her who was more concerned about her appearance and keeping her violent,

, sacrificing his own well-being for her sake. Despite their age dif

just returned from a camping trip. After receiving a call from their father

the hands of their father. Without hesitation, he pushed their fath

ey were nowhere to be found. In a panic, he turned to the nearest house, which happened to be the Ferguson

a, and she held Michael close to her heart

er's voice broke through her thoughts. "Should I t

e opened the car door for her. Once seated, she fumbled

he felt a mix of warmth and nervousness as he effortlessly untangle

he door before taking his

e that a man was watching them from a d

tively got out to open Zelda's door, but she hesi

onfidence of a true gentleman. He swun

ther," Zelda said, a touc

His teasing tone made her laugh, moment

had been following them was still lurk

s he climbed into his car. He waved goodbye, and as s

settled in: she was not headi

nvisioned for herself. This was

ped her in darkness. She immediately noticed the dimness;

his place as she finished her studies, a decision born out of necessity rather than luxury. The apartment was far from perfect.. like man

her, pulling her close. Startled, Zelda instinctively screamed, her heart racing. But

calm

erwhelming scent of his toxic masculinity. Recognition washed over her

ned her around and pinned her

're doing?" he whisper

mes?" she asked, tryi

re doing?" he repeated, his tone cold a

tand," Zelda frowned

y restrained. "Just falling into other men's arms while you're still married to me? I wan

lda asked, her voice low but steady,

streets like you're single. How long have you been doing this? With that man out there, how long have you bee

but the disgust she felt was already starting to surface,

me, right? Because you knew you were turning twenty-one, and the Fergusons wouldn't support you anymore. So you set me up, made sure you'd have a place to go.and now

ld herself together. But something inside her snapped. Without a second thought, s

er reaction. She had never raised

ious. He clenched his jaw, fists shaking as he

and walked out of the apartment,

ng crashing down on her. Tears filled her eyes, and as the

rs. She pushed open the door, stepped inside and caught

ack together?" Gian asked ca

ssion shifted. Immediately, Gina rushed over, pulling Zelda int

ened?" she

ed out. "If he's so interested in being with Susan, why doesn'

?" Gian asked softly, conc

ecause. he accused me of cheating o

ina echoed,

y gave me a ride home, and James saw us together. He called me all sorts of names.

he won't let you go? It's not love. It's because he doesn't want