A Beauty With Multiple Masks

In answer to Lorraine’s confused expression, Sonia continued, “Since I was slapped across the face, how about I slap you back, and we’ll call it even?”

Lorraine looked at Sonia in disbelief.

That’s it?

“What‘s the matter? You don‘t like the idea?”

“It’s not that,” Lorraine answered helplessly. “I just think it’s too light a punishment.”

“We’ll make it ten slaps, then,” Sonia said before turning toward Lawrence. “Father, I was slapped a few times. Let her slap herself ten times as her punishment.”

Although Lawrence agreed that a sentence of that nature was too light, he was unwilling to overrule his daughter’s decision. Upon obtaining Lawrence’s assent, Sonia had Lorraine begin her sentence.

“Do it yourself. You can go easy,” Sonia muttered when she was close enough to Lorraine.

Sonia’s kindness touched Lorraine. Feeling incredibly guilty about the pain she had subjected the former to during the kidnapping, the latter gave herself ten tight slaps.

of the red palm prints on

to go easy.

swollen cheeks. “Let’s consider this matter resolved. We won’t pursue

had only let her go as easily as that out of respect for Arielle. Because of that, she

be on the run if it

who was standing beside Sonia, thought that the

hand,

say a word. Only his eyes darkened as he

for his meeting. It was the day Nancy gave her answer, and he was looking forward to seeing if

***

arrive at the conference room. Only upon

trained.” Nancy swept

and had employed many practitioners.

grew at ease the more she

Despite the workforce Dylan had engaged, she

Aaron’s gaze darkened.