Emma's Pov
I had officially been dating Ben for three weeks now. I hated him with a burning passion. He abused me all the time. I'm surprised that the other Gladers haven't noticed the bruises on my arms. Thomas had. Everytime he'd ask I make up some story about hurting myself in the Maze. Ben had told me if I told anyone about what he's been doing to me if regret it. I believed him. Even through all of this I still loved Minho. I desperately wanted to be with him but I couldn't do that. I never wanted to be with Ben in the first place. The day he kissed me, he held a knife to my stomach, threatening to stab me if I didn't kiss him back. From then on he's had me under his control. I felt helpless. Thomas was the most confused about me suddenly dating Ben. Last he knew, I loved Minho, I still do. I had lied to Thomas saying that I moved on and was completely in love with Ben. Just saying those words sickened me. Right now, Ben and I came back from the Maze and began mapping our sections. Something was off about him today. He threw his Runners pack down and it nearly hit me. He drew on the map really hard, his knuckles were white from holding the pencil tightly, and his jaw was clenched. I had a feeling that today would not turn out well for me as he tends to take his anger out on me.
" Emma! You worthless Slinthead! You didn't find a way out!" Ben ' s voice boomed. I felt small and terrified. I braced myself for what pain I was going to have to endure today. He advanced towards me and raised his hand, probably to slap me.
" Please Ben. Don't hurt me again," I pleaded as I cried. I placed my hands in front of me to cover my face.
" Don't you lay a finger on her!" Minho yelled. When had he gotten here. I was so thankful for him being here. He must have noticed the fearful look in my eyes.
" Get behind me Emma," He told me softly as I did what I was told. I cowered in fear behind minho. I closed my eyes as Ben launched himself towards us. When I opened my eyes again, Ben was unconscious. Minho then hugged me like his life depended on me.
" I'm so sorry. I should have stopped this earlier. I thought you had moved on from me. But that's ok because I'm here for you now and I always will be. I love you Emma," Minho said in my ear. I nodded my head and hugged him tighter.
" I love you too Minho. Please don't let him hurt me again," I cried.
" I won't baby. Not as long as I'm around."
" Thank you. I'm sorry. It's always been you. I've always loved you."
" Emma will you be my girlfriend? "
" You didn't have to ask,"
He smiled at me and our lips met. Fireworks exploded in my stomach. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe here in Minho's arms.
