Book TRK
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37
Erica jumped up when she heard Brody’s voice, anxiety written all over her face. “Brody, stay safe. I will be right there.”
“What happened?” Camila asked.
“That jerk hit Lily again!” Erica’s eyes blazed with fury.
“Let’s go. We need to hurry.” Camila took off her apron.
“Claire, we have to go now. We’ll come over another day,” Erica said to Claire with urgency.
“Be safe!” Claire called out as they rushed to the car.
Once in the car, Camila immediately called the police. When they arrived at Lily’s house, nosy neighbors were gathered around the door, whispering and pointing.
They pushed their way through. The police were already on the scene. Broken dishes and food scraps littered the floor. Lily was curled up in a comer, holding her son, her eyes filled with fear and helplessness.
“Aunt Erica, Aunt Camila…” Brody’s eyes were red, his face streaked with tears.
As Lily looked up and saw them, a flicker of hope shone in her eyes. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Julian’s parents showed up. Julian’s mom, clearly impatient, kicked away some food scraps and said, “Couples always argue? Calling the police over such a trivial matter, how thoughtless.”
The police officer glared at her, and she fell silent.
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“What happened here?” the officer asked.
Julian stood up from the couch, agitated, “I didn’t hit her. I just flipped the table, and it might have accidentally hit her.”
“Sir, please calm down. We’re investigating,” the officer instructed him to sit.
Camila helped Lily up, her eyes full of sympathy.
“Ma’am, can you tell me what happened? Don’t be afraid,” the officer said.
“Today, he first threw a bowl at my head, then he flipped the table on me.” Lily’s forehead was bleeding, and she pulled up her sleeves to reveal bruises, “I can’t even remember how many times he’s hit me.”
The female officer frowned and checked her injuries. “Have you had a medical assessment done?”
Lily shook her head.
“First, we’ll take your statement at the station, then you should get a medical assessment.”
Upon hearing this, Julian’s mom panicked, pulling Lily aside,and whispered, “Don’t do it! Think about how embarrassing this will be. If not for yourself, think about Brody. Do you want him to have a father who’s been in jail? It will affect Brody’s future.”
“He just needs to apologize properly, and promise it won’t happen again. Peace in the home is the most important,” Julian’s dad chimed in.
Lily felt completely overwhelmed. As thoughts of her son filled her mind, her determination began to falter.
Camila and Erica stepped out onto the balcony to call Wesley, seeking advice on the legal standards for domestic abuse.
When they returned to Lily, they said, “He’s done this before. You have a job now. You don’t have to be afraid.”
“Go away, what are two spinsters doing here, stirring up trouble? This is our family matter!” Julian’s mom tried to pull them away, but Erica glared at her.
“Mom, don’t be afraid.” Brody spoke up.
Brody’s words seemed to empower Lily. She took a deep breath and told the officer, “Officer, I refuse on–site mediation.”
The officer nodded, “Let’s go to the station for your statement.”
“Honey, I swear there won’t be a next time! Julian clutched her hand, lifting the other in oath.
Lily forcefully pulled away, scoffing, “What’s your promise worth?”
At the station, they made their statements, and Lily underwent a medical assessment. Due to the minor nature of the domestic violence, the police gave Julian a warning and issued a cautionary notice.