~SCARLETT.

I don't know how long I'd been locked in here. Hours? Days? Time had become meaningless. The last time Jake had opened the door, he tried to talk to me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. I was too shocked and too hurt.

I ignored him completely, and after a long, heavy sigh, he said, "When you're ready to listen, I'll let you out."

Then he left, locking the door behind him.

Since then, I had been curled up on the cold floor, staring blankly at the wall. The tears had long ...