Rose's slap stung more than I expected, a sharp reminder of the pain I was causing. She stood there, trembling with rage, her hand still raised as if ready to strike again.
"Don't you dare," she hissed, her voice shaking with anger. "Don't you dare belittle what we have."
I rubbed my cheek, feeling the burn. "Rose, I—"
"Shut up!" she snapped, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know what twisted plan you have in your head, but you don't get to use me and then throw me away like this."
Her words cut deep, and for a moment, I wanted to take everything back. But I couldn't afford to be weak. Not now. "You don't understand," I said, my voice firmer. "This is the only way to get justice for my mother."
"And what about justice for me?" she cried. "What about the fact that you lied to me
