Mirian stood still for a while, until her heartbeat slowed to a normal rhythm and her ragged breathing steadied. She took a deep, calming breath, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease. But just as she was about to regain her composure, a hand yanked her backward, spinning her around to face a pair of furious eyes.
"Mirian!" a low, menacing voice growled, making her heart stumble once more.
"I– Cousin bro–"
Smack!
A stinging slap silenced her, leaving her cheek throbbing in pain. The blow was unexpected and caught her off guard, sending her stumbling backward. Her eyes welled up with tears as she raised a trembling hand to her burning cheek, her mind reeling with shock and confusion.
"You lied to me!" The furious face of her cousin loomed before her, his eyes blazing with a fierce anger that made her blood run cold.
