"Tell you? Tell some penniless wretch like you, so you could use that belly to squeeze millions out of us? Beating it out of you during an 'episode' didn't cost a cent. Much simpler."
Fingers locked around my neck.
Cecil lifted me until my upper body dangled in the air.
I couldn't breathe. My vision went black at the edges.
"Your elders are speaking—who told you to open your mouth? Ruby's life is worth a hundred of yours. You're a breeding tool. Did you actually start thinking you were a real Delgado wife?"
I clawed at the back of his hand, legs kicking uselessly in the air.
Broken syllables scraped out of my throat.
"Your whole family are bloodsucking animals!"
The door swung open.
Ruby walked in wearing a hospital gown, cradling a bouquet of lilies.
Her eyes were faintly red, tears sliding down her cheeks.
"Cecil, please—don't hit her anymore. It's all my fault, my body being so weak. She lost eight babies because of me. She has every right to hate me."
Cecil's arm snapped forward.
I hit the cold tile floor.
A vicious cramping pain tore through my abdomen.
I curled into myself, arms wrapped around my stomach.