Page 30 of The Bitter Words

I pull my shirt off and show him my shoulder. “The bow over the door is a symbol of him. I told her that he was watching over us, and her only response was to tease me about thinking it was a boy. She dropped it after that and never mentioned it again.”

He scrolls over the artwork etched in my skin and releases a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Cash. I didn’t consider how this would be affecting you.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me.” I work my shirt back on. “I love her, Mr. Hemings, and I plan on marrying her.”

“Cash, don’t say things like?—”

“No. You’re asking me for the truth and here it is. I know we’re young, but we belong together. We were meant to have that baby. We’re supposed to share that with one another.”

“That leads me to the next thing I wanted to discuss.” Hisgaze softens like he’s getting ready to tell me terrible news. “Doctor’s orders are explicit: low stimulation, no triggers, and no cameras. Whether you like it or not, you’re all three.”

“Meaning?”

“Livianna needs to heal. Lorna and I think it’s best if you two take a break.”

My heart cracks and my stomach goes into a free fall. “Are you saying I’m no longer allowed to be around her?”

Chapter Seven

LIVIANNA/LILY

Then

Frayed Ribbons & The Weight of Unfinished Prayers

Not every thread ties you together…some just tighten until you forget which way is out.

My mom and dad trade a concerned glance as the rehab center director, Thomas, explains that they need to switch my therapist.

I’ve been here for a week and a half and this is the fifth time my parents have been called in for something. If they won’t let Callum visit me here, I’m going to make treatment hell for everyone.

Callum’s the only cure I need and I wish they all realized that. It would be easier on everyone if they did.

My dad rests his ankle on the top of his other knee. “What’s the reason this time?”

Thomas keeps his gaze on my parents. “She won’t talk with any women clinicians because she says she doesn’t trust them and she continues to make our male counselors uncomfortable.”

“How so?” My mom places her hand on my dad’s leg.

I want to roll my eyes because she’s acting like she needs to brace herself for something scandalous. It’s going to be, but I’d never pull the trigger. I just want out of here.

Thomas peeks at the notes on his desk. “Livianna provokes the male therapists with sexualized behavior that pushes the staff’s boundaries.”

“Oh, come on.” I roll my eyes.

“Livianna Grace, is that true?” My dad glares my way.

“Daddy, do you really think I’d do something like that? I admit I’ve joked about my breasts, but I’d never do anything like he’s suggesting.” I adjust my low-cut shirt that reveals my bra higher.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Thomas gestures to my chest. “A pattern of boundary testing. We’ve redirected consistently, and it hasn’t held.”

“Just because you don’t like my clothes doesn’t mean I’m doing anything wrong.” I point to the window. “Hell, I’m more covered than half the women out there. If your therapists can’t handle it, that’s their problem.”

My dad approaches me in a more gentle way. “Livianna, what’s it going to take for you to stop acting out and work on the things you’re here to heal?”

My defenses come down a little. “I want to see Callum. I didn’t try to commit suicide. It was an accident. It’s not his fault, but he’s the one being punished.”

“His mother is the one who helped you get the painkillers.” My mom purses her lips.