Part 1Born into the Wrong World

Giving birth to a daughter sent my life spiraling. My husband, Mike, cursed me, hit me, and I sank into a pit of despair, crying myself sick every day.

Then, when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I suddenly found myself transported to a Reversed World. And I got to bring my husband along for the ride.

* * *

It happened by chance – I won a one-year trip to the Reversed World.

This place was flipped: women were the breadwinners, the ones in charge. Men stayed home, did chores, and had the babies.

When I crossed over, I got a bonus – I could bring one person with me.

Without a second thought, I chose Mike.

I came to, finding Mike kneeling beside me.

My own mom, who usually tiptoed around Mike back in our world, was now standing over him, yelling,

"You useless piece of trash! Can't even get pregnant! What good are you to us?

"All these years, and you can't manage to have one kid!

"Tell me, is that belly of yours just for show?"

Mom wasn't done. After the yelling, she slapped him hard across the face.

The sharp crack echoed in the room. Just hearing it sent a jolt of dark satisfaction through me.

After all these years, Mike, you finally got yours.

That slap seemed to jolt Mike awake, the Mike who'd traveled here with me.

He blinked, confused, glanced my way, then exploded, "What the hell is wrong with you people?!"

Mom went ballistic. "What? Say that again!"

Mike didn't even look at her. He stood up and came straight for me.

Maybe it was years of ingrained fear, but I instinctively flinched back.

Before he could take another step, Mom swung her hand again, aiming for his face.

Mike caught her arm, snarling, "Crazy old hag! Are you trying to start something?"

That pushed Mom over the edge. She lifted her foot to kick him square in the stomach.

I saw a smirk flicker on Mike's face. Pure contempt. He was a boxing coach back home; what could Mom's little kick do to him?

He didn't even try to dodge. He just let her foot connect with his gut.

!!!

What happened next blew my mind all over again.

Mike flew backward like he'd been shot out of a cannon, his head cracking hard against the corner of the table behind him.

In this Reversed World, women were way stronger than men. Mike might be big and muscular, but here, he was easily overpowered.

Back in our world, Mike had hit me plenty.

As I felt a little urge to join in myself, Mom grabbed Mike by the collar and smacked him hard. "Useless waste! Can't have kids, can't earn decent money, just sit around eating all day!"

Mike glared at Mom, his eyes burning with rage. He'd never been humiliated like this, especially not by my mother.

He tried to fight back, but realized with shock that he was completely powerless against her. He could only lie there, pinned.