Chapter 119 Tender Wounds: Part 2

• Content Advisory: This chapter contains depictions of possessive behavior, emotional manipulation, and moments of physical aggression that may be triggering to some readers. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
• I cross my arms around my naked breasts, hugging myself as though it’ll protect me from my fear. I’m still facing the wall, away from him, and I don’t know what I’m terrified of more: anger, disappointment, or the cold indifference I know I deserve.
• On shaky legs, I turn around, forcing myself to meet Efrrem’s gaze. When our eyes meet, my heart stutters—because the anger has faded, replaced by something that looks too much like the love I thought I’d lost. And the weight of these past few weeks crashes over me—every lonely night, every moment I’ve ached for just this.