Chapter 6

The shreds of clothing slipped from my body, revealing a network of gruesome scars on my skin that pierced Scott's eyes like daggers.

Evelina's words echoed in his mind, and the suffering I had endured for five long years seemed to replicate itself in his very being.

"Irene, I'm taking you to the hospital."

These scars, he should have noticed them sooner.

The day I returned to New York City, I had a craving in the hotel hallway, wishing I could slam myself against the wall to end it all.

Scott, drunk, had come up to rest and was shocked to find me there.

In my memory, his words were harsh, but his eyes reddened, tears falling.

I was already out of control, and Scott was the only exception in my heart and mind.

When I came to my senses, we were already tangled together, our shirts still on.

It was rough, painful. He pressed my face deep into the pillow, venting his frustrations behind me.

In that second when I felt my soul tremble, I had completely accepted reality.