da's

word landed like a blow. My tongue stuck to the

e," she said with a sinister gaze. "Now, I need my money, Brinda. And you know what th

e the situation or reach out to Jaso

and unreadable, as if they held years of unanswered questions. I reached out for Jason's

sgust me" He snapped. I stared a

he no longer recognized. I knew this was the beginning of

o the door-like he needed distance from the

s tail. I felt my stomach twist - she wa

confused me about his next move-bu

avy smack landed on my face, leav

ne... it won't change a thing. You'll still mean noth

emises or things would get ugly, which she accepted

ent to drop the rest of my bombs. No matter-I'll be back," she smirked, flipping her mi

the aftermath - just like always. It burned - like every betr

g for even a flicker of warmth. But his eyes were sunke

give me a chance to explain," I pleaded, on my knee

e it's best... I abort the child - for both our freedom," My hands tremble

around my wrist - firm, trembling. I turn

lic convention tomorrow. No drama," he said, our eyes momentarily locked...but I

knew what was happening, I felt a sudden ga

you'll face the consequences," he warned, disappearing upstairs. I stood in a sil

arms around myself, cold despite the air. "No more hiding. No more hoping

limpsed the alcohol section. It was the only thing that listened when I c

took another gulp, trying to drown the shiver crawling down my spine. Ju

ingering in my throat. The silence wrapped ar

n

ic

e ti

louder th

stairs. The house was loc

ached the door, peeking

th

s I reached

nvelope slid be

e. No stamp.

in

g fingers, I

single p

so

b

h h

smeared across his

ote scrawled in her

lain? Sweetheart, you have

ped th

ion bl

, it had never

o break. With every burning swallow, courage sparked like flint agai