Chapter 77

As a little girl, Celine had to take over the chores of Larry's late wife. Each day, she washed clothes, cooked meals, and bore the brunt of his beatings. Larry would yank her hair, kick her, and whip her with a belt. Those days were almost unbearable. As Celine grew older, her beauty became strikingly evident in the countryside. But with her beauty came an even greater nightmare. Larry's lecherous gaze turned predatory. He would force her onto his lap, pressing his alcohol-laden, sweat-drenched face against hers. Bathing at night, she'd lock the door with trembling hands. But when she glanced back, she would only find his leering eyes peering through the crack, a sick grin spread across his face. Those memories haunted her childhood like a recurring nightmare. One day, Larry brought two of his drinking buddies home. They teased him, saying, "Larry, why don't you find yourself a new wife?" Larry chuckled darkly. "My new wife's already at home. Just need a little more time to gro