Harem Tales of Reincarnated Elf Prince

Prologue

***Bethany***

I cowered in the corner, my small hands covering my ears as I tried to block out the sounds of my parents' argument. They had fought many times before, but this time was different. My father's anger boiled over, his voice rising to a deafening roar. My mother's cries and pleas for mercy only seemed to enrage him further.

"You're the worst joke fate ever played on me!" My father thundered.

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched, frozen in terror, as my father's fist landed on my mother's face. She landed on the floor with a thud. The sound of her sobbing and the sight of my father's twisted, angry face were etched into my memory forever.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I realized that this was my reality – a reality where violence overshadowed love. I vowed never to be involved in something like this in my life.

Just then, my father's face turned red with rage, and he bellowed, "Bethany, you're going to live with your aunt for a while. Maybe she can teach you some discipline!"

I was the one who had inadvertently triggered the torment. My father had sent me to get groceries at the market, but I had an entrance examination coming up, and I had gone to study with my friend instead.

My mother rushed to my side, tears streaming down her face as she hugged me tightly. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'll come for you soon, I promise."

As I was dragged away from my mother's embrace, I caught a glimpse of my father's menacing face, his eyes blazing with a malevolent intensity that made my blood run cold.

The journey to my aunt's house was like a dream. My mind was still reeling from the events of the day, and my heart was heavy with the weight of my parents' toxic relationship.

As I settled into my new surroundings, I soon realized that my aunt's marriage was no different. Her husband, a large and loud-mouthed man, seemed to take great pleasure in belittling and demeaning his wife.

I watched in horror as he reduced her to tears, always saying hurtful things to her. I remembered when he was courting my aunt; it was all loving and kind words. He would buy us things, and I had almost hoped that there was truly love in their relationship.

But now, his cruel words had cut deep into my aunt's self-esteem. I was sure she had nothing left. The scene was all too familiar, and I felt a wave of despair wash over me.

Were they cursed in my mother's family to never find happiness and love? Or was it that true love never existed, only in movies and storybooks? Was this what marriage was all about?

My young mind struggled to comprehend the complexities of adult relationships, but one thing was clear: I would never end up like my mother or my aunt.

Just then, my phone rang, breaking the spell. It was my friend calling to check on me.

"Hey Bethany, have you checked your mail today?" Zara's cheerful voice asked, unknown to her, the turmoil that had taken place in the house that morning.