Jesse was terrified.

For the first time, she saw Nylia’s true colors, fully understanding what it meant to be a “venomous beauty.”

When Stuart went on a business trip for over half a month, Jesse was locked in the basement for the entire duration. She bore injuries all over her body, was deprived of food, and was given only occasional sips of water—treated no better than a prisoner.

Every night, Nylia would strut in with the air of a domineering stepmother, whip in hand, forcing Jesse to kneel before her and listen to her lectures about submission and the futility of resistance.

For the sake of survival, Jesse had no...