I had protested, "If you bought him fewer clothes and toys, wouldn't that solve the problem?"
But my protests earned me nothing but a slap from Diane.
I still remembered Vincent's pained expression as he looked at my face, gently touching my swollen cheek and scolding Diane for being too hard on me.
That was the first time I'd seen Vincent speak sternly to Diane.
Although she was a stay-at-home mom and the household relied solely on Vincent's salary, he had always been so compliant and considerate towards her.
The neighbors often envied Diane for having such a devoted husband.
But the more Vincent doted on me, the harsher Diane became.
Ever since that day she hit me, it was like a switch had flipped.
She was relentless, always scolding or striking me, leaving me with bruises that made me too self-conscious to wear shorts or skirts in the summer.
