Zack didn't think Nathalia would dare speak to him like that. He was fuming and more punches he threw at her. "How dare you! Bitch. I'm gonna fucking kill you. I'm the only son in the family. I own everything here. You are a thorn in my side. I'm getting rid of you today. Why don't you just fucking die…"
He yelled and punched, like a mad man, releasing all the anger and hate towards Nathalia.
Nathalia wrapped her head with her arms and curled up on the floor. She did not scream. She did not cry. She bore the pain. She awaited, hate swelling inside her.
One, two, three…twenty… silently and clearly, she counted the punches. She remembered.
She promised herself I would return at least double the pain you are giving me today!
Your mother and sister will get theirs too. Anne and Evette sat on the sofa and continued enjoying the spectacle, a grin on their faces.
The maids and servants stayed in the kitchen. No one dared to interrupt.
When Zack finally stopped, he was panting, sweating. He sat himself down on the floor, glowering at Nathalia still. Anne Carter had enjoyed the scene and started to grow a little bit worried that Nathalia was dead. But of course, it wasn't that she really cared about Nathalia; it was the fact that she had to keep Nathalia alive to get what she wanted.
"Alright. Zack. That's enough. Go and have a rest now. It's late." She said, half persuasively.
Zack wasn't someone that could be persuaded, but he had grown tired and felt that he had had enough fun for now. "Huh. Alright. I will call it a day for now. Till next time."
Nathalia remained lying on the floor, eyes closed, pain written all over her face. She looked like she was dead.
A bit concerned, Anne gave her a slight kick on her leg. Nathalia suddenly opened her eyes, wide and wild. She looked cold and revengeful, even frightening. Anne was taken aback and stumbled, but when she looked again, she only saw tears on Nathalia's face, pitiful.
It must have been my own illusion. Hahaha. Look at that face, pathetic. However, she kept on acting. "Nathalia, don't take it to heart. Zack's young. He's spoiled. I will talk to him.
You, pretentious fake.
Nathalia started sobbing. She felt desperate, but she did not utter a word. You treat me like shit, then take pity on me. Slap me in the face then kiss it. This is what you have always been like, but I'm not what I'm used to be, anymore!
Anne continued, "Don't worry. I will tell your dad, and your dad will give him a good talking to..."
Nathalia was in such agony that she couldn't help interrupting Anne "I'm in so much pain. Mother, please take me to the hospital."
"But...er..." Anne Carter tried to search for an answer, or to be exact, an excuse. "I will call Dr. Martin. You'd better stay home and not move too much. Martha? Martha? Come to help Miss Nathalia to her bedroom."
Nathalia tried and begged Anne a few more times to take her to the hospital, but Anne insisted that she stayed home and commanded the maid to take her to her room. Lying on the bed, Nathalia thought You are worried that people will find out if I go to the hospital. Cold and merciless.
What Anne didn't know was that Nathalia had her way to let people find out.
You think I've lost and you've won. But this is not the end.
If Nathalia had the choice, she would have done it a different way and saved herself from getting beaten. But she had no money, power, nor support from others. She had again realized the advantages of having power. For now, this was the only way she had, but it was a quick way.
Dr. Martin hurried to Nathalia's room and gave her a thorough examination. Her face was noticeably swollen bruises and blood all over her body. Poor kid. Again. What's that boy doing to her? She's his half-sister. How could someone be so cruel?!Dr. Martin sighed and took pity on Nathalia.
However, as a family doctor for the Carter's, he had worked for them for over 20 years. He basically depended on the Carter's and, thus, dared not interfere.
"It's mainly bruises and cuts. Nothing serious. It will take some time to heal." Dr. Martin concluded. He cleaned the cuts, did his job, and left.
Nathalia spent the most time in her room and missed school. Her father and half-sister had been to see her and pretended to comfort her, saying they had told Zack off and taught him a good lesson.
Nathalia knew it was a lie. Zack was the prince in the house, and no one would ever do anything against his will.
Anne sat by Nathalia's bed every day, pretending to take care of her like a real loving mother. At the same time, she was protective of her son, saying it was nothing serious as he was still just a boy, and Nathalia shouldn't be upset about it.
Is he just a boy? So what? So he can do whatever he wants? So he can bully me? So I can't do anything but forgive him?
Whenever Zack hurt Nathalia, Anne would apologize and persuaded Nathalia not to take it to heart. Nathalia used to agree with her and believed that she did love her like her own daughter.
Now, she only saw her as a disgustingly pretentious liar.
Even though Nathalia had not recovered and was still staying in bed, Anne's party went on like normal. Grand and fancy. All the guests attended were rich and renowned in town.
Dressed in her usual glory and glamour, Anne was grinning, indulging herself in the crowd's praises.
What a good life she has! She has a husband who loves her and spoils her, a beautiful daughter, a good son, money, power, and everything.
A certain guest curiously asked, "Mrs. Carter. You are living in such a perfect life. I was wondering if there was anything else in the world that you wish to have? Or if you ever have any regrets? If you don't mind me asking."
"I've got everything that I want. I'm happy and have no regrets at all." She answered with a proud smile.
True, she had what most, if not all, women could have ever wished for.
However, what she didn't know was that this was the last time she could ever have her pride.
Her life was to take a sudden turn—a destructive one.
When she would recall years later, it would be her biggest regret.
Mrs. Wilson noticed the absence of Nathalia and wondered why.
"I haven't seen Nathalia yet. Where's she?" She asked.