Rising from the Ashes: A Mother's Revenge novel Chapter 1

I, Barbara Whitmore, just back from a shopping trip, carried several bags as I wearily made my way to the elevator.

My steps were a bit heavy, but my mood was light and cheerful.

When I arrived home, the afternoon sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm, serene glow across the living room floor.

Content with my day's purchases, I planned to relax and enjoy a peaceful weekend evening.

I lazily sprawled on the sofa, picked up my phone, and began casually browsing Instagram Live, looking for something lighthearted to pass the time.

As my finger gently swiped across the screen, a live stream with a bold title caught my eye: "Stand Up for True Love."

Curious, I clicked on the stream, and the video revealed a group of passionate people marching confidently down the street.

They held up hand-painted signs and banners, with the words "Stand Up for True Love" prominently displayed.

Everyone wore headsets, their voices filled with fervor as they interacted with the live audience, their faces radiating a sense of righteousness and determination.

As the streamers shouted loudly, the group arrived at the entrance of a luxurious neighborhood.

I was shocked to realize that it was my very own neighborhood.

The comment section of the live stream exploded instantly, with messages scrolling by like a waterfall, filled with emotional outbursts.

"This neighborhood looks so upscale, who would’ve thought something so immoral could happen here?"

"Wow, this place is full of rich people, huh? Guess money really does make people do bad things."

"Make sure to expose that homewrecker!"

"Go, streamer, fight for true love!"

I had initially planned to close the live stream and continue enjoying my peaceful afternoon.

However, just as I was about to exit, a familiar face appeared on the screen—my son's girlfriend, Cassie.

Cassie stood there, facing the camera with tear-filled eyes, her red, swollen gaze and the sorrow etched on her face evoking sympathy from viewers.

I got up and walked to the door, and the moment I opened it, a large group of people stormed in.

They were seething with anger, their eyes filled with accusation.

"There she is! That homewrecker!"

The person at the front shouted, and several phones were instantly shoved into my face, recording every moment.

I stood there, utterly bewildered, having no idea what was happening.

I tried to explain, "You've got the wrong person. I'm not who you're looking for." But my voice was quickly drowned out by the crowd's furious shouting.

At that moment, Cassie emerged from the group.

Her eyes were ablaze with fury, and she cut off my attempt to speak with an emotional outburst.

"Don't you dare lie! You’re the one who destroyed my happiness!"