Saudade

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Matt's POV

The minute I spotted the bruise on her shoulder, I instantly knew she was lying to me about Nate. He is abusing her. Anger courses through my veins as I push away from the table and close the remaining distance between us.

"Scarlett," my voice dangerously low, "what the fuck happened to your shoulder."

She looks away, unable to meet my eye. That action right there instantly confirmed my suspicion.

"It's not as bad as it looks," she mumble quietly.

Gently I tilt her chin upward, I see her flinch at my touch-that made me hate Nate even more so. "Why are you still with him? Scarlett, what is going on?"

She sighs in defeat, "Okay let's sit down and I'll tell you everything."

I nod and lead her back to our table.

Tenderly, as if every movement pains her, she sits in the seat and daintily takes a sip of her drink.

Taking a deep breath, she begins, "Everything is a lie."

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Scarlett's POV

I take a deep breath and begin, "Everything is a lie."

He looks at me confused, but I hold my finger up to shush him before he says anything.

Continuing, not meeting his eye and fiddling with the straw in my drink, "I never cheated on you, there was never another guy, hell, I haven't ever stopped loving you.

"I broke up with you because I was pregnant with Georgia, she's yours obviously. I broke up with you, though, because I didn't want both our lives to be ruined. I knew you'd drop your dream in an instance to help me raise her, but I couldn't let you do that. So I did the only thing I knew how to do, make you hate me. Or I tried, I'm not sure if I succeeded.

"Years went by and I struggled, a lot. I missed you everyday and would cry myself to sleep because you weren't there. Pathetic, right? Well finally, I landed a job as a secretary for the CEO of a land developing company. Nate is the CEO.

"It was just casual flirting at first, then he asked me out on a date. It was a great date and from there on out, we became a couple.

"The relationship started out perfect. We were perfect. He showered me with gifts. Always surprised me. Adored Georgia and treated her like she was his own. Perfect boyfriend, but I could never love him the way I love you, a big portion of my heart has and always will belong to you.

"It was after he had me move in with him that things started to change. He became controlling, telling me I couldn't hang out with my friends, go out, no shopping-not even grocery shopping for a while-then, it moved to what I wore, I couldn't wear certain clothing items, then he came home one night drunk, and that was the first time he beat me.

"After that, he would beat me for little things. Anything from a guy looking at me to him not getting a deal for his company to taking to long to answer. The sex turned into rape and everything has continued spiraling downhill.

"I can't leave him, though, because if I do he'll kill Georgia and I'll be homeless, and that can't happen, it just can't. And he can never find out your Georgia's father, he will literally kill me."

Tears had sprung into my eyes and were trickling down my cheek by the time I was finished. Matt looks at me, stunned.

After a few minutes of silence between us, he speaks, "Why didn't you tell me? Then you would have never had to go through this and we could still be together. We could have worked this out."

I look at my hands, I know he's right. "I know you're right, but I thought I was doing what was best at the time, for both of us."

He grabs my hands, causing me to look at him. "Losing each other was the worst thing that could ever happen. Now look at you, you're engaged to a monster."

"I know," I whisper.

"It's not too late, we can fix this."

"How?"

"Runaway from him, come live with me. Let us be the happy family Georgia needs and that you always wanted," he pleads.

"What about Nate? He'll kill us."

"Screw Nate. I'll protect you and we'll file a restraining order against him, he'll never lay a hand on you again."

Silence envelops us as I mull over the decision. I knew what I wanted.

Standing up, I look at his pleading face. "Give me till Saturday. I'll meet you at the police station to file the restraining order and move in with you. If I'm not there by 12:05 sharp, come find me, I may not be alive."

I bend over and place a light kiss on his lips, sparks instantly flying and for the first time in a long time, I am truly happy.

I give him a small smile and walk out of Starbucks.

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Hey guys sorry for such a short chapter! I promise the next one will be longer!! thanks for reading!