Chapter 3

When I stayed silent, Jonas let go of me and started hitting himself. His voice broke as he pleaded, "Laura, I swear this is the last time. If you don't forgive me, I'll just keep hitting myself until you do."

He continued, and soon, bruises appeared on the floor.

I gave in. Maybe Jonas finally understood how much he messed up this time.

I helped Jonas up, and quietly let him hold me. To my shame, a spark of love flared up inside me again.

I struggled out of his arms, looked him straight in the eye, and said, "I…