Chapter 29: Safe in the Embrace of Love

Vivian faced her stepfather, her eyes red and swollen from tears. She knew that any resistance now could lead to undesirable consequences. While fear gripped her heart, she was determined to stay calm.

"Stepfather," Vivian said, her voice unwavering. "We can talk about everything without resorting to these terrifying methods."

Her stepfather, John, let out a chilling laugh, a far cry from his former self. "Vivian, you're living in your own world with those delusions. You should listen to me, young lady."

Vivian struggled to breathe evenly to control her emotions. "Stepfather, I don't understand why you and Mom are doing this. We can talk, discuss everything, and find a way to resolve this."

John approached Vivian, holding the syringe. "Vivian, if you keep talking, I'll shoot you instead of injecting drugs into you!"

Vivian's heart pounded as she continued to stall, hoping for the moment she had been waiting for. Just as her hope seemed to be fading, when her stepfather cornered her ag