Shady's obsession

21.

I felt trapped, suffocated by the very arms that once gave me comfort. It was hard to leave him, despite the bruises and the emotional pain he inflicted on me. I had tried to break free from his grasp before, but he always managed to guilt me into staying.

This time felt different, though. His latest outburst left me with no other choice but to leave. I couldn't keep living like this, walking on eggshells around him, waiting for the next time he would lash out at me.

As I packed my bags, he entered the room, his face contorted with anger. "So you wanna leave me?" he huffed as he sat on the chair opposite me.

"I can't do this anymore." I sobbed, barely able to speak through the tears.

"We've been together for years, you're all I know Hazel!" His eyes welled up with tears, and for a moment, I almost believed him.

Just seconds ago he was threatening me, trying to scare me into staying with him. Not long before that he was putting his hands on me.

But then I remembered the countless times he had hurt me, both physically and emotionally. The times he had promised to change, only to revert back to his old ways a few days later.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry but I can fix this, I don't want you to go." He pleaded, his voice breaking.

I knew he was manipulating me, trying to make me feel guilty for leaving. But I couldn't stay, not this time.

I took a deep breath and wiped my tears, ready to make my escape.

He helped me up off the floor and engulfed me in a hug, and for a moment, I almost gave in. But then I remembered all the pain he had caused me, and I pulled away.

"I have to go," I said firmly, my voice shaking.

He looked at me with a mixture of anger and sadness, but I knew I had made the right decision.

"I can't do this anymore." I repeated, trying to steady my voice.

He grabbed my hand, pulling me closer to him. "Please, Hazel. I love you. Don't leave me."

I felt my resolve waver. I wanted to believe him, to think that he could change. But I knew that wasn't the case.

"I'll stay," I lied, hoping to pacify him for the moment. "But things need to change, or I'll have to leave for good."

He nodded, seemingly appeased. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, Hazel. I promise."

"Ok."