Patricia let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She, too, had once harbored dreams of seeing her daughter married into a life of comfort and wealth. But fate hadn't been kind. Instead of a bright future, Lorie was now shackled to a cruel and powerful man. It was a situation far from what Patricia had ever imagined.
"Mom," Lorie said firmly, pulling her from her troubled thoughts. "There is a way out. Robert is only keeping me because of the money we owe him. If we pay him back, he'll let me go."
Patricia's eyes widened as anger and frustration flickered across her face. "Are you hearing yourself?" she snapped. "Where would we find that kind of money? I've already drained every last cent I had. That house you thought was yours – Robert already took it to cover the debt. We are left with nothing but this old place—and even if we sell it, it won't fetch nearly enough."
