Fragile Heart

53

Flashback a year ago

Warning- verbal abuse, body dysmorphic

"Hey, Liam!" I call out cheerfully, admiring my reflection in the mirror while wearing the white summer dress Charles got for me, it looks stunning.

Today is my 21st birthday, and I'm so excited. Birthdays hold a special place in my heart, theres  a chance to indulge in cake, dress up, and most importantly, spend time with Charlie.

"Liam!" I call out again, but he doesn't respond. Finally, he walks into the room, his eyes glued to his phone screen as usual.

"Baby, do you like it?" I say, smiling as I look down at the dress, smoothing out any wrinkles. He looks up from his phone, his gaze scanning every inch of my body before shrugging nonchalantly.

"When was the last time you went to the gym?" He asks, slipping his phone into his pocket and crossing his arms over his chest.

I shrug, trying to maintain my smile. "Maybe about a week ago? But that's beside the point. Do you like the dress?" I spin around, hoping for a positive reaction.

"You're coming to the gym with me every day, alright? Please put something else on, something that doesn't cling to your body like that. It's... not flattering, Stella," he says, his tone more critical than I expected, as he approaches me to help me out of the dress.

"What? Why? Liam, I can take it off myself," I protest, attempting to nudge him away, but he persists in removing the dress.

"Liam, stop!" I demand, feeling exposed as the dress pools to the floor. I instinctively cover my stomach with my hands, feeling vulnerable under his critical gaze.

"Fucking disgusting," he whispers, his words like a knife to my heart. "See, Stella, you're a Leclerc. You're meant to look good, to make a good impression of yourself. But when you look like that, it's not going to work! Just eat one fucking meal a day. My co-workers even think you've gained a lot of weight recently, so please, stop!" He yells, and my heart drops. What?

I roll my lip into my mouth, trying to hold back tears. "Liam, how could you..." I mumble as I quickly grab the dress again and put it over myself to cover my body from him.

"I'm speaking the truth. Please, just change. Then I have your present for you, okay?" He says and leaves the room. Once he's gone, I let my tears fall.

As tears stream down my cheeks, I glance at the door before wiping them away. Turning to the mirror, I suddenly find myself agreeing with Liam, the dress doesn't look flattering on me, and I can't help but feel awful about how I look.

"Ugh!" I groan as I shed the dress, tossing it to the floor. Rushing to my closet, I snatch a cozy jumper and shorts, pulling them on quickly. Then I Stand before the mirror, I look at my flushed face and the body that isn't good enough for Liam. With a heavy sigh, I reach for my phone and text Charles.

Charles

Stella: I'm sorry, I got sick, I'm staying home today!

Charles: of course don't worry, happy birthday Stella get well!

I dry my tears and tuck my phone away before turning to face the door, where Liam sits waiting for me. With a deep breath, I step out to find him holding a bottle of beer and a present beside him.

I walk over and settle onto the couch beside him, where he nudges the present towards me. As I reach for it, he interrupts me. "You look better," he comments, and I simply nod, biting my lip. "Thank you," I mutter, my voice still hoarse from crying, but he disregards it and gestures towards the gift. I proceed to open it.

I pull out a large hoop with a ball attached to it, raising a brow as I look up at Liam. "What is it?" I inquire, examining the present. "It's a weighted hula hoop. I saw it on Instagram, you should try it." he explains.

|~~~~~|

A.N- Just a reminder that your beautiful the way you are, and if anyone comments about your appearance don't listen to them, you just be yourself and don't listen to the people who judge❤️

I just wanted to write this chapter to give a bit more about Liam and Stella relationship, I want you to understand Stella more, and to see how bad Liam is.

But always remember your beautiful
Love yall!