Two can play the game…

Laura 

Knowing it was only a matter of minutes or hours before help arrives from the hotel, I wanted to look my best when we leave. I can't look like the hurt and pain I was going through. I wouldn't give Jake that satisfaction.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection. My eyes were red and swollen from crying, and my skin was still flushed with the heat of my earlier sobs. I couldn't stay like this, not when we were finally about to be rescued. I had to pull myself together. Jake had made it clear that I was nothing more than a mistake to him, and I intended to show him that I could that in a stride.

"You're stronger than this, Laura," I muttered to myself, running my fingers through my hair. "You've been through worse." I took a deep breath, steadying myself. There was no way I was going to let him see me like this, broken and humiliated. No. I had to look my best, confident, proud, and untouchable.