"Are you deliberately acting this way just to disgust me?"
I smiled numbly like a fool and said, "Isn’t this what you wanted, sir? A well-mannered, cultured lady?"
My husband shoved me roughly and demanded, "Where’s our daughter?"
In a daze, I replied, "Our daughter? She’s been gone for a long time…"
***
"Vivian, you have a guest," one of the mentors' voice rang out beside my ear.
I shivered uncontrollably.
Alas, another guest was here.
In Women's Virtue Class, students were not allowed to refuse guests. Even a moment of defiance would be met with harsh punishment.
Here, I learned two things. Obedience and submission.
The mentor said only by learning to obey would I ever have the chance to leave.
I walked toward the living room with my head lowered.
Then, a group of familiar faces came into view.
My husband, Damien Montclair, came here with his friends and his beloved first love, Veronica Sterling.
After half a year of discipline, my mind had become dull and numb.
Following the mentor’s teachings, I bowed deeply the moment I entered.
Then, with practiced movements, I poured tea for everyone and served it to them one by one.