Chapter 39

"Of course it's true," I smiled. "I spoke with the doctor in detail yesterday. He said Ethan's recovery is progressing exceptionally well. There's a good chance he'll be discharged in time to personally oversee your birthday celebrations next month." "Really?" Just as I'd hoped, my mother-in-law's eyes lit up with joy. I carefully tucked away the medical documents and was about to say more when suddenly, her expression turned razor-sharp. "Don't you dare move!" she barked, her voice slicing through the air. I froze, startled. Before I could react, she lunged forward, yanking my coat off and pulling down the collar of my nightgown. My heart lurched—I instinctively tried to cover myself, but it was too late. She had already seen. The unmistakable marks scattered across my chest from the night before. "You—you—" Her eyes bulged, her face contorted in shock and fury. "Mom—" I stumbled back, clutching my collar with trembling hands. "You shameless slut!" she shrieked, launching herself at m