chapter 19

Jade

My stomach was in knots as I left Michael's hotel, and I could barely breathe without feeling pain in my chest. Michael had this way of bulldozing through my emotions and reducing me to atoms, and it was a painful process to try and put myself together again. Even if I managed to do it, I would never be the same again. My peaceful life was about to change drastically, and I hadn't seen it coming.

I breathed a little easier once I finally got home, the familiar space acting as an anchor. I was finally able to start sorting out my thoughts and considering my options.

I couldn't think of anything or anyone to help me out of this except Sage. I dialed her number, and she answered on the first ring.

"Hey, sis," she said cheerfully.

"Hey, can we talk?"

"Sure. I don't think I can read one more line from this humongous textbook," Sage laughed but sobered up when I didn’t laugh with her. “Jade, what’s wrong?”

"Robin's father is threatening to take him from me," I said, going straight to t