Chapter6 Kneeling, Defying

Amanda’s POV

Sweat clung to my palms as I tugged at the dress Elizabeth shoved over my head. My fingers trembled, yanking the fabric. I'm a doll to them, a damn puppet. Her cold eyes stabbed me, daring me to rip it off.

Dad barked orders, his voice a hammer against my skull. I flinched, shoulders hunching. Wilson was coming—some rich creep in his fifties. My freedom's a bargaining chip. My stomach churned as I smoothed the skirt, hands shaking harder.

Elizabeth's lips twisted into a sneer. "You're ungrateful, just like your mom." Her words sliced deep. I froze, jaw tight. Mom's dead. I don't even remember her face. My chest ached, a hollow throb I couldn't shake.

I caught my reflection—pale, eyes sunken. Dad grabbed my arm, his grip bruising. "Smile for Wilson," he growled. I jerked back, but his fingers dug in. He's selling me. My throat burned, tears prickling behind my lids.

The doorbell buzzed. My heart slammed against my ribs. Wilson strutted in, all smug grins and heavy cologne. I clenched my fists, nails biting my palms. This is my cage closing. His eyes raked over me, possessive and gross.

He plopped a check on the table—one million dollars. My breath hitched. "Wedding's next week," he said, voice oily. I stared at the numbers, dizzy. Grandpa's care or my soul. My knees wobbled, but I couldn't look away.

"No," I spat, voice cracking. Wilson's face darkened. "I'm already married." A lie, sharp and desperate. His chair scraped back, loud. He's a storm about to break. My pulse raced, hands clammy against my thighs.

"You little brat!" Wilson roared, slamming the table. The check fluttered. He stormed out, his threats ringing in my ears. "Deal's off!" My chest heaved, relief warring with dread. I'm free—but for how long?

Dad's face turned red, veins bulging. "You ruined us!" he bellowed, shoving me. I stumbled, catching the wall. Elizabeth smirked, arms crossed. They hate me now. My ribs tightened, breath shallow and ragged.

"You'll fix this," Dad hissed, dragging me to the door. His hand crushed my wrist. "Kneel outside. Think about what you've done." I yanked free, but he shoved harder. I'm nothing to him. My eyes burned, hot and furious.

The cold hit me as I sank to my knees. Wind bit my skin, hair whipping my face. I hugged myself, shivering. I won't marry Wilson. Never. My teeth chattered, anger boiling under the chill. They can't break me.

Hours dragged. My legs numbed, thighs aching against the ground. Dad's shadow loomed in the doorway, silent. He wants me to beg. I glared up, defiance sparking in my chest. I'd rather freeze than grovel.

My phone buzzed. I fumbled it out, fingers stiff. A video—Ethan. My Ethan. He was with her, some girl, laughing. His hand brushed her arm, gentle. That's not for me. My heart cracked, a slow, jagged split.

She leaned into him, and he grinned—wide, unstoppable. My chest caved. He's so soft with her. I gripped the phone, knuckles white. His eyes crinkled, warm, alive. That's the smile I'll never get. Tears blurred the screen.

He tucked her hair back, tender, careful. My breath hitched, sharp and painful. He's never touched me like that. I swiped at my eyes, furious. She's everything I'm not. The wind howled louder, matching the scream in my head.

Her laugh rang out, bright and easy. Ethan's shoulders relaxed, happy. I bit my lip, tasting blood. He's glowing for her. My stomach twisted, sour and heavy. I'm a ghost to him, invisible. The phone slipped, clattering beside me.

I replayed it, masochistic. His fingers lingered on her sleeve. My throat closed. That's what he wants—her. I hugged my knees, rocking. I'm trash, used up, worthless. The cold seeped deeper, but his smile cut worse.

Elizabeth's voice snapped behind me. "Still sulking?" She yanked my hair, pulling me up. I yelped, scrambling. "Wilson's gone because of you." Her nails dug into my scalp. She loves this. My scalp stung, fury bubbling.

Dad stormed out, fists clenched. "You're a disgrace!" He slapped my cheek, hard. My head snapped sideways, stinging. He always lashes out when he's upset. I've grown numb to it now. My hand trembled as I touched my bruised face. I've become nothing but their punching bag. Tears spilled down my cheeks, hot and fast.

I shoved him back, wild. "I won't marry him!" My voice broke, raw. He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me. "You will!" Elizabeth laughed, sharp and cruel. They're monsters. My ribs ached, breath hitching in sobs.

The phone buzzed again. Another clip—Ethan kissing her forehead. My knees buckled. He's hers. I sank down, clutching my chest. I'm nothing, nothing, nothing. The wind roared, but his gentleness drowned me deeper.

I screamed into the dark, voice hoarse. Dad kicked my shin, pain shooting up. "Shut up!" he yelled. I curled tighter, sobbing. Ethan's gone, and they'll break me. My nails clawed the dirt, desperate and lost.

Hours later, I crawled inside, shivering. Elizabeth smirked, sipping tea. "Pathetic," she muttered. I glared, wiping my nose. I hate her guts. My legs shook, weak. I hate myself more. Ethan's laugh echoed in my skull.

Dad loomed over me, eyes hard. "You'll see Wilson tomorrow." His tone was steel. I shook my head, mute. I can't give in. He grabbed my chin, forcing my gaze up. But I'm cracking. My heart pounded, terrified.

The night stretched, endless. I huddled on the couch, replaying Ethan's smile. He's happy without me. My chest burned, raw and open. I'm a fool for loving him. A text popped up—Ethan. My pulse spiked, hope flickering.

"Miss you," it said. My breath stopped. He's lying. I stared, fingers trembling. Another video loaded—him with her, closer now. He's mocking me. I threw the phone, screaming, as it smashed against the wall.