Chapter 5

But in the hidden moments, I shattered. I cried countless times.

Back then, I couldn't help but wonder—does every young love ends with both people just sick of each other?

And I accepted it. I calmly packed away every shred of my feelings for him.

But Derek never understood that. All he felt was my seeming "indifference." It emboldened him.

He used to humiliate me repeatedly.

And now, here he was, asking me why I was so indifferent. "Bethany, did you ever even love me?" His voice cracked, his eyes red and raw.

I held back all my emotions, and…