Once cherished and adored, Evie now appeared utterly wretched.

I looked at her, feeling nothing but a faint mix of sympathy and derision. Someone like her didn’t deserve forgiveness!

Mom and Eric, on the other hand, grew even angrier, their hands striking her repeatedly, like raindrops falling in a storm.

It was as if they needed to unleash all their frustrations onto her, while Evie's body trembled, presenting an image of utter helplessness.

Already battered, she endured yet another round of blows; soon, her breath grew shallow.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, desperately clinging to hope, but my Mom swatted her hand aside.

Just like the countless times she had...