—I stopped calling it family the moment you laid hands on my sister.
Within minutes, sirens filled the air.
Red and blue lights flashed through the windows.
The house was suddenly crowded—police officers, paramedics, cameras capturing everything.
One officer pointed at the stick on the floor.
—What happened here?
Nicole started shaking.
—It was just… a misunderstanding.
The paramedic gently lifted my shirt, checking my stomach.
—We need to get her to the hospital now.
Ethan stood and addressed the officers.
—I have evidence.
He pointed to the floor.
Nicole’s phone.
The one she had been using to record everything.
An officer picked it up and pressed play.
Heather’s laughter.
Derek’s voice.
The strike.
My plea.
Then silence.
The room went completely still.
The officer turned to Ryan.
—Hands behind your back.
—What? Are you serious?!
—You’re under arrest for aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Ryan shouted:
—She’s my wife!
The officer didn’t hesitate.
—She’s not your property.
Heather stepped forward frantically.
—This will destroy our family!
The officer looked at her without sympathy.
—Ma’am… that already happened.
The handcuffs clicked.
Derek was taken too.
Heather kept screaming.
Nicole cried uncontrollably.