Chapter 45

Shane

I hold Lyla as she wails on my cut. The pain I hear in her cry is enough to create my own tears.

"He was drunk. He never ever got that bad, but this night, he was completely wasted. I kept telling him repeatedly, that I didn't want it, but he wouldn't listen. I have never been hit that hard in my life." She sniffles, and I tighten my hold on her.

"What happened babe?"

"I was tired, he had kept hitting me and I didn't want to be hurt anymore. He's hurt me before, but nothing like that night. I let him do whatever he wanted that night, then he proceeded to pass out. As soon as I realized he was asleep, I ran out of there and straight for my mom's. I told her everything, and she didn't believe me. Figured I was acting out. Accused me of acting like that since we had gotten engaged. A blind man could tell I was only marrying Rory because it was what everyone expected of me. Our families were lifelong friends and partners. My family needed the money, and the Mitchelson's needed th