“Bang.”

Avita's eyes turned red with rage as she heard the door close.

'I gave you a chance, but you blew it. You've always been too laid-back for a man as if you believe I'll die if I don't have you. If you and your family want it your way, then get it.'

'I'm not going to be the same person anymore. For a cousin, you smack and yell at me today. What about the next day? Do you think I'll stand there and be abused and killed by the bunch of you?'

Avita felt contrived. She'd never been smacked before, let alone by a man. Despite the fact that...