His for a year

o

concealer to my swollen right eye, hoping no one would notice the bulge there. A wince escaped my lips

y," I told myself, t

his way of apologizing for hitting me again, and a bitter ache swirled in my chest-if only he could change like he

ard me. She was my only best friend, the one p

familiar faces and even more strangers. I scanned the room, s

t the sound of his name, deep in conversation with Sara, his step-siste

lifted my chin, bringing his lips close to mine, and I panicked a

soaking in the affection from the man I loved. I was so caught up that I di

gined that he'd propose someday, but I never expected it to be so dire

y me,

and down, and cry my eyes out because the man of my dreams was finally asking to be

through my mind. He had apologized, promised he would never

I should have waited, thought it over, but my heart ached for

es

ready done. Levi smiled happily as he slid the ring onto my

face, convincing myself that it was a happy day.

back to reality. Levi had invited all sorts of people to the party, and I had to put on my best smile

tions, my phone buzzed. I glanced at it and felt my

The client you were about to close has just pulled out du

this close to sealing the deal. This was supposed to be my big break. What could have possibly gone w

thought de

nd pleasantries from the crowd, I hurried upstairs, needing to talk to him right a

this far just to do that t

g more successful, harder to cont

ely, I couldn't have heard Le

shut down her dea

t this later. I need to get back

k, my teeth clenched in anger. Years of hard work, dedication, and loyalty-all gone becaus

ng for the door handle and swing

at was inside. My initial anger dissolved into shock before boiling up again. Le

e of cloth. "It's not what you think," he stammered, trying to zip

slamming the door. I stared at Levi as he s

ll anyone about this, okay? Not a soul, especia

disgust. All this time, I had kept quiet about the bruises, hoping he'd

What the hell is wrong with you?" My voice cracked, tears spilling down my cheeks, ru

hook my head, realizing just how much I had ruined my life by holding onto him.

h tears fell. My heart shattered all over again as I faced the reality

ace, but I pushed him away. I refused to

ng up, but please don't tell my family," he said finally in

ruined life. With a heavy heart, I tried to fix my ruined makeup, preparing to put on one la

tairs, I heard Levi's voic

an't be with a woman who cheats, lie

s I rushed toward the podium. All eyes turned to me in s

ke her away," Levi c

pride. I lunged toward him, determined to tell everyone the truth, but two strong hands g

that!" I shouted, my voice echoing throug