She Was Used To The Pain

Note : This chapter can be triggering for victims of physical abuse. 

"I never changed my mind nor am I involved with Ryder. I told you already, I merely went out to clear my head," Islinda said firmly, her lips pressed in a thin line as she glared at the instigator of this problem, Lillian. 

"But the man was interested in you, wasn't he?" Madam Alice pointed out and Islinda went as white as a sheet. 

She could see the wheels turning in Madam Alice's head and it sent a bolt of fear through her. Surely, the woman wasn't thinking of that.

" 'Was' being the word. A man's desire towards a woman is only for a fleeting moment and I bet he has forgotten all about me. Let's leave the matter be, mother." Islinda was pleading now while panicking inwardly. If her stepmother dares to pair her with Ryder thanks to Lillian, she would kill her.