After reaching home, she locked her room and let her tears fall onto the ground.

"I don’t like him…"

She whispered to herself, almost trying to convince her own heart to believe it. Taylor’s words had cut deeper than she expected, making her feel small, unwanted, worthless. Jacob had been too drunk, and after learning the truth, there was no reason left to stay for Ethan. Not anymore.

At that moment, she wished Emma was there. Whenever Emma was around, Violet never had to ...