish my reputation? Do you think I enjoy having an ugly creature like a daughter?" She stared at Ellie with hatred and continued, "You can't imagine how much you disgust me," before leaving.

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