HATRED (series 1#)

chapter 11

She silently wept, knowing that crying louder would only provoke Ryan further. His eyes showed no signs of guilt or remorse, even as he witnessed her pain.

"What were you thinking, Kylie? Did you really believe your first night in this house would be easy?" he scolded, shattering her illusions. "From this day on, peace will be a distant memory for you, I promise."

Confused, Kylie obeyed his command to rise from the bed.

"Put on your clothes and sleep on the balcony. That's where you belong."

"His words sent a shiver down her spine, reminiscent of the chilly weather outside. Swiftly, he rose from his seat, gripping her shoulders tightly and forcefully guiding her towards the balcony. With a harsh click, he closed the door.

"Please, don't do this to me. I'll do anything you ask," she pleaded, desperately attempting to open the door.

"If you touch that door again, you'll be sleeping outside," he warned sternly.

She immediately ceased her struggle, resigning herself to her cruel fate.

**********

Ryan woke up and went to the balcony to wake her, violently grabbing her already bruised shoulder. Kylie, who had cried herself to sleep against the wall, awoke with fear in her eyes.

"Hurry up and get ready. You have to clean the entire house," he demanded.

Kylie attempted to stand but was overcome by excruciating pain. Her entire body throbbed. Deep down, she knew she couldn't escape Ryan's grasp. She had no choice but to accept whatever punishment he inflicted. She wiped away her tears and tried to stand once more.

"I... I... can't... stand," I stuttered, struggling to find my balance.

He forcefully grabbed my arm and threw me into the bathroom.

"Take a shower and hurry up," he commanded.
I quickly showered and emerged from the room, relieved to find Ryan gone. I hastily got dressed and headed downstairs, hoping to catch a glimpse of the kind old woman I had seen the day before.

"If anything goes missing in this house, I know who's responsible," he warned, slipping his hand into his pocket.

"Where would I take it if I stole something? Besides, I don't think I'm even allowed to go out," I replied, glancing at the furniture once again. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I had spoken aloud, forgetting that Ryan was nearby. He must have heard what I said.

He grabbed my hand and forcefully dragged me into the kitchen.

"Start cleaning and stop talking nonsense," he ordered.

"You won't eat anything today. Consider it a consequence for speaking out against me. You can't disrespect me in my own house, Kylie."

"I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you. Please forgive me," she pleaded, grasping his legs.

In a moment of anger, he kicked her in the stomach, causing her immense pain.

"Never lay your filthy hands on me again, you..."

She gasped in pain, clutching her stomach as tears welled up in her eyes. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming.

He looked at her with a mix of anger and satisfaction, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.

"You're pathetic," he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.

Her heart sank as his words pierced through her, leaving her feeling small and defeated. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let him see her vulnerability.