Page 39 of Shattered Love

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I decidedI’m not just going to hang around at the house. I need to get out.

Dominic is still radio silent. I haven't texted him since last night.

I spend the day shopping alone. I’m not in the mood for anyone's company. I go from being mad as a wet cat to scared that Dominic may never come back. After shopping I couldn’t stay in the house it was too quiet too empty so I walked to the local park.

I grab my phone and my lip trembles when I see it’s my mom, not Dominic.

“Mom.”

Her worried voice comes through. “Avery, darling what's the matter?”

I can't stop the tears. I swear I’ve never cried as much as I have since being pregnant. I take a seat on the bench. “Dominic left.” At those words, a sob breaks through.

“What do you mean? What happened? I can't imagine Dominic leaving. Are you sure?”

I explain to Mom what happened yesterday—every sordid detail.

“Baby girl, what that boy went through, no child should ever have to live like that. Not all scars are visible. Some go so much deeper.”

I suck in a shaky breath. “I know, I love him regardless, mom. I love him so much. But we are a team. We don't work without each other. He doesn't trust me to help him.”

There is a sigh through the phone. “Avery, Dominic knows how much you love him, and you’re probably the only person he does trust, but that doesn’t mean he wants you to see him that way. From what I know of Dominic, he would protect you from anything. And that includes himself. Give him time, darling. I promise you, he’ll be back, and when he does show up, give him hell.”

I smile. “Thanks, Mom.”

A sniffle comes through the phone. “I missed this, darling. I love you.”

We haven't said these words since they came back to my life all those months ago.

“I love you too, Mom.”

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