Chapter 57. Hope

Maddie took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The memories of Jacob’s temper flared up in her mind, each one a stark reminder of the pain she’d endured. She had always kept those to herself, hoping that he could change, but mostly because she had one goal when they were dating, and that was being marked before her birthday. 

So yeah, even though they had now broken up, there was still a chance for the two of them to get back together, she did not want to ruin that. 

“Jacob has never hurt me physically,” She lied boldly, pulling her hand away from the woman. “He has a temper but he would never hurt me.” She forced a smile. 

Mrs. Anderson stared at her and then a sad smile appeared on her lips. “Oh, Maddie,” She said in a tone that suggested that she knew the truth. “I’m so sorry.” Her voice was now breathy. 

Maddie felt her forced smile falter under Mrs. Anderson’s sad gaze, The older woman’s tone, filled with a mixture of pity and sorro