That night, Jesse stayed in Chelsea’s room.

She shared stories of her past, detailing the hardships she endured over the years. Chelsea finally understood just how unfit Stuart was as a father and how terrifying Nylia was as a stepmother.

Jesse had suffered countless injustices in that household. The fact that she survived without being completely crushed by them was nothing short of a miracle.

Chelsea gently wiped away Jesse’s tears and patted her head. “From now on, you’ll stay with me. We’ll look out for each other. Don’t worry—no one will dare bully you as long as I’m here.”

Once, it was their parents and brothers who protected Chelsea....