Chapter 28. Rumors

LENA

I didn't go back home. I didn't want to be there alone. I searched for the person who provided me with security. The only person I felt I could trust was Jake. I arrived at his workplace and walked to his office. The employees (my coworkers) observed me, wondering why I was crying. They didn't know about my relationship with Jake, but I think they realized because I entered his office without asking.

I closed the door. Jake stood up from his desk and looked at me, concerned.

"Lena, what happened? Are you okay? Why are you crying, my love?" He walked toward me and hugged me. "I love you, sweetheart. Everything will be okay."

I pulled away to look into his eyes.

"Lena, what's on your face?" he asked.

"What?"

"You're bruised," Jake replied, handing me a mirror to see myself. "Carla hit me. She found me in the park and threatened me. We argued, and she hit me. I