~SCARLETT.

I don't know how long I'd been locked in here. Hours? Days? Time had become meaningless. The last time Jake had opened the door, he tried to talk to me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. I was too shocked and too hurt.

I ignored him completely, and after a long, heavy sigh, he said, "When you're ready to listen, I'll let you out."

Then he left, locking the door behind him.

Since then, I had been curled up on the cold floor, staring blankly at the wall. The tears had long since dried, leaving me hollow. The ache in my chest remained, but it had...