When the town breaks

Tired, useless, and adolescent is what Khori can use to best describe his girlfriend Monica. Khori who is 16 lives a life of success, popularity, and power over the school. But when it comes to home he is the little boy who stays in the closet. Khori has lived his life at multiple foster homes in the past until he is sent back to live with his mother. This his life he is mentally and physically abused by his stepfather. Khori try's to hide this from his social life because when he is at school he is the king. One day Khori meets geeky Monica who will do anything to please Khori. Khori then decides to date Monica after she has proven to be a good fit. One evening after basketball practice Khori finds Monica talking to Jace who is his rival and because extremely infuriated. Khori goes into a rage, takes Monica by the arm, drags get outside, and with his strong arm slaps Monica across her olive face. Monica then realizes she must leave him but is conflicted because she is truly in love with him.

Is this a sign of love or abuse is all the Monica could think.