ManyWriters

To take the fall for my childhood sweetheart, I served five years in prison.
The man who promised to marry me was rolling around with his agent on the day I got out.
He said, "Freesia, don't be so dirty-minded. Men and women can have purely platonic friendships too."
This same man, who spoke so self-righteously, violently choked me and called me a slut when he saw Carlisle bandaging me up.

Childhood Sweetheart Pays For Childhood Sweetheart

Zachary's large hand, with its distinct knuckles, remained on my thigh as I instinctively blocked his advance during the tense moment.


His big eyes, glistening with moisture, stared at me unblinkingly.


For some reason, the scene of Carlisle shouting and questioning me that day flashed through my mind.


I bit my lip painfully and said, "Zachary, I'm sorry."


After a long pause, he let out a soft sigh, closed his eyes, and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.


"Freesia, go to sleep. I won't touch you."


In five years, I had never slept as peacefully as I did that night.


Through the thin nightgown, I could clearly feel the heartbeat from his chest.


One beat after another, steady and reassuring.


Sunlight gently poured into the bedroom through the venetian blinds as I slowly awakened, bleary-eyed.


Chapter 5