Elena's POV
"What's that on your neck?" Taylor's sharp voice froze me mid-motion. I had been in the kitchen pouring coffee, trying to shake off the lingering haze of last night's hangover, but her words cut through the morning quiet like a blade.
I thought with Taylor married, I'd finally have peace in this house. Besides, I couldn't keep living at Belle's place forever-I hadn't officially graduated yet, and I still needed Dad's financial support to finish school.
I glanced at her, my fingers brushing instinctively over the mark on my neck. "It's nothing," I said dismissively.
Taylor stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Don't lie. I saw something. Is that. an initial?"
I turned back to the coffeemaker, forcing my voice steady. "It's none of your business."
"Oh, yeah?" Taylor shot back, hands on her hips. "You'd rather screw around with men than show up at my wedding? That's how you treat family?"
My eyes narrowed. How could she be so cruel? When my boyfriend's dick had been inside her, she still had the gall to blame me for skipping her wedding?
"What do you want, Taylor?" I said coldly. I knew she wouldn't walk away.
"I already know the answer." She shrugged.
"A hickey," I shot back. They always mocked me, always said no one wanted me. But just picturing her face when she realized the man I'd slept with was drop-dead gorgeous-I wasn't going to hide it. I'd prove them wrong. Except, God, all I knew was his name. Dax.
Taylor suddenly burst out laughing, like I was some pathetic joke. I couldn't stand being alone with her for more than five minutes, or I'd lose control and throw my latte in her perfect face.
Then she grabbed my collar. With a ripping sound, my shirt tore open.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" I shouted.
Taylor held onto my collar, her eyes glued to the mark on my neck.
"Oh my God," she whispered, voice dripping with mockery. "Did some beast bite you, and now you're pretending you actually got laid? What is this, Vampire Diaries?"
I shoved her back, but she sneered and leaned in again.
"Let me get a closer look. Did you give yourself that mark with a straw? Jesus, Elena, are you faking it all? Still a virgin, but bragging about hooking up with men? You're pathetic."
"I don't owe you an explanation." I rolled my eyes. She always had to be dramatic.
She folded her arms and blocked my way. "Then tell me his name. Who is he? What does he do?"
"I." I faltered. I only knew his name. "Dax. His name's Dax. Can I go now?" I glared at her.
"So you really spread your legs like a slut." Taylor's grin was vicious. I knew that look-she was about to use this to humiliate me.
Blood pounded hot and dangerous in the side of my head.
"This is hilarious," I scoffed. "Did you forget where I found you? Acting like a whore with my boyfriend?"
Taylor's face flushed scarlet. Her fists clenched at her sides, knuckles taut with veins.
"And you think you can lecture me? Please. Take a good look in the mirror before you try, sweetheart."
Her mouth twitched, but I didn't stop. My tone sharpened, dripping with acid as I lifted my hand and pretended to inspect my nails.
"Why are you even here, Taylor? The night after your wedding, hanging around Dad and Mom's living room? Shouldn't you be busy playing perfect wife? Or has the marriage already started to crack?"
Taylor snorted, arms folded. "Whatever. I'm telling Dad."
My gaze darkened. I lowered my voice, every word laced with threat. "If you dare, I'll tell them about the gardener. You know, the one who mysteriously shows up in your room after work."
Her smug smile vanished. Panic flickered across her eyes, then sharpened into a deadly glare.
"You wouldn't."
"Try me," I said, stepping closer, voice low and dangerous.
The slap came out of nowhere.
My head whipped to the side, a sting flaring across my cheek. Blood pooled in my mouth where my teeth had cut my lip. For a moment, all I could hear was the thunder of my own heartbeat.
"You ungrateful little brat!" Taylor's voice cracked-not with rage, but with fake sobs. She staggered back, clutching her face as if I had hit her.
"Dad!" she screamed louder. "Mom! She-she attacked me! She's out of control!"
Her shrieks echoed through the house. Heavy footsteps thundered down the stairs.
"Elena!" My father's voice boomed like thunder. Moments later, he stood in the doorway, face red, eyes wild. Mom followed in her robe, lips pressed into a thin line.
Taylor dove into Dad's arms, trembling like a wounded bird.
"She hit me, Daddy. Just because I told her I was going to tell you. she." Her voice broke, then she burst into tears. "She lied to you. She didn't go to a charity gala-she's been sleeping with vagrants on the street."
Mom's gaze fixed on me, unreadable. Dad's face twisted in fury, ready to explode.
"Is that true?" he barked, jabbing a finger at me.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My throat felt shredded, like glass lodged inside.
Taylor lifted her head, lips trembling. "I didn't want to say anything. but I saw the bruises on her neck. She's letting some man use her like an animal."
"Dad, that's not true." My voice shook. My hands trembled harder, so I pressed them flat against my thighs.
"Isn't it?" she asked softly, with fake pity. "You admitted it yourself-his name's Dax. Do you know any rich man named that, Daddy?"
"You venomous snake!" I spat. "And you dare talk about morals? How long did you screw around with Ash before you married him?"
The words slipped out before I could stop them. The room went deathly silent.
Taylor's fake tears dried instantly. Her face hardened, then she buried herself back in Dad's chest.
Mom gasped. "See? I told you this would happen. She's shameless. No self-respect. I warned you."
"Enough!" Dad roared. His glare seared into me. "You think after what you've done, you still have the right to talk back?"
"What did I do?" My voice cracked, hoarse and raw. "You don't even know the truth! You only ever believe her-because she's your perfect little daughter, isn't she?"
Dad's face darkened. "Shut your filthy mouth!"
"I won't!" I screamed. "You want to call me a whore? Fine. But at least I didn't ruin my own sister's life for fun."
Silence fell over the kitchen, broken only by the ticking clock on the wall.
Then Dad stepped forward, eyes blazing. "If you're going to sell yourself, at least do it for money. Find a rich man. Not some homeless bastard off the street."
My heart plummeted.
"We're done," he said coldly. "You're no daughter of mine. Get out of my house."
My breath caught, chest caving under the weight. "Dad."
"Get out!"
