“I say it again because I don’t think you are comprehending what I am saying. He touched me. He propositioned me. What was I supposed to do? Sit there and take it?”
“I dunno. With your track record, it can’t be proven that you didn’t want him to touch you.”
“You did not just say that.”
He shrugged.
He fucking shrugged?!
My vision blackened, and I fought the instinctual urge to throw myself at him and rip apart his oh-so-perfect appearance. To make him feel as messy and chaotic as his words made me.
How could he? After all this? He wanted to make this my fault?
I had no words left.
He clearly wouldn’t listen, even if I did.
Nausea rolled over me in waves, positive I’d upchuck at any moment. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks as I looked at the man whom I once loved with all my heart.
Now, all I saw was a stranger.
“I can’t do this anymore.” My voice came out a whisper, the fight I’d had in me moments ago stolen by the realization.
Elijah’s posture softened. “Cadence…”
“I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight.”
I turned on my heel before Elijah could say anything else. I had to get away from him before I broke down completely.
After I cried for close to an hour and wallowed in self-pity, I picked myself up and decided it was time to figure out what I wanted to do next.
I pushed the pillows up against the gray padded headboard and sat against them. Our guest room was another part of the house that I designed in its entirety. The soft blue bedspread, the gray nightstands, the matching headboard, and even the beach-themed pictures that lined the wall were my style. I always found the soft colors of this room comforting, and I thought our guests would, too. I never imagined I’d sleep here by myself.
Wiping my eyes and sniffling, I grabbed my phone and looked at the multiple texts waiting for me. The first was from, Rachel.
Rachel
Are you okay? What the hell happened? I tried to call you earlier, but as soon as I stepped away, Mr. Trevino cornered me. He said I better be careful about talking to you. Something about confidentiality.
But holy hell. You broke his nose. I’m sure of it. If I can, I’ll sneak a pic tomorrow.
Her text brought me a small hint of glee.
It’s a long story.
But I’m okay. I’ll be fine.
Okay. Promise we will have a lunch date soon!
I’ll do my best :)
Next was Jade.
Jade
I’m getting weird sister vibes. You okay?
Something feels off. I’m concerned.
