CHAPTER 84: QUEEN BITCH

My assumption was confirmed when she released a trembling breath, a solitary tear tracing down her beautifully pale face. Moments later, she settled on the porch swing, her defenses completely down as tears continued to stream.

"How... how did you know?" She croaked, using the back of her hand to wipe away the persistent tears.

"Let's just say I've known others who've suffered abuse," I replied honestly, recalling the times my mom had tried to conceal her own bruises beneath layers of clothing. "But remember, you can't change what's already happened to you," I added, moving closer to her. "However, you can choose how to overcome it. It won't be easy – in fact, that's an understatement – but it'll only get tougher if you let it consume you."

I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand on hers, deciding to take the risk. She didn't pull her hand away, surprising me. Instead, she flipped her hand over, squeezing mine as a gesture of gratitude – or so I told myself – all while studyin