Lily’s POV

The living room felt colder after the slap.

Mom stood with her back partially turned to Mia, one hand still trembling at her side. When she finally spoke, her voice was low and exhausted, as if every word cost her something.

“Lily… I don’t want to do this.” She looked at me, eyes red but steady. “But I will report her tomorrow. At least she can stay there for some months. I don’t want to see her for now. I don’t know how you got to this extent, Mia… I really don’t.”

Mia’s face crumpled completely.

“Mom, please—” The words tumbled out in a frantic rush. “Please don’t....