Adam realized very quickly that his mother was not playing around. He raised his hands in a defensive posture, shielding his face as best he could from the flurry of strikes.
"Mom, please, just stop hitting me already!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the grand sitting room. "You have already managed to break my nose. I am sorry! I know I should not have gone behind your back to get married without telling you first. I am really, truly sorry, okay?"
As if those were the exact words Esther had been waiting to hear, she immediately ceased her assault.
Her hands dropped to her sides, and she let out a sharp, satisfied snicker. She adjusted her elegant sleeves and looked at her son with a mix of maternal authority and lingering irritation.
"Hmmph. God just saved you today, Adam," she said, her voice commanding.
