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Again, that dirty little liar in my mind had convinced me it was simply something wrong with me. That I wasn’t loveable.
How blind I’ve been.
So much time wasted.
Not anymore.
Adam isn’t going to continue to win and hold some invisible power over me.
All these years, I thought I was strong.
And in some ways, I was.
Except I was hiding.
Not allowing myself to open myself to loving again and receiving it in return.
No more running.
I’m all in with Prodigy.
I deserve to be happy.
To be loved.
To love.
The second I walk into the office, my good mood disappears.
Marie is here. That’s not why I’m upset.
She’s tried to cover the bruising, but I can see the faint markings on the apple of her cheek that spreads upward toward her temple like fingerprints.
Shooting her a weak smile, I try to school my features. “You’re back. I guess we didn’t scare you off with a weekend shift.”
“I enjoy staying busy. Keeps my mind off stuff.”
“I hear you. I’m going to get a coffee. Do you want one?”
She tucks her dark hair behind her ear, and I don’t miss the slight wince of pain that follows. “I already helped myself. I hope that’s okay. Louella said the staff gets free coffee and donuts in the morning.”
“Of course. How are things this morning?”
“Someone phoned and said that Mila and Milo have fevers and won’t be in today. Jackson was dropped off late and his mom said that if he runs out of diapers that she will drop off extra tomorrow to make it up.”
“Typical Monday. I need some caffeine. I’m really glad to have you on the team.”
“Zoe,” she hedges.
“Yeah?”
“Do you know…do you know who I am?”
“Is this about Adam?”
She nods as a tear slides down her cheek. “What gave it away?” Swiping a finger under her eye removes some of the makeup and reveals the dark purple bruise.
“Your daughter. When I saw her. She resembles one of my girls. Then her name.”
