★★★ CASSANDRA'S POV ★★★

I was dragged to the basement of my in-law's house, where they tied me to a chair. Rachel, my mother-in-law, approached me with a cruel smile, holding a sharp pair of scissors. She began to cut my hair, slowly and deliberately, taking pleasure in my suffering. I tried to remain strong, but it was difficult to bear the pain and humiliation. Rachel laughed cruelly as she continued to torture me, and I could only endure in silence.

When she finally finished, I was left with a ragged and uneven hairstyle. But the torture didn't stop there. Rachel began to slap and punch me, laughing as I cried out in pain. The beating seemed to go on forever until finally, she grew bored and left the room. Alone in the dark, with only my thoughts and the throbbing pain of my wounds, I wondered how much longer I could endure this treatment.

I married my husband Alexander Cross three years ago, but his family never valued or liked me. They have always disrespected me, treating me like a maid in my own husband's house. Yet, I endured everything and always tried to smile. But everything changed drastically eight months ago when Lily came back into Alexander's life.

Lily Lopez and Alexander grew up together in Florida, but Alexander's parents moved to America for a better life. Now Lily had come back from Florida to claim Alexander as her lover. She used every chance she got to mistreat and abuse me both physically and emotionally. To avoid stirring trouble between the two best friends, I endured everything.

Seven months ago, Lily and I went shopping but were met with a terrible accident. Lily ended up in the hospital and lost her womb. Rachel used this as an opportunity to torture and abuse me, as she had always disliked me. She began by locking me in the basement, cutting my hair, and then physically abusing me. I was trapped in a nightmare and had no idea how to escape.

I wept bitterly, remembering the ugly incidents I had gone through at the hands of the monsters I called a family. I was still whining in pain when Rachel burst into the basement, carrying a wig, makeup, and some clothes.

"Put this on now!" she roared, her voice echoing through the entire basement. When I had finished, Rachel roughly dressed me in the clothes, not caring if they were too tight or uncomfortable. She dragged me out of the basement and into the car, speeding to the hospital for blood donation. On the way, Rachel spoke to me in a harsh, commanding tone.

"You will do exactly as I say, or else there will be consequences," Rachel said, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes," I whispered, afraid to say anything else. I knew that Rachel was capable of anything, and I didn't want to risk provoking her.

When we arrived at the hospital, Rachel led me into the blood donation room. She roughly pushed me into a chair, and a nurse came over to take my blood. The whole time, Rachel stood over me, watching every move I made. I needed no one to tell me that the blood was for her precious daughter-in-law Lily. Why can't they love me the same way I love them? Why do they see me as trash? Was it because of my parents' death? A lot of thoughts flashed through my memory.

"All done, ma'am," the nurse voiced out, indicating she had taken enough.

I nodded while Rachel flashed her a devilish glare.

After the blood donation, Rachel dragged me to the ward where Lily and Alexander were being kept. When we entered, Alexander's eyes became cold, but his face quickly softened when he saw the state I was in. He could see the bruises and cuts on my face and the fear in my eyes.

"What did you do to her?" Alexander demanded, his voice filled with anger and concern.

"She brought this upon herself," Rachel replied coldly. "She is a worthless woman who does not deserve your love or attention."

I tried to speak up, but Rachel cut me off. "Be silent!"

Seeing the unconscious Lily, Rachel pulled a chair beside her and began stroking her hair lovingly.

"I know she's responsible for what happened to Lily, but what will people say when they see her in this state? Think before you act, Mom," Alexander reprimanded his mother.

"She deserves worse than this, but I will reduce her punishment because of what you said," Rachel said before kissing Lily's forehead.

"I need a word with you in private," Rachel said, stepping out of the ward with Alexander behind her.

I knew that Lily was never in a coma from day one, but each time I tried to prove it to them, they saw it as slandering Lily's name.

"Get up now, they are gone for a while," I demanded angrily, walking fully into the room.

"You're a pathetic excuse for a woman," Lily sneered, her eyes full of contempt. "Why would Alexander ever care about you when he has me?"

I tried to speak, but I couldn't find the words.

"You're being cruel and unjust," I said, my voice shaking but determined. "Alexander loves me, and you're just being spiteful because you can't accept that."

Lily's face turned red with anger. "You're delusional!" she snapped. "There's no way he could ever love someone like you."

"Lily, stop it!" I said, standing up to her. Lily glared at me, but I stood firm.

"Alexander does love me," I said, meeting Lily's gaze. "I know it, and so do you. You're just too proud to admit it."

Lily looked away, her expression clouded with anger and confusion. For a moment, the room was silent.

Then, quietly, Lily said, "I don't want to believe it, but deep down I know you're right."

I felt a surge of hope. "Lily, I'm not trying to take him away from you," I said gently.

"Convince him to divorce me," I demanded.

"WHAT?!" She asked in shock.

I was torn between my feelings for Alexander and my hatred towards Lily as I made the decision that I knew would have consequences.