In the Hands of Monsters

The man slowly walked over and helped me up. A wave of disgust washed over me as his palm touched my skin.

I shook him off with all my might and uttered through gritted teeth, "Liam."

Liam Lancelot chuckled, his fingers casually brushing against my cheek. "Long time no see."

I started breathing laboriously. I couldn't understand why I still couldn't escape this demon when I had already left that hellish place.

Dad looked at me, clearly displeased. "Why are you being so rude? Is this how you treat the benefactor who took care of you for the past three years?"

Benefactor? If he was my benefactor, then what was I supposed to make of these scars all over me?

I let out a mocking laugh, yet my body trembled uncontrollably. I couldn't be sure if it was out of anger or disgust.

Mom also stepped forward to persuade me. "We asked Liam to take care of you the past three years you were in Mykorra's war zone. It's all thanks to him that you were able to come back safely, Wendy. You shouldn't repay kindness with ingratitude."

Connor mocked, "Hasn't she done enough to repay kindness with ingratitude? We raised her for decades, yet she's still treating us like we're strangers."

My eyes widened, and I nearly lost my balance.

This demon had tormented me endlessly for the past three years. Yet he'd actually been placed by my side by those I'd once thought of as my most beloved family.

I instinctively backed away, yet Yvette grabbed my arm and dragged me over to Liam. "That's right, Wendy. Even though Mom and Dad sent you over to such a dangerous place, they were still worried about you.

"So they arranged a backup plan for you. You shouldn't blame Mom, Dad, and Conny anymore. We're still family!"

I found her words hilarious. Unable to hold back any longer, I started to retch.

Yvette was surprised. She asked in an aggrieved manner, "Do you hate me so much, Wendy?"

The others started scolding me after that. "Don't go overboard, Wendy! If you no longer want to stay in the Sanders residence, then leave! A vicious person like you is not welcomed here!"

I took a deep breath and ignored the malicious glare Liam shot me. I then said, "Indeed, I shouldn't stay in the Sanders residence any longer."

I paused before glancing over to Yvette, who was in Connor's arms. "I heard that the Lorenzos are your adoptive parents. I suppose they're my biological parents then. From now onward, I'll call myself Wendy Lorenzo, not Wendy Sanders."

The Sanders were all shocked when they heard what I said.

They knew how much I used to care about them. In the past, I'd rather be sent to Mykorra's war zone than leave their side. But now, I had been the first to propose severing ties. How could they not be shocked?

Mom was the first to react. She looked at me sadly and asked, "Have you decided to abandon us, Wendy?"

However, Connor was filled with disbelief. He snorted, "Aren't you just trying to grab our attention by doing this, Wendy? You'd better tone it down. Don't end up regretting it when things go too far and start crying to come back."

I looked at him without much emotion. "That won't happen. I won't be coming back here anymore."

Connor was stunned. A hint of panic crossed his eyes.

Mom took my hand as tears fell down her face uncontrollably. "You're my daughter, Wendy. I won't let you leave!"

Dad looked at me and said sternly, "Stop messing around. You'll always be part of the Sanders family. Liam said that the two of you have been in love for the past three years. He's here to talk about your marriage today.

"Even though you're not my biological daughter, you still have the chance to marry as a Sanders. What more could you want?"