Chapter 8
The punishments were severe. Locked in her room for days. No dinner. The sharp sting of Vivian’s wrath. But it was worth it. Every time Vivian lost control, every time Naya pushed her to the edge, she felt powerful.
Because she refused to be broken.
Kaylen, through... he had charged.
Naya Caldwell(9)
Why are you siding with her?!
Kaylen Caldwell (11)
Because I'm smart, Naya, unlike you.
Naya Caldwell(9)
Your a traitor!
Kaylen Caldwell (11)
I'm a survivor.
He barely noticed. He was home less and less, and when he was, Vivian wrapped him around her little finger.
James Caldwell
Vivian says, you've been misbehaving Naya.
Naya Caldwell(9)
She's lying!
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Darling, I would never. I only want what's best for them.
James Caldwell
Enough, Naya, You'll listen to your mother.
Naya Caldwell(9)
She's not my—
James Caldwell
*Slaps her*
Naya Caldwell(9)
*stunned*
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
*smirk*
Naya Caldwell(9)
*clench her fist*
Naya didn't stop fighting.
Even after the slap. Even after the punishments got worse.
She learned to endure the hunger, the cold, the bruises. She learned to hide her pain, to bite back her screams. Because every time she made Vivian snap, every time she saw the cracks in that perfect mask, she knew—she was winning.
But Vivian was patient. Too patient.
She stopped reacting to Naya’s provocations. No more yelling, no more punishments. Just silence. Planning.
And then, one night, it all changed.
Serena Caldwell (16)
What...?
Serena Caldwell (16)
No. No, this isn't happening—
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
It's already done, dear.
Naya Caldwell(9)
What's done ? *walks into the living room*
James Caldwell
Serena, this is a good match.
Serena Caldwell (16)
Match?! I'm sixteen!
Hailey Caldwell (4)
*cling to Serena's dress*
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Don't be dramatic, The Lawson family is in need of a wife for their son, And we are in need of... space.
Naya Caldwell(9)
Your SELLING her ?!
James Caldwell
*Slams fist on the table* Enough, Naya!
Serena Caldwell (16)
*Voice above a whisper* Your sending me away...
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
It's what's best.
Kaylen Caldwell (11)
*silently watching the whole scene*
The Lawson family was poor. Dirt floors. Leaky ceilings. A boy barely older than Serena—her husband now—staring at her like she was an object.
Mr. Caldwell didn't even stay for the ceremony. Just handed over Serena and left.
She didn't get to say goodbye.
Naya sat by the window that night, Knees to her chest, watching the road.
Waiting for Serena to come back.
And now it was just them.
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