When I turned and saw Carter, rage flooded back, I called security and had them force him out of the hospital room.
Only after everything was settled did I feel the searing pain in my back.
My wounds hadn’t been treated and were bleeding again.
Burthinking of my quiet little one, I didn’t feel it at all.
It turned out she wasn’t truly mute.
She had just experienced something so terrible that she chose not to speak.
Hearing this, I felt even more guilt–ridden.
Why hadn’t I met her sooner, before she had to endure so much pain? Why h
She looked at me with those intense eyes and asked, “Do you believe me?”
I felt a pang in my chest.
What kind of suffering had she gone through to make her value someone’s trust so much?
Without hesitation, I nodded. “I believe you.”
She smiled.
Whenever she smiled, it felt like the sun had come out.
She wanted a divorce.
I promised her I would protect her, that she could feel safe.
But every second she spent in the Hall family home made me worry.
Then came that day–Mr. Hall’s memorial service.
It happened again.
A video of her being raped was played openly on the big screen.
She stood there, stunned, her body trembling violently until she lost control and wet herself.
And Carter, standing across from her, just frowned.
She was completely alone in that moment, and I knew I had to step in.
Covering her cars, I felt an overwhelming sense of heartache like never before.
Thankfully, Lindsey is a strong woman.
As I reached out to pull her up, she was already struggling to climb out of the darkness on her own.
Those who hurt her got what they deserved.
And she, too, was ready to start a new life.
I took care of her with the utmost care, making sure I understood her feelings.
At the beginning of the new year, I gathered my courage and proposed to her.
The custom–made engagement ring fit perfectly on her finger–it looked beautiful.
I worked even harder to be good to her, and she tried her best to respond in kind. But healing doesn’t happen overnight.
I’m willing to walt.
I’ll wait until my girl fully accepts me, until she regains that pure happiness she once had.
