Page 73 of If You Love Me

“Still pretty.”

I laughed to myself. I was sure Evenie thought she’d done something. It wasn’t the first time I’d been hit by a bitch. It was, however, the first time I’d walked away from a fight, and that didn’t sit right with me. If I caught her alone, she was gonna have to run me my fade.

Capping the lipstick, I tossed it back in the makeup bag, then tossed that back in my purse. I opened the bathroom door, and as soon as I stepped out, I came face to face with Myra who was preparing to knock.

“Oh!” she yelped, jumping back. “My bad. I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

I didn’t say anything as I brushed past her.

“Are you okay, Iona? I saw what happened and—”

I spun around. “Mind your business, Myra.”

“I just… I was just saying. We can file a report. It’s not okay for a parent to hit you—”

“Do I look like I’m worried about her?”

“Well, no. But what if this escalates?”

“I can handle myself. You just mind the business that pays you, and keep your mouth shut. Am I clear?”

“But—”

“Am I fucking clear!”

She jumped and ran out of the empty lounge. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I couldn’t let these people see me out of character. My nerves were already on ten, and the last thing I needed was to go off on a kid. I was a lot of things, but I’d never hurt a child. Gathering myself, I left the lounge and headed for the front office. Myra sat behind her desk, sniffling, while the art teacher, Ms. Blume, tried to comfort her.

I walked past them and into Principal Briggs’ office. He sat behind his desk, typing away on his computer. He looked up at me but didn’t stop working.

“What can I do for you, Ms. Cambridge?”

“I need today off,” I said, taking a seat.

“Why? You’re already here.”

“I’m not myself, and I really need a mental health day. I don’t ask for anything, and I’m here every day the school is open. You can do me this one favor.”

He looked over his glasses at me and nodded. “Would this have anything to do with Mr. Lewis coming in here with his wife? I warned you not to get involved.”

I gave him a tight-lipped smile as I counted down from ten in my head. “Mr. Briggs… I don’t ask you about your marital affairs or otherwise, so let’s not bring my relationship into question. Can I leave or not?”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. Go before I change my mind.”

I stood without a word and left his office. When I made it back out front, Myra was still visibly upset. I stopped mid-stride as I passed her desk and turned to her.

“I apologize for yelling at you,” I said flatly before walking away.

I didn’t need her to accept my apology. I’d said sorry, and that was it.

Present Day

I’d been lockedin my house since I left work a few days ago. All I’d been doing was eating, drinking, and online shopping. I had so much shit set to be delivered that it wasn’t funny. My anger was on ten, and if I left the comfort of my home, I was bound to explode. I couldn’t shake Evenie hitting me and Tyrionjust letting it happen. I didn’t care if he was mad at me. He should have never let her get close enough to put her hands on me.

Speaking of Tyrion, I missed him like crazy. All I wanted was for him to really hear me out. I’d been calling, texting, and leaving voice messages, but he was ignoring me. I’d thought about going to his job, but I didn’t. I needed to see him, and I just knew he would call the cops if I showed up there, causing a scene.

I was desperate… so desperate that I was willing to go to great lengths to lay eyes on him. We’d been so happy before all this shit happened. How could I go back to being a single woman when I’d planned out my entire future with this man? I’d put in years. With him, I’d changed my mind about never having children. Hell, I’d become a mother to his child, and this was how he repaid me?

Hell no.

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