Fate Reclaimed

Every Woman Has A Breaking Point(Ari)

It had only been a few days since I'd spent that night with Jayson in LA. Even though nothing happened, waking up beside him after talking for hours, laughing and remembering all we'd been through together, had brought me a comfort I hadn't felt in a long time. I thought about how safe I'd felt with him, how he'd noticed every little thing about me, even the bruises I tried to hide. That night had felt like a break from my reality, but returning home, the tension seemed thicker than ever.

Dean's behavior had been simmering with an edge I couldn't ignore. He was asking more questions, watching me closer, even reading my messages over my shoulder if he happened to catch a glimpse. And today, as I walked into the kitchen, his eyes were fixed on me with a look I knew all too well—a look that promised trouble.

"Who were you texting just now?" Dean's voice was tight, his words clipped.

I paused, gripping my phone a little tighter, as if somehow it would protect me. "Just Ki'Mara," I lied, my voice steady. Ki'Mara knew everything, and thankfully, she'd always had my back when things got tough.

Dean walked closer, towering over me. "Funny. You seem to be texting a lot lately. Always smiling at your phone. Ki'Mara must be one hell of a friend."

I forced a small smile, trying to ease the growing tension. "She is," I replied softly, shifting my weight to the other foot, trying to edge away.

He stepped in closer, backing me against the counter. "Ari, don't lie to me."

My heart started pounding, and my thoughts flashed to Yessiah, who was in her room playing. She didn't need to hear this, to feel the same fear that settled into my bones every time Dean got like this. I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.

"Dean, I'm not lying," I said, as steadily as I could manage.

But he didn't believe me. His eyes narrowed, and he grabbed my wrist, his grip firm. "Are you sure about that?"

I flinched, pain shooting up my arm, but I didn't let out a sound. I'd learned that reacting only made it worse. Instead, I looked him in the eyes, keeping my expression blank, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear.

"I'm sure," I whispered.

His grip tightened, and I bit down on the inside of my cheek to keep from gasping. Just then, Yessiah's voice called out from her room. "Mommy?"

Dean's hand fell away instantly, his face twisting into a forced smile as he glanced toward Yessiah's room. "Go," he muttered under his breath. "Take care of her. But don't think this conversation is over."

I didn't need any more convincing. I walked quickly to Yessiah's room, hoping he'd cool down if I gave him space. I found her on her bed with her favorite book, her big brown eyes looking up at me with concern.

"Are you okay, Mommy?" she asked, her voice soft.

I smiled, sitting beside her and wrapping my arm around her shoulders. "Of course, baby girl. I'm always okay when I'm with you."

She rested her head against me, and I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me. I couldn't let her grow up like this, couldn't let her think that this was normal.

Once Dean had gone out with his friends later, I pulled out my phone and texted Jayson. I didn't know if he'd be up, but I needed someone to talk to, even if it was just for a moment.

Me: Hey, are you still awake?

It didn't take long for him to reply.

JT: Yeah, what's up? You okay?

That simple question made my chest tighten. Jayson had always been like that—always paying attention, always caring. I took a deep breath, deciding to be a little more honest with him this time.