Chapter 123. My Mother’s Diary: pt. 2

Elena POV

I wipe my tears and continue reading my mom’s diary.

The next pages are lighter. The handwriting loosens, becomes softer, almost hopeful.

I take a deep breath before reading.

I went out tonight.

For the first time in years, I went out not to escape my life, but to feel alive.

The club was loud. Too loud. The music throbbed through my bones. I drank more than I should have. I wanted the noise to drown my thoughts. I wanted to forget Victor. Forget the bruises. Forget the emptiness waiting for me at home.

My heart pounds and my chest tightens painfully.

A group of men noticed me.

They laughed too loudly. Stood too close. One of them grabbed my wrist and said things that made my skin crawl. I told them to leave me alone. They didn’t listen.

I was drunk. Weak. Scared. Then he appeared.

My fingers dig into the pages.

His name is Lorenzo Romano.

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