“I'm not going to abandon him."
"It is hardly your choice."
"What are you going to do?" Stephanie challenged.
"I am simply going to ask you to do what I say."
"Then the answer's no."
"My dear Stephanie..."
Stephanie froze. China looked at her. "I've known your name since before I met you, child. Your uncle spoke of you often."
Stephanie lunged for the door but it was no use.
"Stephanie," China said softly. Stephanie's hands dropped to her sides and she turned. "Tell no one of this."
Stephanie felt it inside her and knew she would obey, knew no matter how much she raged against it, she would obey. She had no choice. So she nodded as tears stung her eyes and China smiled that beautiful smile of hers.