As I reflected on Jake's hurtful words, my eyes welled up with tears. Feeling betrayed, I reached out to my best friend Vivian for comfort. But Vivian's response caught me off guard.
"You could've just done what Jake wanted," Vivian said, her voice laced with a hint of criticism.
I wavered, but stood firm. "No, Vivian, I did the right thing. I shouldn't compromise my values for anyone."
Just as I was processing my emotions, the sound of my parents' voices drifted from downstairs, interrupting my thoughts. Their arguments were becoming more frequent, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my world was crumbling around me."
As I listened to my parents' raised voices, my heart sank. Their arguments had become a constant backdrop to my life, and I felt powerless to stop them. I wondered if their love had ever been genuine or just a facade.
Downstairs, their shouting escalated. My mother slammed a cabinet, while my father's angry words pierced the air. My tears fell harder, mingling with frustration and fear.
Vivian's words still lingered in my mind: "You could've just done what Jake wanted." But I knew I couldn't compromise myself to please someone else. Yet, my parents' crumbling relationship made me question if love was even worth fighting for.
Just then, my phone buzzed. Jake's name flashed on the screen. My heart skipped a beat. Should I answer?
I felt torn. Part of me wanted to ignore him, but another part wanted closure. What did he want now? Apologies? Explanations? Or just another chance to hurt me?
I took a deep breath and let my phone go to voicemail. I wasn't ready to face him yet.
YOU ARE READING
SHATTERED INNOCENCE
RomanceBook Description: In this poignant and thought-provoking novel, 18-year-old Amanda's life is turned upside down when she falls prey to the charms of Jake, a charismatic and manipulative boyfriend. As their toxic relationship unfolds, Amanda's innoce...
