CH.17

The two days following that traumatic night had crawled by at an agonizing pace.

Karl had been colder than ice, barely acknowledging my existence unless it was to shoot me a withering glare.

For my part, I did everything humanly possible to avoid being in the same room as that wretched man. Just looking at him made my blood boil with anger and shame over what he'd done to me.

Finally, it was time for me to go visit my family for the first time since the wedding.

I hadn't seen my parents, brothers, or any of my loved ones in what felt like an eternity, and I was aching for the warmth and comfort only they could provide.

Maybe a little time away from Karl was just what I needed to catch my breath.

I took extra care in picking out a casual, modest outfit, settling for loose jeans, a flowy top that didn't cling to my figure, and a pair of flats.

The last thing I wanted was to give that controlling psycho any excuse to berate me over my appearance.

My hair was up in a messy bun, and I deem