Aria's POV

I knew when he snuck in, I just didn't have the strength to argue, it wasn't worth it.

That night, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

I cried silently while facing the wall, my back to Damon, my body stiff, my breathing shallow. I made sure the sound never left my throat. I didn’t want him to turn. I didn’t want him to touch me. I didn’t want comfort from the same man who had made my life feel this heavy.

I wasn’t staying because I couldn’t do without Damon.

That wasn’t ...