Chapter 84 Queen Bitch

• My assumption was confirmed when she released a trembling breath, a solitary tear tracing down her beautifully pale face. Moments later, she settled on the porch swing, her defenses completely down as tears continued to stream.
• "How... how did you know?" She croaked, using the back of her hand to wipe away the persistent tears.
• "Let's just say I've known others who've suffered abuse," I replied honestly, recalling the times my mom had tried to conceal her own bruises beneath layers of clothing. "But remember, you can't change what's already happened to you," I added, moving closer to her. "However, you can choose how to overcome it. It won't be easy – in fact, that's an understatement – but it'll only get tougher if you let it consume you."