Chap-49*Sold To A Gambler*

Cynthia Dion:

My lungs felt as if they were filled with fresh air once I reached my neighborhood. Before sharing what had happened with my dad, I needed to get inside my home and rest.

Despite some background noises, I focused solely on the path ahead at that moment.

My door was shut, a clear sign that my dad was now guarding Flora, suspecting that I had run away.

My hands were trembling as I started to knock on the door. I was avoiding eye contact with anyone who might be watching me.

"Oh, she's returned!" I heard a woman's whisper, causing me to inch closer to the door. I didn't turn to see how many people had gathered behind me.

My father swung the door open, almost causing me to stumble as the support I was leaning on gave way.

"D---ad!" I murmured, my voice heavy with drowsiness.

"How dare you turn up at my door again like th--," His words faded as his forceful slap sent me reeling to the side.

After enduring Atticus's captivity for who knows how many days, I was too weak to wit