Chapter 66

Stacey

With each word Jaden spoke, my hands clenched into fists and my blood boiled with fury. I kept a neutral expression on my face as I stared at him, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much he was affecting me. But inside, I was seething. He always tried to control me, telling me what to do and pushing me away. And now, I could see the pain and desperation in his eyes as he commanded me once again. “Close your eyes, forget this conversation and leave,” I wanted to scream at him, ask him why he was avoiding me. But instead, I closed my eyes at his command, trying to calm myself down. As his lips pressed against my forehead, I breathed in his scent - a mixture of spice, vetiver, and the lingering smell of smoke from the last cigarette he had smoked. Only then did I notice the tears falling from his eyes onto my cheek. It broke my heart to see him like this - so vulnerable and hurting. But even at that moment, I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him for the way he trea