The Ruthless Son-in-law

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Underneath Tessa's house lay a hidden chamber, accessible through a concealed trapdoor nestled inconspicuously within the wooden flooring of her main living room. The trapdoor, cleverly disguised as an ornate rug, blended seamlessly with the surrounding decor, its presence known only to those who knew its secret.

She rolled the rug away and opened the trapdoor, revealing a narrow staircase leading down into darkness.

Descending the steps, Tessa entered a dimly lit underground room. Soft, warm lighting bathed the space, emanating from strategically placed lamps along the walls.

Tessa approached a cage, unlocking its door with a mix of urgency and remorse. "Come, Maya. Mommy is sorry for confining you here. I promise, it won't happen again, okay?"

Maya gazed at her teacher, a bewildered expression on her face, as she obediently followed Tessa into a dimly lit room. In her usual innocent plea, she uttered, "I want to go home. Take me to my dad."

Tessa's patience wore thin, and she turned